Howdy folks,
I'm going to attempt fitting my first bbl. It's a 22" 45-70 that I picked up.
On initial fit there is a bit of side to side play but not much up and down. Using feeler guages at the breech face, it shows a solid lock on a .002 on the right side but enough room to almost get a .004 in on the left. (By left and right, I'm describing the sides if looking down the sights.) When wiggled side to side, the gap moves from side to side. It is an ejector bbl and the breech face appears to be cut nice and square.
Questions:
1: Although maybe not very accurate in it's current form, would it be safe to fire as long as the lockup is good and solid at the latch with a little less than 1/3 engaged.
2: Does this sound like a case for a shim?
All knowledgeable input is highly appreciated.
Thanks,
Doc