What are the possible solutions for removing a push buttton forend that appears to be broken: button is lifeless and doesn’t release the catch. Thanks.
Depends a bit on the make and model- From about 1914 to 1920, L.C. Smith extractor guns had a "Curtis pat'd. forearm release, with a push button actuator.
If the forearm is "trapped" on the barrels and you get no spring resistance when you push the release rod, this might be a task for a good 'smith who knows double guns- Dewey Vicknair comes to mind- I'm sure there are others as well. Good luck..
Anson fore end I assume. If so you can try to get the rod to unscrew a turn or so giving the locking bolt more travel. Some times a good sharp wrap with a dowel will do it too.
Spanish guild gun boxlock w/ a Greener crossbolt. Branded with the name “Davidson”, which was a company here in NC who brought them in years ago. The forend is in fact trapped on the barrels.
This "might" work to free the forearm- same trick as removing the forearm on a Parker Trojan. Get a block of soft pine, and cut one end into a shallow pointed wedge- insert that at the inside front section of the forearm, under the barrels, and tap the free end with a soft hammer- hopefully, the tap will jar the spring loaded rod free- hopefully!
What skb said. The push button should be able to be unscrewed a turn or two to give the bolt more travel. I would try a rap on the button with a plastic mallet first. It may release it.
I wouldn't pry it off. That's an excellent way to break the solder joint holding the forend loop.
Another thing to try is open the gun slightly and push the button, sometimes that changes the clearances enough to free the bolt.
Righty tighty, lefty loosey...Geo