Author Topic: Steven Model 311 top snap (Read 848 times)

bigcop · « **on:** February 07, 2003, 01:00:54 PM »

The TOP SNAP on my steven model 311 20 ga. shotgun go's 1/8 inch to the left of center on the frame when the action locks's up.
What is needed to be done to bring this back to center or more to the right of center.
Thanks All
Bob

gunnut69 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 08, 2003, 03:27:17 PM »

That the top lever is to the left indicates that wear has occured and we need to know exactly where. Take the forearms off and try to move(shake) the barrels. If there is any motion the gun has developed headspace. Usually this occurs when the pivot pin or the barrel hook have worn. If the picot pin is worn it must be removed and either replaced or turned so as to present an unworn surface to the barrel hook. The hook or half round is the part that hangs down between the barrels and is hooked over the picot pin to lock the barrels to the breech. usually this is what is worn and must be built up.. Soft soldering a shim to the hooked front of the half round will remove the slack between the barrels and the standing breech... When this is tight and the top snap is still to the left the wear has taken place in either the locking notch on the extension hanging to the rear of the barrels or the snap (cam) which locks into the notch. This is repaired by building up the snap camming surface, usually with a welder. It will then have to be refitted to allow the gun to lock up... Remove metal from the snap cam until the opening lever is just a bit to the right of center... A mig welder with steel wire is ideal for this and should air harden enough to last well. Good luck from the gunnut69

bigcop · « **Reply #2 on:** February 09, 2003, 04:15:37 AM »

Thanks gunnut69, you were right on with your information.
Found very slight shake when the barrels were attached without the forearm.
I elected to soft solder a .010 shim to the front hook instead of trying to remove the pivot pin, as it is pressed fitted to the frame and Gun Parts Corps. catalog doesn,t show this part as being available.
Now with the shim in place the Top Snap is 3/64 inch to the right of center.
My next project is to put firing pin bushing in the frame, got that idea from the Oct. 2002 issue of American Gunsmith Association Publication.
Again thanks for all your help.
Bob

bigcop · « **Reply #3 on:** February 11, 2003, 01:58:17 AM »

Correction to above post, Shim used was .004 thousand not .010 thousand, had two shim in hand and posted wrong size.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 11, 2003, 05:31:32 AM »

Great! Glad it worked out so well. Those pins shouldn't be replaced unless absolutely needed.. but if you must they almost always must be drilled out and Brownells sell reamers and replacement pins to press back into place... Always recset the headspace first, then see what's needed!!