I was of the persuasion that like a good pocket watch, one held the lever in the open position, closed the action and then let go of the lever. But after reading some discussions, I did a test for myself on a Browning BSS 20 gauge, using the previously cited method and then closing the action with a brisk snap but not slam. Each time I noted the final position of the opening lever as well as made a qualitative judgment about the force required to reopen the action. I became convinced that briskly closing the action resulted in a tighter lock up which is how I handle my own shotguns today. But if perusing a gun that's not mine, I hold the lever and then close. If shooting a gun that's not mine I ask how the owner closes the gun.
BTW, you can slam my Kolar until the 'cows come home' and I'm convinced it won't make any difference in my lifetime!-Dick
