doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Wiggle in the Barrels

I have two hammerguns that wiggle on the action when I have the forend off. I can't see light between the breech face and the barrels yet and the movement is slight at this point, although one is worse that the other. I suppose my question is...how long should I tolerate this situation before sending them off for new hinge pins? I am fairly fastidious with my guns and so my inclination is to send them off sooner rather than later, but I may delay a bit if that is the consensus.

Now. Actually, I would’ve sent them off when you first detected movement or could see light. All that looseness is only going to get worse and down the road cause stress on other parts like the action, locking bolts, forends & loop, etc. that’ll need to be addressed and subsequently cost more mullah to make right.

Could be the hinge pin or the hook or the underbolts if it has them. Unfortunately the looseness won’t fix itself. Get the guns repaired sooner rather than later.

Have you ever seen a mechanical problem that stopped getting worse with use? I haven't.

Get in line to have them fixed, now. It won't get done in a week or two, and by starting early you will be ahead of the game.

Could just be a worn sliding bolt, Or could be coming off face. If it’s just a worn sliding bolt that’s a pretty easy fix, and it’s repair alone may negate more involved repairs for many years of service.

Thank you gents good advice. I guess I just needed a confirmation of my inclination to initiate a repair at this juncture! Fingers crossed for the worn Sliding bolt.

If the wiggle is only evident with the forends removed there may be no need to do anything.

Take it to someone you can trust to do the work if needed, but also to tell you if nothing needs doing.

Start with a strip and clean.

Owen,
I had purchased a gun that had a suspected off face issue. After having it looked at by a very good gunsmith, it was determined that the locking bolt/lever only needed a micro weld and refitting to make things right again. Things turned out well, and I'm glad I didn't pass on the purchase simply because of a possible issue without having it checked out.
Hope this helps,
Karl

Closing the gun with forend in place solves a multitude of problems. Maybe "gunmaker" will comment.