Here are examples of the gap, and how the barrel flats make more and more contact with the table as the bolting wears.
I bought both of these Foxes virtually unfired. I've documented nearly 38,000 rounds through the 16ga and the toplever has just moved just past center; note that it grabs a .203mm (.008") gauge snuggly, but I can pull it out without much effort.
Note the shiny spots near the junction of table and breech...wear at the hinge has increased enough in the last 5,000 or so rounds, that the barrel flats now hammer on the table under recoil. Still plenty of life, perhaps another 10,000 rounds or so, before a rebuild is necessary.
This 12ga Fox has digested a little over 60,000 rounds. The gap is similar and hasn't changed, but note the more extensive contact of flats and table. It's the "spring" in the action that allows the gap to exist at rest but be overcome under recoil. It's still safe to shoot, but it's beating itself to death and is due for a rebuild before the next Bo-Whoop Challenge.