Help! barrel latch question

[handi270]

Fitting a 45/70 barrel to my handi 270 frame.
Breech gap is between .002 and .003. I know that is a little larger than recommended, but should be ok, am I right?

My main question is about the barrel latch. It locks up easily and very tight, but, it would not unlatch without turning the rifle over and bumping the end of the barrel against the floor(carpeted). I have read the FAQ and barrel fitting instructions, but did not find this particular problem addressed.

So I have been very carefully stoning the barrel latch lug. It is now easier to unlatch, by bumping against my leg. (probably bruised up by now).
Am I doing the right thing? Barrel lock up is still good and tight.  Should I shoot it some first? It is not a new barrel.

By the way, when you fit your own barrels, do you test fire holding the gun or do you have a rest you secure it in and fire from a distance?

thanks
noel

[trotterlg]

I would stop stoning the latch now.  How much travel does the latch release lever have when the barrel is closed?  Can you pull it up some or is it at the top of it's travel?  Larry

[handi270]

It has approximately the same as when the 270 barrel is on, 1/8 inch.

I thought if I shot it for a while it might wear in some.

thanks
noel

[quickdtoo]

I think that the length of the underlug itself is the reason for them being hard to open, the latch isn't quite clearing the end of the latch shelf, my 38-55 Target is hard to open as fitted from the factory, but it shoots great. A cure might be to slightly bevel the back edge of the latch shelf, but I haven't tried it yet.

Tim

[handi270]

Tim, I thought about trying that, but decided to shoot it for awhile first. (besides, I was tired of taking the barrel on and off, I took it real slow)
Its kind of like "I cut that board twice and its still too short."
I'd rather it lock up tight and be hard to open than easy to open and too loose.

I'm looking forward to shooting it.

thanks
noel

[quickdtoo]

Yup, go slow, it's easier to take more off than put some back on!!

Tim