Hello all. Thought Id post an update on the repair of my 20ga Meriden double. My other post about stock making (in retrospect a ridiculous subject line) has hit a lull for multiple reasons. Mainly because I got sidetracked by my desire to see if I could figure out the operation of the firing mechanism. I did post a pic of a stock blank that I picked up from my cousin. Definitely a much better piece of wood than what came on it originally.

In my searching around for 20ga parts, I ran across someone who had many (maybe all) of the parts that I needed for my gun. Unfortunately I wasnt able to close the deal on them. Ironically these parts were off a gun that had a serial number immediately below mine. Maybe all hope is not yet lost.

One of the parts missing on my gun was the top lever arm but I did have one along with the locking bolt from a 12ga double. The locking bolt looked like it would work but the arm was definitely too large. Took some measurements of my gun and reduced the 12ga rod on my printer. Actually worked out pretty well and only have a few (I hope) adjustments to make. The arm has enough travel to move the bolt allowing the barrels to open about 95% of the time. I think Ive got this one figured out.



A bigger issue is that the arm needs to be modified to close the bolt so that the receiver locks up adequately. Ive taken some measurements and the bolt needs to travel about .03 to lock up tight. I think I might have this one figured out as well and need to make another arm to verify.

Of course tight is relative and right now I have about a .005 gap between the face and the left barrel and .006 on the right barrel. Below is a pic of the top lever when the bolt is fully engaged. Cant remember if this is a correct position or if this is where things end up after wear.



Its been interesting working through this. Certainly helps you appreciate people that do this kind of thing for a living.

As always, comments are appreciated.

Kirk