Worn Latch on SxS?

[Panzerschwein]

Hello all!

So I have the opportunity to purchase a double-barrel side by side shotgun off one of the major auction sites, later in the week the auction will end. I will not divulge which shotgun this is.

However, while the gun is advertised as being in great shape and appears to look very fine in the pictures, I did notice one thing. I one of the pictures, it shots tho top of the gun and the barrel latch lever. It appears that the lever is almost straight, but maybe set just bit to the left. The barrels are closed in the picture.

After some reading, it appears that this latch is supposed to be more or less set off the the right somewhat. I've read that if it's centered, or kicked off to the left any, that the latch is worn and needs to be replaced. I sure wish I could post a picture, but I just can't risk losing the auction as this is one of my dream guns!

So can anyone help me? If I need to replace the lever, how much will that cost, and where can I take the gun to get the work done? I will say that the gun is a popular, discontinued "economy" type American made shotgun whose production ended in the very late 1980's. I don't think parts will be terribly hard to come by, but I could be wrong. I am willing to discuss which model this is via PM if anybody is so inclined, but wish to maintain confidentiality to avoid competition on bidding!

If you all could help me, that would be awesome! I love double barrel shotguns, and particularly am interested in this specimen, but if it's going to cost a mint to replace the latch or will be impossible to find a new latch, I'll probably pass on it... if the latch needs replaced at all, that is.

Thanks so much guys!!

 

[Virginian]

If the gun is as described by you Numrich should have parts. I don't know who in North America made SxS that late but Savage/Stevens/Fox, and those parts are plentiful.

 

[Panzerschwein]

Savage/Stevens/Fox

Okay, I'll let the cat out of the bag.

It's a Savage/Stevens 311 H series, one of the later guns. I have nostalgic connections to these shotguns, and plan to use it for quail and squirrel hunting.

 

[oneounceload]

If it is indeed left of center, a visit to a real gunsmith is in order. I have its uptown cousin the Fox BSE and had that issue. My smith, who grew up as gunsmith (and he's 80+ now) was able to fix a few aspects, but had to make a part.

It is now mostly a safe queen, coming out once or twice a year as I have better and newer, more reliable guns to use.

Good luck, but I wouldn't bid unless I had a three inspection period and a right to return for a refund

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks guys, I messaged the seller so I can get a better picture of the latch before I buy the gun.

I sure want him, but if he's too worn out and it'll cost a mint and a half to fix, I'll pass. Thing is, the shotgun looks almost brand new, but maybe the owner just took care of it and ran a truck load of shells through it or something.

 

[rcmodel]

Or maybe he slammed it shut hard every time he opened it!!

rc

 

[oneounceload]

Could be.....these are not expensive guns, and while it may hold some form of sentimental value, you do not want to buy someone else's reject and spend more than you paid to fix it

 

[rcmodel]

I bought a brand new Savage Fox double on Friday and took it pheasent hunting in Western Kansas Saturday.

By Sunday evening, it had shot loose, and the vent rib was dangling halfway off the barrels.

They weren't all 'fine shotguns' I'm here to tell you!!


If it looks new and the latch is already going south??

Run away quickly!!

There is for then one fish in the sea!
Look for an older one.
They were much better guns.

rc

 

[Panzerschwein]

Well since the cat is out, running around playing and getting in the yarn basket, might as well come clean.

It's a Savage Stevens 311R model series H.

This model shotgun was used by the NYPD, in various units. It's kind of known as a detectives shotgun. Many were still in NYPD inventory until the early 2000's. I think these guns are just so, so cool. SO cool. I do also have nostalgia for these guns. My Uncle used to own a standard full size one, and I've wanted one ever since we shot hand thrown skeet with it years ago.

But, if it's going to be a junker, I'll have to pass. I'm surprised NYPD would go with these guns if they were junk.

 

[rcmodel]

I didn't say they were junk.

I said the older ones were very good, bordering on bullet-proof.

But I also said they made some real junk ones in the 1970's.

Look for one old enough to have hand-cut checkering, not impressed checkering.

rc

 

[Panzerschwein]

Thanks RC!

 

[PapaG]

FWIW, if the action doesn't shake, the lever being a little past center doesn't mean it is too worn to shoot. If it is left and doesn't lock up tight, then it needs attention.

 

[Panzerschwein]

I think I'm going to pass on it guys. The seller has not messaged me back yet, it's been 3 days. Let the winning bidder get the nasty surprise of a worn out shotgun!