What to do?

[Big Friend Ten (BFT)]

Originally Posted by Mark Ouellette

Hi Mark,

The two problems are not common and to me indicate that someone unqualified has attempted to restore your Parker.

The loose top rib MAY be caused by hot blueing the barrels. Side by Sides need to be rust blued since hot blueing can leave salts between the ribs. The hot in the hot blue can loosen the solder which binds the ribs to the barrels.

Maybe your barrels were not hot blued but if it were me, I send them to a barrel expert for examination.

The top lever sticking? That sounds like something improperly installed or poorly repaired.

These are just the thoughts of someone who has been there and done that... Take them for what you paid for them.

Mark

So, now I see the gun has Damascus barrels and no blueing of any method was used. I will crawl back into my hole and go to sleep now...

Better have the gun checked by a good gunsmith.

Mark