Is it normal for over-unders to have extremely stiff actions when new?

[soupah]

I have a couple more questions about my new over/under (my first). It's a Lanber 2087, and the action is VERY stiff.

1) Breaking the gun open takes some effort...

and closing it is even harder- I have to use the release lever to close it...the lock plate is stiff and the lugs can't move the plate back on their own. Is this normal?

2) When you open an o/u action, should the release lever stay over to the right the whole time the action is open, or does it come back to center on its own? Mine comes back to center....that may be causing the problem with closing the action?

 

[Lovesbeer99]

I've had 2 Browning BT99's and both were tight until I cleaned them out, and even for the first few times at the range, but after a while they started to loosen a little. When I say loosen, I mean smooth. Remember though you don't want them too loose.

 

[soupah]

Hey Lovesbeers, what do you mean by "tight?" Could you close them okay, or did you have to use the release lever?

 

[Capstick1]

From what I've been told it takes about 8 or 9000 rds to get a Browning Citori broken in. A stiff action on a new one is normal. The way you can tell if the trunyon block is worn is by simply looking at the release lever when the action is closed. If you see the the tip of the lever either just in the middle or to the right it's good. If you see it sitting more on the left side then you have a worn trunyon block and it needs to be repaired.

 

[soupah]

Well, I've either got to shoot it (and hopefully it will "break-in") in the hopes that will start closing normally, or send it back (which will cost me). Recommendations?

 

[The Deer Hunter]

They are very tight when they come from the factory.

From what I've been told it takes about 8 or 9000 rds to get a Browning Citori broken in.

Probably more like 800-900 rounds, not 9000.

 

[MAX100]

I would have Gunsmith look at it if you have one local to go to. He won't charge you anything to look at it. I have heard the Lanber shotguns are stiff but not to the point you can't close it. I don't think it is normal. If all it needs is breaking in just open and close 900 times.

Go here there are many Lanber owners that can tell you if your problem is normal.

Here is one post that has a Lanber 2087 with a stiff action;
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=112486

Here are all of the Lanber Post for you to look through:
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=112486

Join the site and post your question there.


GC

 

[soupah]

Thanks a million GC...went ahead and did just that!

 

[45auto]

I'm not aware of any O/U's where the top lever doesn't lock to the right until you close it...or should anyway. Seen some that didn't do that all the time, in which case it needed to be fixed.

 

[ArmedBear]

BTW did you grease it?

Something like Pro Gold, liberally spread on all action parts that contact each other, will make it smoother to open and shut, and help the gun last a lot longer without galling and excessive wear. Wipe off excess from outside of action after you grease it, assemble it, and close it.