Thanks everyone for your replies! Here is what I have learned after reading them. (Sorry, SKB I'm not able to post pictures.)
Raimey, the forend screws do tighten up. I have not tried the shim idea yet. This may be the real kicker. When I removed the wood (as SKB suggested), I discovered there is no spring beneath the J latch ("lambs tongue")! Could this be the entire problem? With the wood removed, the iron still tries to spring from the barrels. When I removed the ejectors from the barrels, the iron fastened to the barrels tightly. (Ejector hammer applying too pressure on ejector?)
bbman3 and Builder, I had wondered about trying to straighten the J hook. Should it be heated any? Would you suggest starting with replacing the J hook spring? Lots of questions but thanks for your patience.
Thank you all, again, for your help!!
Tony
