Tightening up an SxS

[Dusty Morningwood]

I just got my hands on a couple of real pretty Belgian SxS 12 gauges.  They have modern steel barrels that are bright and clean and have the Greener crossbolt for extra security on closing. But both have a little vertical "wiggle." Not much, but noticable. No side to side. Pins strike primers just fine, but would like to make them lockup tight. Any Q & D way to effectively do this? 

[Coffinmaker]

Ah ........ no.

The movement you describe indicates excess wear a the pivot points.  Requires replacement of the cross pins the barrels pivot on and possible replacement or re-build of the barrel lug.  Neither of which is Q & D.  Both of which can be expensive.

Coffinmaker

[John Taylor]

I have had several come in with the locking bolt worn and the lug on the barrel worn in the mating area. Sometimes the bolt can be welded and filed to fit without doing anything to the lug.

[Montana Slim]

Generally, yes (IMO) they can be tightened. I haven't had to replace a pivot pin (yet) and a lot of these guns are well over a hundred years old.
Hard to say for sure about yours without seeing them.
But, I've tightened up a number of SXS shotguns similar to your description.
Careful application with a ball-peen hammer (light taps), to peen metal on the lockup surfaces (generally, part of the barrel extension).

I really can't describe the process, but it's fairly easy to perform. The key is where to peen, how-much, and how to recover from too-much tightening (stoning)


best,
Slim

[John Taylor]

I didn't bring up the peening repair because it doesn't seem to last to long. Basically it is moving metal at the edges to tighten things up. Works great if you are trying to sell the gun. It will loosen up again after a little use. The pin can be tightened up by laying a soft clothe on a piece of wood and laying the barrels on it with the lug facing up and hitting the lug with a hammer over the half circle cut. A few taps is all it take sometimes,( check fit often) the lugs are not very hard most of the time. This will not take up a head space problem which requires welding or an oversize pin. To tighten the locking a few taps on the end of the lug will move metal up so it is tighter against the locking bolt. Sense  this is only moving a small amount of metal it will not last for long. Building the lug or bolt  up with weld and filing to fit will last much longer.

[Montana Slim]

I learned from an elderly Gunsmith (Ted) in Des Moines IA when I was a lad. It does take practice & I guess some good mechanical instinct. My Pa has at least one old gun I peened tight back in the 80's...and I have one that I peened for CAS back in the 90's that is very good after much use. My el-cheepo China SxS needed some peening to tighten the lever and action after a couple season's of use. This one has been rode hard, but still holding. of course it depends on other factors.

I've also welded-up sears on one or more doubles, welded holes and re-threaded, etc. So, I do know other ways to repair and apply as needed. I don't fix other folks guns for a livin'...well, unless I'm TDY 

Best,
SLim

[Cabalero Chuck]

A tip for someone who is contemplating welding repairs is to ask for "triple deoxidised steel filler rod" .
This material is meant to be used with TIG equipment , but if incorporated in a oxy/acet. flame weld, will produce welds with a MUCH lower incidence of porosity.