L. C. Smith Mechanical Problem

[Dennis]

I recently discovered a problem (of my own making) with my L. C. Smith hammerless shotgun circa 1886. I took it apart to clean it and pulled the triggers while it was apart. Now I am unable to get it back together because I can't fit the forend onto the barreled receiver. The barrels go on easily but there are two pins sticking out the front of the receiver. These pins fit into a recess of the forend but they don't seem to be in a position to allow them to go into the recess. They seem to need to be cocked in some manner. Can anyone offer some assistance? Yes I know, what a stupid question for double gun experts such as we have on the PGCA forum. Hopefully I can download a couple of photos to demonstrate what I am talking about.

I appreciate any help,

Dennis