New H&R 1871 Pardner Compact 20 gauge

[jeffcneal]

I've got a safe full of HR/NEF single shots, but this is my first "New York" gun.  The action is incredibly stiff to open and close.  It seems to function fine with a snap cap but I have yet to fire a live shell.  Is the stiffness of the action just the way things are now or is it indicative of a problem?
Jeff
 
 
 
 

[gendoc]

it jus needsta be operated.......   mite have lived on tha shelf a while. take her down an do a
good clean'n and lube.  you'll be all gud 

[jeffcneal]

Gendoc:
Thank you sir!
Jeff

[rdlange]

Honestly it could be your forend is too tight.  Try with the forend detatched.  If that helps, remove the forend spacer and sand the flat side a little bit [just a little].  Also lube the forend spacer where it rubs on the metal receiver, which helps too.
 
this helped mine.
 

[jeffcneal]

rdlange:
Thanks for the tip.  I'm about to re-stock it with Choate furniture, but I'll check that out before I do.
Jeff

[ThomasB]

My H&R .410 was ridiculously tight. I had to take off the forend, remove the spacer and sand the wood down a little in back where the spacer screws in. I taped a piece of 200grit sandpaper to a flat table and then made two passes. I rescrewed the spacer on and put forend back on (without screw). Its was still pretty tight but better. I had to do it again for a total of about 8-9 passes and now it works great. Still a little resistance but the bbl will drop when I hold it out straight and push the release. Hopefully the new furniture will help the problem.

[jeffcneal]

ThomasB:
Fortunately, the furniture swap totally eliminated the problem.  But thanks for passing on that trick, it'll be good to know for next time.
regards,
Jeff

[ThomasB]

Your welcome. Now, we need pix of the new furnature and shooting report <G>.

[jeffcneal]

ThomasB:
On the way!
regards,
Jeff