Jim
Yes Indeed I have looked at a Lefever. They are my favorite double & I own several. You, obviously didn't understand my last post very well. I there stated if you removed the extension rib the bbls would fall oipen as stated. If however you only removed the "Doll's Head" portion they would not. Yes I am well aware that it is all made in one piece, but the sideward projections which mortise into the frame recess is the distinction between a rib extension & a Doll's Head.
What I was (Very Obvious if you carefully read my previous post) referring to is you could remove the doll's head portion (Grinding, filing, milling etc) from the sides of the rib & have effectively removed the "Doll's Head" leaving a simple extension rib as on a DS. The bbls then would "Not" fall open.
My entire point was that even though in the case of the Lefever they are combined into one piece the doll's head & bolting have seperate functions & should be considered seperately.
The bolt holds the bbls "Down" but offers no resistance to axial thrust. The doll's head resists axial thrust but plays no part in holding the bbls down. It simply rotates into its seat.
I in fact in my last post told Jim that I understood what he was saying (obviously he was referring to cutting the hold assembly off flush with the breech) but I wanted to make sure "Everyone" understood the bbls would fall open "Not" because you removed the "Doll's Head" but because you removed the bolting notch. The doll's head could indeed be converted to a straight rib & the bolting notch would be retaianed & the bbls would remain closed. Have you looked at a DS or I grade?? I in fact referenced these grades in my explanation.
My reference to the "Fallacy" concerning the doll's head was based upon the fact I have over the years read many opinions stating the doll's head was totally useless because it offers no helping in keeping the bbls closed. It was quite obviously never intended for that purpose, but this doesn't mean it plays no part in adding to the integrity of the gun.
Last edited by 2-piper; 03/01/10 11:25 AM. Reason: Serious mistake of identity.
