doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Define off-face: Practical application.

I think that's called the shyster factor...u see a lot of it among professional sellers.....

there is another thing to remember on adjusting the underbolt on the Flues, The flues has both underbolt & top ( rib extension) bolting.
"IF" the the top bolt is bearing with the lever coming past center & you then adjust the underbolt to bring the lever back to center you lose the top bolt bearing. Personally I think way too much is made of a centered lever. I would prefer both bolts carrying the load as to have the lever centered. The top bolt left of center does not mean the gun is off face, only that there is wear in the bolting surfaces. Once those surfaces are "Worn In" if you keep them lubed they can go a long long time without further wear.

According to Sam Perry, the superintendent of the Birmingham Proof House, the PH will not accept any gun for reproof that shows a clearance greater than .002" between the breech face and the barrel breeches. This is determined by visual inspection, aided by a feeler gauge if necessary.

I don't know if that is the only definition of "off face" but it is not a bad starting point. Some best-quality craftsmen would be even more stringent in their definition, I suspect.

Gunman works with barrels for a living, and can maybe offer more.

Is it an "off Face" indicator if you see more vertical wear/rub marks on one side of the standing breech than the other from what I take to be the shells rubbing against the breech as the bbl is closed and opened? This being the finish worn more on one side than the other.