How do you close your SxS, O/U?

ninepointer

ninepointer

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1. Assisted: Holding top lever to right while gently closing barrels?
2. Un-assisted: Allowing top lever to snap into place on its own while gently closing barrels?
3. Firmly, because it likes it that way: Shut barrels with authority to give a satisfying "snap" sound?
4. Zombie Fighter: The one-handed Hollywood slam-shut?
;)
 
Personally, I use 3 almost exclusively.

Let it be said that I don't own any $5000+ shotguns, but my opinion would still likely be the same if I did.

Gun are strong, and are not designed to be babied. If you are overly gentle with the action of any firearm, you may have problems with feed/action.

The only time I do anything other then this method is when I am fondling the guns after dark, and in that case I use method 1. I don't want to have loud CLUNK noises coming from the gun room waking people up. ;)
 
I learned from Beretta after my DT10L needed servicing that, you must let it close softly without holding the top lever as the action will not seat properly. I have done otherwise on ALL my shotguns including my English guns to ensure longevity. It did work on the English guns but NOT the Beretta! Beretta was kind unoff to ship it from Canada to the original gunsmith that made my DT10L to be rebuilt. Then to ship it back to to me, NC! Thank you Stoeger and Beretta International!

Henry;)
 
When I have a SxS or O/U if there is nothing in the chamber I always use your "assisted" version.

When in the field and there is ammo or snap-caps in the barrels I always use your "un-assisted" version.

There is something about "Firmly" and "Zombie Fighter" that I have stayed away from. :yingyang:
 
I have used 1,2 and 3, depending on the firearm. When shooting targets I prefer the gentle approach. It puts my body in a more relaxed state so when I call for the target my move to the target is smoother.
 
Me, I gently close mine, keep my thumb off the top lever while doing so.

I started this thread after yesterday watching a young fellow repeatedly let his barrels free-fall open and stop abruptly at the bottom, then close his gun with a load "Snap!":(. Seeing as it was a Mossberg Silver Reserve, I wondering if he might be accelerating something inevitable.
 
Was instructed by a German Gunsmith early on that #2 was the proper way, and have
been doing such for the past 40+ years.

My DT10 likes it that way. Round count above 50k (likely approaching 75k) and
never a problem. Well over 100k with a 682Gold with no ill effects either.
 
Kevin M. said:
Personally, I use 3 almost exclusively.

Let it be said that I don't own any $5000+ shotguns, but my opinion would still likely be the same if I did.

Gun are strong, and are not designed to be babied. If you are overly gentle with the action of any firearm, you may have problems with feed/action.

The only time I do anything other then this method is when I am fondling the guns after dark, and in that case I use method 1. I don't want to have loud CLUNK noises coming from the gun room waking people up. ;)
Click to expand...

:agree:
 
I would say #2 for most guns.

For the Krieghoff recommends holding the lever then closing the barrels and releasing the lever. Mainly to precent wear in the hood latch.

That comes directly from their service centre in ottsville.
 
Number 2 for me. If the gun won't chamber that way I don't want it or I want it repaired, unless it's new and needs a bit of breaking in. The last thing I want is to fight equipment. I have a friend whose gun occasionally fails to set up the second shot on doubles in skeet if he doesn't snap it shut fairly heavily. It's a B gun he bought new and has seen the gunsmith twice. Personally I'd chuck it into the nearest slough. In fact, I find myself holding 'my' breath after it happens and he goes to shoot again. Come to think of it maybe I'll ask him if I can throw it in for him...lol.
 
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