This topic of forces needed to hold a SxS closed is pretty intriguing. I would think some of the more technical minded folks here may be persuaded to experiment with this notion of something-less-than-a-fastener holding it shut. Not that it would need to be measured in an empirical way or anything, but maybe a zip tie? Glass filament tape? Obviously not a hand.
I was once told by a trapshooter that he removed the barrel from his Model 12, affixed a live shell onto the end of the breechbolt and fired the thing inside a paper bag. Since the cartridge was not confined it did not build up pressure and the shot just dropped harmlessly into the bag. Urban legend or.....?
Craig Libhart
