Originally Posted By: JohnfromUK
Originally Posted By: Joe Wood
I think some of the greatest wear on the bolt occurs on opening when it is natural to let the weight of the barrels press on the bolt as it is withdrawn. I often forget and find myself actually pressing down on the barrels as I turn the lever. That's when I can feel and sometimes hear the surfaces dragging--and wearing. I don't worry about it when hunting but other times try to remember to hold the barrels tight to the action until the bolt is clear and then let the barrels drop. Seems to me this simple act would virtually eliminate bolt wear.

Whilst I can see the reasoning behind this, if it was a significant issue, then self opening guns would wear much more quickly. I don't believe this to be the case.
Having a little smear of grease on the sliding parts should minimise any wear.
I agree with UK John here. Out of respect for another man's gun, if I am allowed to inspect it (prior to a possible sale) I always easy it shut- But my own double guns ( L.C. Smith and Parker)which are lightly lubricated with Rem Gun Oil (aerosol) when closed them loaded in the field, they I close them without easing the lever into battery- I often shoot with a friend who has one of a matched pair of 12 bore Woodward guns- beautiful indeed, and he closes the Woodward firmly- it was built in 1908, and re-barreled in 1924- And, as the late Captain Paul A. Curtis showed in his book (1934) Guns and Gunning- always close your gun with the barrels pointed downward toward the ground- Whilst? British version of the card game Contract Bridge perhaps? How rather quaint!!!

"The field is the touchstone of the man"..