If a Handi does not lock up when you gently/slowly close it

[wreckhog]

but does lock up when you close it with authority, it is tight and will probably wear in? Correct? This will be a high pressure, high recoil Handi. For which I have zero ammo or brass at present. More play in the release lever than normal when locked up.

[necchi]

I personaly don't close any gently and slowly.
The only way to see, really, is to "smoke" the shelf and verify the latch/shelf lock up contact.

And it's gonna be a Looong time wearing in with a gental closeing. You could reduce the shelf for a good lock-up with a gental close, BUT, you might have difficulty opening after the round is fired and the latch climbs up the shelf.
IMHO, gental closeing leads too pop-open, a detriment to accuracy. 

[quickdtoo]

Well said necchi. 

Tim

[gcrank1]

I handled a few nice, vintage double shotguns, and they 'slip into ' lockup ever so nice. Perfectly, a joy to think of the fitting done to achieve it. My H&Rs arent like that, maybe never will be, the locking is different I believe. Plus, those vintage shotguns had how many years of use and rounds through them? Not unlike an old Colt's or S&W with those silky triggers? Broke in from use.
I dont like my Handi's popping open, so I 'close with authority' and when I do they stay closed and work decently.
When I fit something up, I like to start with things on the tight side and slowlyyy use it and final fit it. Its way easier than trying to put metal back on.