I've been browsing double rifle ads and every now and then I see a double with the action lever not centered. Does this mean anything significant?

To the right of center is a good thing. Centered shows wear internally.

But all bets are off if it's set up to open left handed.

Centered does not necessarily indicate wear on the British doubles.

I don't know if "wear" is the right word but doubles usually come from the factory a bit on the "tight" side, consequently the lever is usually off to the right just a bit. After a couple hundred shots, the barrels seat onto the flats and it loosens a bit causing the lever to be centered. Doesn't indicate "wear" but rather that is is "broken in" for lack of a better term.

Would my layman termed description be accurate? I'm not an expert on the mechanics of doubles (or any guns for that matter) but this is what I was taught. Don't know if it's exactly correct.

Both of my doubles started off with the lever to the right. The Merkel is firmly in the center now (maybe 700 shots now) and the Chapuis is still to the right but about half way to the center from where it started (maybe 150 shots).

Mike, you mention British doubles specifically. Is there something about them and the lever position that is different from other makes?

You're right Todd. 'Seated in" would be a better term to use.

I'd buy it...

What BaxterB said.


Dutch

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:
I've been browsing double rifle ads and every now and then I see a double with the action lever not centered. Does this mean anything significant?

The only time to worry is if the rifle is right handed and the lever is positioned to the left of center! THAT indicates wear!

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I see that the rifle in this OP is for sale in the Classifieds. Nice rifle.

Some brands are more prone than others regarding lever position. My Merkel took about a couple hundred shots to get the lever near the center (slightly to the right). A Chapuis I had was well shot and remained clearly to the right. All the Cahpuis doubles I have seen are clearly to the right.

I wouldn't assume that a gun or rifle with a right of center lever had little use. I've had several older guns tightened and they had right of center levers after the redo.

quote:

Originally posted by MACD:
I wouldn't assume that a gun or rifle with a right of center lever had little use. I've had several older guns tightened and they had right of center levers after the redo.

Yep, I figured that might be the case as well.

Just whack it with a 16 oz ball peen hammer a few times. That should center it.
Oh wait, it's not April 1st anymore.....

Shut gentle the lver migh not centre, snap it shut and it might - shows a well fitted gun.

Thanks to all for the information. It was helpful.

If you'd stop by you'd already have known!

quote:

Originally posted by Mike Brooks:
If you'd stop by you'd already have known!

You better be nice to me. Rumor has it I may have been seduced by the double dark side and soon have something you want to fondle.

I've already got the dies set up and waiting!
But you may be dismayed when you see some of my 'dogs'.