doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Different types of f/e latches

I have had a shotgun with Deeley & Edge style latch shed it's forearm while shooting, but it was obvious there was a need for adjustment. Wouldn't you think the Anson's pushrod spring was weak, or there was some other problem that needed addressing?

SRH

I have had trouble twice with the forend latch on my CSMC Fox. It would fasten normally but then I could take my finger at the forend tip and pull it about 1/4" away from the barrels.
I think I would rather have the push button latch.

The problem was obvious. When I gripped the gun with a glove on my left hand I actuated the latch unintentionally.

There was nothing wrong with the gun mechanically, there was everything wrong with the design of the latch and forend profile. The button was too big, had deep checkering that made it difficult to avoid, and was just something I was not going to fight with.

I solved the problem by selling the gun.

I've since acquired 2 others with the same latch system. Although I'm now prejudiced against the whole concept of the Anson latch I coexist with these because the buttons are less obtrusive. I've yet to have one drop the forend on me.

It would be better if neither gun had that latch system.

My Rizzini dropped the Anson latch button and shaft on the skeet field where I was VERY lucky to find it. Somebody didn't locktite the Mickey Mouse set screw and the whole shaft backed off several turns and fell out. You would think this impossible but it's not.

B. Rizzini is so in love with Anson, they have them on everything I've seen that they make. You want a Rizzini, you get an Anson latch. Locktite job not included.

I can see how that happened SJ, especially with a short splinter f/e.

I can envision a different Anson style latch where a small metal button, shaped like the front end of the f/e wood, would be inset into it so that, when latched, the button would be flush with the wood, but easily depressed with the fingertip to remove. Dewey V. could make that happen very easily, I believe. What I picture would look very attractive, and be more practical as well, in my mind.

FWIW, some guns with Deeley & Edge latches seem to stay tight much longer than others. My old BSS, hard used with heavy loads, and having a beavertail f/e which stresses the whole relationship more, has stayed tight all these years. No discernible movement at all in the f/e when the breech is opened fully. Even though the right barrel is .003" off face the f/e remains snug. I have not a clue why it has stayed tight when others, less used and with splinters, have worked themselves slightly loose. Jim Kelley tightened one for me on a Philly A grade Fox last year.

SRH

That's exactly how they should be designed Stan.

It's remarkable given the common way of gripping the forend of a SxS gun that a button protruding in the location they do was ever considered acceptable.

O/U guns are generally gripped differently (although I've seen some unconventional shooting styles) so the position of the button is less of a concern.

Agree- I bought a grade 2E 12 from the late Brad B. about 6 years ago-the first series with the "snail titties" cocking indicators. Love it, crisp triggers, 30" barrels, og stock and spl. forearm with a never get loose latch system. Once owned a Ideal grade Smith non-ejector 12 gauge with the Curtis forearm latch- solid and sure, IMO RWTF

anson, deeley or snap on...

they all seem to work just fine...

deeley looks the best to my eye...

snap on perceived by some as cheap gun alternative...

http://www.hallowellco.com/shotgun.htm

I have a W&C Scott and Son hammer-gun with what looks like a Deely latch out on the end of the forearm. I'd post a picture but Photobucket has shaken the bucket again and I cannot figure out how to post a pic here anymore...Geo

Per Stan's "I'm interested in opinions" request - here's my Can$0.02 worth (discounted).
My accumulation of double-barreled shotguns exhibits the three most common types of forearm attachments.
Because there was so much I did not know and was "self-teaching" - I bought books and READ. (Confession - I was voluntarily seduced by the golden pen of the late and great Michael McIntosh). I read and practiced the proper ways to handle/manipulate each of the three main types � especially the "wheres and whens" to apply pressure - and NOT to apply pressure.
Appears there are physical and monetary pros & cons for all three methods.
However, for my personal tastes - I prefer the Anson forearm release system, as seen on my early AD2000s FAIR O/Us in 16 and 28 GAs.

Thanks, Ian.

How do you like your FAIRs? I've got a couple and regard them highly.

SRH