Been lurking and finally joined. 1904 VH 12ga straight grip

[B. Dudley]

Early guns have the long rear screw like in Jacks photo. But later guns have a short rear screw (which is the same length as the front screws). On these guns, the rear screw was marked with an "X" on the bottom.

And then Jack says left side for the "-", he means left side of gun, which is your right side when you are looking at the bottom working on the screws.

[John J Sundelin]

Originally Posted by Brian Dudley

Early guns have the long rear screw like in Jacks photo. But later guns have a short rear screw (which is the same length as the front screws). On these guns, the rear screw was marked with an "X" on the bottom.

And then Jack says left side for the "-", he means left side of gun, which is your right side when you are looking at the bottom working on the screws.

Thanks Brian, I was wondering which left was meant. I checked mine and the indexed screw was in the proper side, I swapped them and they were both off. It appears as though the left was over tightened at some point. I haven"t researched a fix for that yet as I am looking at a cracked wrist. I posted some pics in the Restoration section of it. I am not sure of my best course of action. Thanks, John

[TARNATION !!!]

Originally Posted by John J Sundelin

... It appears as though the left was over tightened at some point. I haven"t researched a fix for that yet...John

John: Is the screw quite loose if you back it off to correct alignment? Probably, but not necessarily.

If it is loose, I've seen them shimmed with a thin washer made from soda can aluminum. And professional repair is always an option. Cheers, Jack