So I got this old Savage single shot break open...

[Old Shooter]

I came across this Savage 220 break open 12 gauge in a local gun shop for a good price , $100. Nice walnut, good bluing on the barrel, receiver bluing ok but not quite as nice as on the barrel. Made in Utica NY so I am guessing 1940's manufacture.

Now the issue, breaking the action open is tough! When I move the lever all the way to the right I have to sharply slap the barrel to open it and it is sometimes easier to use my knee to help open it up. I took the butt stock off and the mechanism looks good. One of the springs, the one that puts pressure on the piece that should move down to release the barrel was twisted slightly off to one side. When I put some side pressure on it with a screwdriver it snapped back into place and the barrel release lever seemed to behave better before re-assembly. After re-assembly it is back to the same hard to open condition as before. Is this normal for this model of shotgun or is there something worn that am missing? The mechanism is fairly simple looking but there are a couple of tough looking springs that I would rather not mess with If I don't have to.

My only use for this gun is to take it out on occasion and fire a few rounds just for grins and giggles, maybe wander thru the woods and see if a squirrel is having a bad day.

Thanks for any tips or insight on this model.

 

[NDArmyGuyret]

Old Shooter,
I had a similar problem with a Savage Model 219 break action rifle. First, I have to ask if you are a gunsmith or gun tinkerer? If you are should be somewhat easy to tackle. What I found in the one I worked on was the firing pin assembly was broken off inside. If possible, take a picture of the action after removing the stock so you know how it should go back together. If you think after looking at it that you may need a gunsmith, by all means go that route...I am a gunsmith and found out how hard it is to re-assemble.

 

[Old Shooter]

...I am a gunsmith and found out how hard it is to re-assemble.

That's what I am afraid of. I am a tinkerer and a fairly decent one but definitely not a gunsmith to any degree. When I took the stock off the firing pin assembly looked intact, no obvious problems that could see. I may need to see a gunsmith with the mechanism still intact rather than a box of parts, most of which might be in there. Those heavy duty coil springs I see in there look like they could possibly go into orbit if I loose a grip on them.

thanks a lot for the reply and insight.

 

[cornbelt]

Could the stock be rubbing somewhere?

 

[Old Shooter]

I did some more internet research and discovered that the interface between the locking/release portion of what is on the barrel and the mechanism in the receiver was too "tight"?
When you move the unlocking lever to the right it was just a touch shy of freely releasing the barrel to open. Removing approx. .005" with a file and rounding the surface slightly let it release freely, just like I had expected it to do. Now the gun opens up just as nice as can be. Thanks for the replies and the thoughts.

 

[Coyote3855]

I love a story with a happy ending. Thanks for letting us know how it turned out.