I believe the main cause of break-open guns becoming loose is lack of attention to keeping the hook and pin clean of old dirt and keeping them freshly lubed (grease is my preference). A cheap gun will probably become loose sooner than a quality gun. "Slamming it shut" would only be done by an idiot! Ditto for flopping it open, unsupported, like some damfool in a Hollywood Western movie. Closing the gun gently but firmly, without holding the lever is the correct way to do it. It's the method preferred by people who know what they're doing and should not be confused with "slamming it shut". Stay away from "loose friends" with "excessive gapes". BTW, the forend has really nothing to do with holding the gun closed. All JMO, as always.

> Jim Legg <