Quick questions for the O/U gurus out there

[iamkris]

Do you consider these a problem or should I not worry about them??

Last night I picked up my Lanber 2097 purchased new from Gunbroker. After shooting them in my youth, I always have wanted an O/U but could never afford the Beretta or Browning I wanted (maybe after the kids are out of the house).

Based on opinions of TFL, THR and others, I decided to try a Lanber. Manufacturing overall was at parity or better than I expected on a shotgun of this price class. Couple of questions though on some "inconsistencies" that the gun has:

1) Barrel Release Lever offset - Not sure if that's the right terminology for that part but the "barrel release lever" is offset to the right. When the barrels are in full battery, the lever does not return to the center but rather is offset over 1/4" or more to the right. It is not clear to me whether a safety concern (e.g., the barrel lockup is not fully engaging). It seems tight when closed but I hesitate to fire the weapon like this.

2) Ventilated rib is damaged - the vent rib on barrel 2 (top) has a large dent in it in the supported part between the receiver end of the barrel and the first support. The dent is large enough that the rib is depressed between 1/16" and 1/8". The dented area is about 1/3" long. This is aesthetically poor as well as potentially detrimental to shooting sight picture. Also concerned whether this damage will cause the rib to "shoot loose".

The wood on the pistol grip is also dented but that looks like handling damage. Last night I e-mailed GunFinder.net to let them know about this and ask for remedy but no response yet.

I'm not happy about this and want to get opinions on the severity of the problems. Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[PJR]

A lever that's right of center is a good thing. As the locking lugs wear and the gun moves off the face the lever moves more towards the center. It's not a problem until the lever is considerably left of center. Never buy a used shotgun unless the lever is at least in the center or deeply discounted in price. FWIW, I have a couple of guns with many, many thousands of rounds through them and the lever is still on the right.

Without having seen the rib, from your description it's an aesthetic problem but one that won't shouldn't your sighting. Shotguns are pointed, not aimed and your eyes should be locked on your target. The rib dent might make the rib looser but I couldn't say for sure without seeing it in person. It can however be bent back into shape by a competent smith.

From the sound of it, your gun was dropped somewhere along the way.

Paul

 

[iamkris]

Great reply PJR...

...your experiences in Europe with Lanbers was one reason I decided to try one.

Now I feel like an idiot about the lever...didn't realize that "bug" was actually a "feature"... whoops. My 20+ years of shooting shotguns has been with pumps/autos...always fun to learn something new.

The vent rib is a problem...I'm not aware of a good 'smith in my area that can help.

Anyone have a good gunsmith in Northern/NW suburbs of Chicago that has a competence in shotguns?

 

[45auto]

Hello,

In regards to the rib, I would find that unexceptable from a new gun bought from a reputable dealer. The rib is damaged and you paid for a "new" gun- period. Send it back. Functionally it may be okay, but your resale value plummeted.
More knowledable people can correct me, but rib work on an O/U is not for the local gunsmiths nor is it cheap.
I would mention the stock damage also.
I have had this happen to me before. My rib looked liked like they were practicing skipping stones off of it!
Good luck

 

[iamkris]

I agree that I don't want to have to spend money fixing a "new" shotgun. Even if it was a "value" class shotgun purchased for a very good price.

Just got an email from the dealer and they offered to have me ship the shotgun back to them (at their expense) and send a replacement. If this is how it works out, then Gunfinder.net sounds like a class act.

Thanks again for the responses. Very instructive.

 

[45auto]

That's good news. It pays to deal with "reputable" dealers.
Have fun