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

I�m a real throwback. Of all the latches I prefer the old fashioned cross wedge as found on the earliest guns, even back into the flintlock days. Nothing as sure has ever been used and while admittedly slower to remove they are simple and one less thing not to go awry. Didn�t Dewey Vicnair choose a cross wedge on his custom built double?

Keyed forestocks are fine. I have several. But, I wouldn't care for one on a breechloader forearm, because they still don't overcome the issue of wear creating looseness when the action is opened and closed. It would eventually create "play", just like a Deeley & Edge fastener allows to happen. With a m/l that's not an issue, of course. My keyed forestocks are all m/l shotguns and rifles.

Thanks for the comments. I'm enjoying and learning.

Best, SRH

But Stan, I�ve got the wedge forend fasteners on about a half dozen hammer breechloaders, most about 150 years old and still tight. Never a problem.

My bad, Joe. I forgot that that type fastener carried over into the hammer gun era. You make a good point.

Thanks, SRH

I made the same point very early on. You missed that also.

I like the strong simple snap-ons. When waterfowling with my Nitro Specials, I leave the splinter forend wood at home as I grasp the barrels well in front to shoot. Why let water, mud, and vegetation collect on the wood, latch and barrels above? Or have the wood wear away sliding on the gunnel? Would be different with a beavertail or overunder. And not recommended for an upland game gun where carrying is involved, but I still grasp the barrels in front of the forend for better pointing ability.

That you did, Brent. That you did.

SRH

I personally prefer the Deeley latch as it draws the forend off the forend hanger draw when pulled, whereas the Anson and keyed forends do not, you have to pull. Not a huge issue of the draw isn�t too tight. The Rigby does draw it up/off the hanger.

To improve upon the Deeley arrangement I�d have a replaceable draw on the forend hanger/loop. Dovetailed in perhaps.

Thank you for your thoughts on this, Aaron. Good stuff to consider.

SRH

I have a Fox AE 20 ga. at Dewey V.'s right now awaiting a repair to that. On a dove shoot last year the forend fell off in my hand when I opened the gun to reload. Upon closer examination I learned that the barrel lug had broken off at the "hook". According to Dewey it will have to be replaced.

SRH