Problem with removing barrel from receiver

[Alan Ebright]

I’ve shot 700 thru my 28ga Repro purchased in January. It had never been fired before I purchased it. Today I shot 50, and then at the next station, after firing both barrels independently, the barrels stuck shut. The top lever would move almost all the way to the right, but I couldn’t open the gun. Safety was stuck forward, and you could wiggle it a little bit, and the trigger would move in unison. This has a SST.
Once the gun cooled down, I took off the forend, and after a little finessing, it opened. However, when I move the top lever now, it’s not smooth. Kind of “skips” when I move it.
Thoughts?

[Bill Murphy]

If the lever was to the right and the safety was forward, there is probably an interference with the automatic safety operating rod. Those who know more than me can confirm or deny. Good luck. I would remove that rod any time a gunsmith had the gun apart.

[Alan Ebright]

I worked the top lever and open/closed the action a few times. Didn’t dry fire w the snap caps for fear it would lock up again. Everything worked, but the top lever motion feels gummy and the action is really tight.

[Scott Gentry]

Had exact problem with a 20 Repro, gun got hot and would not open. Needs to be taken down and get the dried up grease/ oil cleaned out and lightly re oiled at right spots. Would not be shocked to see it double on occasion, have had to do this to 3 different un-shot guns.
Find someone familiar with doubles and single triggers, not average gunsmith.

Good luck.

[SXS OHIO]

I just had this issue. The reason the gun would not release the barrel hook to remove the barrels. I think from sitting i a heated safe for extended periods the lube or oils dried up and froze two moving parts. The for end indicator shaft that protrudes out of the receiver was stuck in and the slider mounted to the belly plate was also not moving. SEE PICS This was an easy fix but correct screw drivers are a must and may need hand fitted to the screws slots so not to booger them up! SXS Ohio