Barrel latch question.

[r29l20]

My 22-250's barrel latch has alot of up and down play in it. It's like the spring is to short or something. Is this normal? I have another one and it feels like it's under spring tention from the start, and the lever stays up to the top of the travel. Just wondered. Thanks in advance. 

[Yak Angler]

It should be tight when the barrel is open , but its normall to be loose and rattle when the barrel is closed. atleast thats what happens on all my handi's

[r29l20]

There might be something wrong then, cause it rattles the same open or closed. My sportster doesn't rattle open or closed. It's under alot of spring tention. The gun locks up tight and opens fine, it just feels loose.

[keith44]

How old is the gun?  It may wear in, or it may need a bit of work.  Does the lever move smoothly and easily?  If it does, and locks up fine I wouldn't worry about it.  This question is covered in the stickys, do a search for latch and it should come up with lots of stuff

[r29l20]

The rifle is brand new, never fired. Thanks for the heads up on the sticky. I think the spring is just short. I may be wrong though.

[cwlongshot]

Its a coil spring sitting in a plastic "cup". While it can break, its not so common...
 
Yes it should be a bit loose when all locked up and barrel closed. This means the latch is NOT fully rotated and this is a good thing as this is a wear point and will change thru the age and firing of the rifle. If it where at the top (barrel release lever) it would show that the latch is fully rotated. Once it goes past, the barrel will be loose on the receiver.
 
See perkolo barrel fitting for pics (In the FAQ's)  and further explinations.
 
CW

[r29l20]

Thanks.

[cwlongshot]

I made up some heavier ones for the heavy recoiling calibers. LMK if it is broke I'll drop one of the heavier ones in the mail for you..

CW

[r29l20]

It must be normal, I just bought another Handi, and it's the same way.