Proper way to tighten up a loose sxs

[Black River Johnny]

I have a SxS that is just a little loose on the lock up, I was wondering how they are fixed (if possible) do you build up the hook or the part that they hook goes around and refit them or is there another way.

[Montana Slim]

Hard to describe..depends on each gun.....but I'll generalize....I use a lightweight ball-peen hammer and peen the extension on the breech of the barrel (the "fixed" portion of the lockup). If you go too far, you'll have to stone it out some. This is the cure for many, at least when the loosness is in the bolt/barrel junction. You must also consider that looseness could result from wear at the hinge-pin. This can also be tweaked (ball-peen) in some guns, or can require an oversized hinge be installed (check w/Brownells for pins/reamer).

I've tightened a dozen or more after learning the tricks years ago.

Best,
Slim