Hi--I have a 20 browning o/u shotgun
the top lever is hard to open -the gun has
been used very little--if you take the barrels off the gun the lever works just fine
Any ideas on how to fix the problem???
Thanks Sydney

I would give it a good cleaning and lite oiling to start with.

It's normal for decent quality O/Us to be hard to open when they are new. It's hard to diagnose over the internet how much pressure on the top lever is normal and how much is too much. There are some parts on the Citori (I assume you are referring to a Citori)which are hand fit at the factory and will be tight when new. The gun will open easier with lubrication and use.

If you think it is abnormally hard to move the top lever, give Browning a call. I'm not gonna try to advise you how or where to remove metal as I don't know your skill set and removing too much metal is not a good thing.

You could also post your question in the Gunsmithing or Browning Shotgun section on the Shotgunworld web site as there are many experienced folks there who may have other useful advice. Both my Citoris were really stiff to open when new and got better with time and lubrication.

The angles on the locking bolt are probably to close. The angle on the block should be a couple degrees open to cut down on locking friction. It should go to someone who does Browning warranty as it may need a new block to correct the angles.

http://www.browning.com/suppor...-center-listing.html

most of them will wear in pretty quick from shooting, unless yours is extra tight.