I came across an extra set of barrels for my Belgian Browning Liege (B-27) O/U shotgun at a very attractive price, so I bought them.

The barrel set goes in place and locks up nicely, however there is a very, very small but faintly visible gap (just enough to detect light) at the juncture of the upper barrel and the receiver face when the action is closed.

Is there any need to correct this, and if so how is it done?

I'm making a guess here but I would think that it may be necessary to set both sets of barrels up in the action and have a new hinge pin fitted that secures both equally. I expect SDH would have a firm answer if he sees this thread or you may try sending him a PM. Don't know if there are any smiths other than him on the site that do much with shotguns.

Thanks for the comments.

Yes, SDH, the barrel is ever so slightly off face. However it is nothing like many of the old doubles I've seen with worn pins that gape at the top of the action like a barn door hinge. It is merely a barely detectable mismating of the barrels and receiver face that results in a hair's breadth gap at the very top of the upper barrel (and decreasing to nothing as the barrels and receiver face come together going from top to bottom of the receiver face.

I can't see that it would be the slightest of safety concerns, but I wanted to check with someone experienced with multiple barrels on O/U's to make sure of that diagnosis.

What about it, any safety concerns, or alternatively, could shooting it this way result in any damage to the receiver, barrels, or locking mechanism?

The lock up on a double gun requires the barrells to touch the breech face, if this is not happening, then it is not correctly locked up. In other words, its doubtful that there is presently the proper relationship between the locking surfaces of your gun and the added set of barrels. You could try a small piece of paper attached to the barrel hook by using a drop of oil to hold it. This may push your barrels back toward the breech face, if so you know where you need metal added. My guess is the hook needs to be built up and the tapered under lug may or may not need to be fit. As Steven has said....it is awful hard to tell without having the gun in hand. Good luck,
Steve

Stonecreek,

Not to sound like a wise guy but I thought the Liege was a B-26? I have one also.

I think http://www.midwestgunworks.com/page/mgwi/CTGY/browning-gun-parts could fit them for you. I like mine very much.

Also, you can check with Ahlmans: Ahlman's Custom Gun Shop
9525 West 230th Street
Morristown, Minnesota 55052
Phone: 507-685-4244 or 4243
Fax: 507-685-4280

They are listed by Browning as a source of parts and repair for the Liege.

Thanks,
Bill

I think that the "Liege" was listed as both the B-26 and B-27. There was a "Liege" gun imported in the early 1970s that had a gloss finished stock with a fairly short rounded forend that was referred to as the B-26. It was dropped from the Browning line in the mid '70's, however I believe that FN continued to distribute it in Europe.

In the mid-80's Browning resumed importing the Liege for a brief time, but this model had an oil finished stock and a semi-schnabel forend and was designated the B-27. The receivers were the same, but there was apparently a slight difference in the barrel hanger/forend attachment.

As best I recall, the earlier gun was only available in the field model, while the later gun could be had also in target configurations.

quote:

Originally posted by skb:
The lock up on a double gun requires the barrells to touch the breech face, if this is not happening, then it is not correctly locked up.

Agreed, but "correctly locked up" is a matter of degree. You often run across cheap guns like the current crop of Russian O/Us on which the barrels and the breech face fit together rather poorly. However, I assume that, while aesthetically unappealing, this condition is not unsafe. I am also assuming that the barely visible mismatch on my Browning would not render it unsafe to shoot, but I would like some validation or contradiction of that assumption before actually shooting it.

your assumtion is wrong....black the breech of the barrels and see if it touches. From what you have described....I would say it was unsafe if it was on of my customers asking me the same question. a few thousands of an inch is enough to be a problem. I tend to like to error on the side of caution, but from your description, I would not let them leave my shop like that. That is the best I can offer without seeing them. I would suggest you get them to a Smith who understands doubles.
Steve

Thanks, SKB. I'll check out the contact with some blackening. I appreciate your caution.

Headspace is the main consideration for safety of the fit of your barrels. Have a competant gunsmith insert a no go guage and gently close the action, it should not lock up. Then do the same with a go guage, it should lock up.

Very few gunmithing concerns have go, no go guages for shotgun. I agree with SDH you would be wise to check with a specialist like Kirk Merrington or possibly Briley near Houston.