Can't remove the barrels from the action.

[JeffreyThompson]

I recently purchased a GH 10ga with 32 in damascus barrels . I would like to take it out in the field and shoot some geese with it. I have loaded some brass 2 7/8 shells with ffg and some nice shot !

I tried to remove the barrels after removing the forend and the barrels would not release when lowered off of the action. Is there a broken spring? Is this a common problem. I am in the Maryland area. Is there a gunsmith that could hep me?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Kensal Rise]

Jeffery:
There can be a couple reasons why the barrels hang up. Few are serious. But for now, do this to see if it works:

1) put the gun completely back together
2) open then close the gun (with snap caps if you have them) to cock the tumblers.
3) push off the safety and pull both triggers to snap down the tumblers.
4) now don't open the gun but remove the forearm and take the gun apart, then see if the barrels come off the action.

MD is not my range, so perhaps others can recco a good Parker 'smith near you. Abe Chaber comes immediately to mind...

[B. Dudley]

Yes, try uncocking the gun, then removing the forend and see if they will come free.
Some Parkers are just like that and they need to be dry fired before taking down.

If not... then it could be any number of things. usually just very dirty and needing cleaning or an issue with the unhooking slide. Could be a stuck slide or a broken slide spring. This is not an uncommon problem and I have repaired a good amount with either one of the aforementioned issues being the root cause.

[roger m. flamion]

Hmm, check on that 2 7/8 in. brass for matching the barrels.

[David Hamilton]

Yes, early 10 ga guns had 2 5/8" chambers, and brass does not compress like paper or plastic. Do the shells seat fully without pushing? To do that test you will have to remove the barrels so that the extractors stay in. David

[wayne goerres]

He has a GH If I understand only the lifter hammer guns have 2 5/8 chambers. I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong.

[JeffreyThompson]

Thanks to All !
I uncocked the gun and it came apart easily. I will give it a good cleaning and I did mis speak. I have a EH sn# 130xxx and 2 7/8 brass does seat properly now with the barrels off ! Can't wait to take the "thumper" to the goose pit!
Jeff