I have a question regarding lever position....

The used Searcy PH .500 NE I just bought has the lever positioned just slightly left of center (see photo below). Everything still locks up solid as a rock....but can you guys give me any indication of how many rounds I may have left before I should be worried and get this corrected?

Anyone's guess Wade but I would reckon at least a couple of hundred rounds. The good news is that it is not a costly fix when it comes time to address it. I think Dustin and Shane get something like $500-$750 to fix it. At the price you paid for the rifle you would still have a great deal.

No set number of rounds as all doubles are unique. Wear sets the lever to the left whilst it should be center or a bit to the right. All of my vintage doubles I own, owned, or handled had the lever position exactly in the center. It seems to me, in my limited experience, new rifles have the lever to the right to compensate for wear.
Cheers,
Cal

Wade
Get in touch with Butch. He will sort it out for you.

quote:

Originally posted by txlonghorn:
Wade
Get in touch with Butch. He will sort it out for you.

+1
Butch stands behind his rifles - I do not let anyone else work on my Searcy doubles.

quote:

Originally posted by subsailor74:

quote:

Originally posted by txlonghorn:
Wade
Get in touch with Butch. He will sort it out for you.

+1
Butch stands behind his rifles - I do not let anyone else work on my Searcy doubles.

I have been in touch with Butch, and he has been very helpful.....but just so everyone knows, he no longer honors the warranty on used guns. He said he is trying to semi-retire....and just doesn't have the time anymore.

Semi-retire? Does that mean the Searcy DR days are numbered or does he have others working for him?

That gives me pause, in terms of my next DR purchase...

JDA

So his lifetime warranty is only for the original owner?
Your lever? Don't worry about it unless the barrels won't lock up tightly.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
So his lifetime warranty is only for the original owner?

The way I understand it....yes.

Lifetime guarantee, his or mine

Fwiw, to extend the service life before gunsmith attention is needed I make sure my rifles are greased (with high temp, high pressure grease) at the hinge pin, forend iron where it meets the action and at the locking lugs. And when I'm at the range or even in the field when I first load, I push the lever to the left to insure that there is the maximum bite and the minimum "slop" when the rifle is fired.

I do this for shotguns when at the range, or when possible in the field.

I know that shooting a "dry" rifle is damaging, but I do not know for sure if pushing the lever left to insure maximum lock up is helpful. Comments sought!

JPK

I do the same thing to make sure I don't have any hand loads might make the breech not close all the way, or stiff actions won't close unless you shut them with some authority. You will know how far your top lever goes on an empty rifle so when you are at the range, make sure it goes to that same position. I do that.

quote:

Originally posted by JDA-CO:
Semi-retire? Does that mean the Searcy DR days are numbered or does he have others working for him?

That gives me pause, in terms of my next DR purchase...

JDA

It should!

quote:

he no longer honors the warranty on used guns

Hmmmm....... He used too but then decided not to.

quote:

Originally posted by Eland Slayer:
He said he is trying to semi-retire....and just doesn't have the time anymore.

The Shootaway Effect!!

quote:

Originally posted by JPK:
I push the lever to the left to insure that there is the maximum bite and the minimum "slop" when the rifle is fired.

I do this for shotguns when at the range, or when possible in the field.

I know that shooting a "dry" rifle is damaging, but I do not know for sure if pushing the lever left to insure maximum lock up is helpful. Comments sought!

JPK

I have seen a short clip of Peter Hambrusch of Ferlach do this (put pressure on leaver for maximum closure) on firing one of his big doubles. I'd be happy to follow his plan.

quote:

Originally posted by Frostbit:

quote:

Originally posted by Eland Slayer:
He said he is trying to semi-retire....and just doesn't have the time anymore.

The Shootaway Effect!!

quote:

Originally posted by ozhunter:

quote:

Originally posted by JPK:
I push the lever to the left to insure that there is the maximum bite and the minimum "slop" when the rifle is fired.

I do this for shotguns when at the range, or when possible in the field.

I know that shooting a "dry" rifle is damaging, but I do not know for sure if pushing the lever left to insure maximum lock up is helpful. Comments sought!

JPK

I have seen a short clip of Peter Hambrusch of Ferlach do this (put pressure on leaver for maximum closure) on firing one of his big doubles. I'd be happy to follow his plan.

Apparently I am in fine company on this topic!

JPK