SxS Question..should lever be right of center?

[ElKabong]

General question, if the lever on a sxs points straight down (towards the safety) or slightly left is this ALWAYS a sign of wear. Or do some leave the factory this way and are perfectly fine.
I've been told that if it points left of vertical the shotgun will need costly repair...any truth to this?

Thanks,
ElKabong

 

[MCgunner]

I've only had two, but I know that on both of 'em, they pointed down when in full lock and if it was deflected to the right, I knew that the barrels/lock hadn't fully closed. I've never had mine point to the LEFT of the safety and I'd think if it did, might just be offset. Even if the action is worn, it won't go any farther to the left when locked. My old 12 gauge is circa 1971 and it's still tight and still right. New gun or new to you??? Might just be out of line or something.

 

[gezzer]

It is a sign of wear. Keep the lugs greased and shoot the right ammo for it and it should out last you.

 

[ZeSpectre]

My SxS lever always sits just a hair to the right but the gun is always locked up tight and has never given me any trouble so I figure it's just a slight misallignment someplace.

 

[bobsmith]

I've read where it should be to the right of center. It's built in compensation for wear. I have 4 SxS's and the opening levers all sit to the right of center.

 

[huntershooter]

Rt. of center is a good thing. If you've never handled/shot a dble. gun with lever "in line" with tang, they are pretty loose-"WELL broke in".

 

[Srigs]

Mine sits slightly to the right. No issue with it shooting or locking up tight.

 

[MCgunner]

This is kind of a new one to me, lever left of safety means worn action? I guess, don't have enough knowledge of that to say otherwise because, frankly, I've never run into it. I know I've seen side by sides (friend has one I've handled recently) that were so loose they clacked as you rocked the barrels side to side and the lever still pointed down. I suppose the workings inside the locking mechanism could be worn to cause it, separate of the barrel fit. I wouldn't think that'd be as critical as how tight the barrels fit into the action at lock up. With a lot of play like my friend's old antique (very old gun he bought at an auction), I wouldn't fire the gun. So long as the barrels lock tight, I don't see a problem, personally.

 

[koja48]

All of mine work fine & all are slightly right of center.

 

[oletymer]

Break action guns have the lever to the right when new. They are like that untill wear slowly lets the locking lug move further into the barrel lug. As it does the lever will again, very slowly work its way straight down. It will take a lot of shooting and many years to get straight down.