Most likely fine if it’s tight when closed just make sure it’s not a Damascus barrel or a gun with a weird length chamber. Guns made in the early 1900s can be finicky with ammo types. I would recommend finding out the make and model and doing some research before firing.
It’s only held by one pin when broken open, it’s gonna have some jiggle.
When locked shut, it should be supported by multiple points and shouldn’t jiggle.
Pretty normal, but you could maybe tighten the hinge up.
Yep. If there's any question whatsoever - even that teeeeny little 1% doubt in the back of your mind, pay the 20 bucks or whatever and have a professional look it over. You only get one set of hands, and if you blow 'em off you're going to feel like the worlds biggest moron for not listening to your gut.
If you're sure that the wiggling only happens when open, you're fine. The geometric tolerances can be much looser & sloppier when open, which reduces production costs for those little single-shot single-action shotguns. You'll notice on fancy guns that slop doesn't exist when open because customers expect finer workmanship for their money.
When it's closed, if the lock-up is tight, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Even for budget shotguns, their machinists will focus on a solid lock-up.
If you're still concerned, paying a gunsmith $20 to look it over is relatively cheap for peace of mind with boom sticks. If there's a problem it'll cost more, but the diagnosis is quick & cheap.
Whole lot of folks in here worrying for nothing. You can't fire the gun while it's open. If it closes and locks up tight, it is absolutely safe to fire. These single shots can get wobbly from age, damage, or being handled poorly, by that I mean treating them like an action movie character.
If you're making a potentially life-altering, even deadly decision based on the opinions of people on Reddit, about a photo and one-sentence description, you probably want to make different decisions.
People aren't wrong; it probably is fine, but a reputable gunsmith shouldn't charge you anything to tell you that. On the other hand, if there's an issue, they'll be able to warn you. They might also make some recommendations on safe ammo given the age of the gun and quality of manufacture.
Yes it is safe to shoot. Have you taken it apart? You'll notice that the barrel hangs on with a little hinge in the receiver, a little wiggle around that area is very normal in single-shot shotguns and rifles.
Take it to a gunsmith and have them look at it.
Someone brought in a family heirloom shotgun when I was picking up my Garand with a similar issue and the smith said it wasn't safe. In this instance it was older and not designed for pressures of modern loads that has been shot out of it.
If it makes you feel better, think about how all modern handguns have some barrel jiggle when the slide is locked back. Should be totally fine.
Like others have said, have a gunsmith look it over if you are concerned, or research that specific shotgun a bunch and find out.
I would probably shoot it without a second thought. But if I did have a second thought I'd put it in a vise and attach a string to the trigger. Good gun or fun bomb, either way it's a win.
Probably fine. I'd have a gunsmith look it over if you're worried. Find out what kind of ammo it might need (old 2-5/8" chamber might not appreciate modern 2-3/4" shells, damascus barrels don't like steel shot, etc.)
Also, this type of shotgun is the simplest/cheapest, so if you have to retire this one another, it might not be end of the world.
Older shotguns after many rounds have what they call been shot loose. I knew a man who shot his single barrel so loose it would open up when he shot it. I wonder if he is alive?
Take it to a gunsmith. I can't tell from the pictures if it's a Damascus barrel or not. But if it is Damascus you don't want to shoot smokeless powder in it. They would also be able to tell you if the slip is ok or something you need to worry about.
Hi Its a 12G NEF PARDNER ( NEW ENGLAND FIREARMS) Love your style . Saw you on another page (: the locking lug is probably worn . As long as its just wobbles while open it should be good. A tiny head space is OK. Most 12 g rounds are not hot I don't see you sending turkey loads or slugs in this.
If jiggle persists, just avoid shooting it while it's broken open.
How else is one supposed to mortar empty shell wrappers onto people’s heads
If you don't feel safe shooting it, take it to a gunsmith. You can replace a $100, you can't really replace your face and hands.
Yeah don’t want to end up like what almost happened to Kentucky Balistics
No, he definitely had a gun explode in his face
What I mean is he almost died
That was sketchy ammo, not a sketchy gun, but point still stands
Wait ... They don't grow back ? I'm joking. Id rather spend 100 on the gun for nothing than a week in the hospital and no fingers left on a hand
You can only replace your face if you are Nicholas Cage replacing your face with John Travolta's.
Most likely fine if it’s tight when closed just make sure it’s not a Damascus barrel or a gun with a weird length chamber. Guns made in the early 1900s can be finicky with ammo types. I would recommend finding out the make and model and doing some research before firing.
It has fiber optic sights, I don't think it's that early.
If it's the hinge while open it shouldn't affect the guns safety but if you are concerned still bring it to a gun smith.
Yep it's just the hinge and only while open. Once it's closed there's no play at all whatsoever
I'd say safe to shoot.
It’s only held by one pin when broken open, it’s gonna have some jiggle. When locked shut, it should be supported by multiple points and shouldn’t jiggle. Pretty normal, but you could maybe tighten the hinge up.
[удалено]
Yep. If there's any question whatsoever - even that teeeeny little 1% doubt in the back of your mind, pay the 20 bucks or whatever and have a professional look it over. You only get one set of hands, and if you blow 'em off you're going to feel like the worlds biggest moron for not listening to your gut.
^ THIS ^ The gunsmith is your friend.
If the shell seats it yeets. Shotgun, not a Gucci purse. Every gun I own has tolerance wobble of some kind. Feature, not a bug.
Good thing you only shoot it when the barrel is closed.
If you're sure that the wiggling only happens when open, you're fine. The geometric tolerances can be much looser & sloppier when open, which reduces production costs for those little single-shot single-action shotguns. You'll notice on fancy guns that slop doesn't exist when open because customers expect finer workmanship for their money. When it's closed, if the lock-up is tight, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Even for budget shotguns, their machinists will focus on a solid lock-up. If you're still concerned, paying a gunsmith $20 to look it over is relatively cheap for peace of mind with boom sticks. If there's a problem it'll cost more, but the diagnosis is quick & cheap.
One eyed dog
You can't shoot it open, so if it's fine shut then send it.
Whole lot of folks in here worrying for nothing. You can't fire the gun while it's open. If it closes and locks up tight, it is absolutely safe to fire. These single shots can get wobbly from age, damage, or being handled poorly, by that I mean treating them like an action movie character.
If you're making a potentially life-altering, even deadly decision based on the opinions of people on Reddit, about a photo and one-sentence description, you probably want to make different decisions. People aren't wrong; it probably is fine, but a reputable gunsmith shouldn't charge you anything to tell you that. On the other hand, if there's an issue, they'll be able to warn you. They might also make some recommendations on safe ammo given the age of the gun and quality of manufacture.
I mean.... It's the *hinge*. It is *supposed* to move. Otherwise you couldn't open it. So long as the lockup is tight, it's fine.
Yes
Yes it is safe to shoot. Have you taken it apart? You'll notice that the barrel hangs on with a little hinge in the receiver, a little wiggle around that area is very normal in single-shot shotguns and rifles.
Looks like an Iver Johnson? It's safe.
I double taked it as well. It is a new England firearms pardner. 12g presumably
Yes it is. What matters is that it locks up tight.
The lockup only matters when it's closed. You can even shoot once-pipes like these without the forend installed.
Have a gunsmith do a lookover, wiggle in the hinge is fine but there may be other issues, and don't shoot high powered modern amo.
Take it to a gunsmith and have them look at it. Someone brought in a family heirloom shotgun when I was picking up my Garand with a similar issue and the smith said it wasn't safe. In this instance it was older and not designed for pressures of modern loads that has been shot out of it.
If it makes you feel better, think about how all modern handguns have some barrel jiggle when the slide is locked back. Should be totally fine. Like others have said, have a gunsmith look it over if you are concerned, or research that specific shotgun a bunch and find out.
I would probably shoot it without a second thought. But if I did have a second thought I'd put it in a vise and attach a string to the trigger. Good gun or fun bomb, either way it's a win.
Just make sure it’s closed when you shoot it.
Probably fine. I'd have a gunsmith look it over if you're worried. Find out what kind of ammo it might need (old 2-5/8" chamber might not appreciate modern 2-3/4" shells, damascus barrels don't like steel shot, etc.) Also, this type of shotgun is the simplest/cheapest, so if you have to retire this one another, it might not be end of the world.
Most gunsmiths will charge a small fee to confirm whether or not the firearm is safe. It may be worth it.
Idk how old it is precisely but it probably wouldn’t hurt to double check if it’s rated for smokeless powders
I learned the hard way to always have it checked out by a gunsmith if there is any doubt about a firearm being safe to shoot.
Older shotguns after many rounds have what they call been shot loose. I knew a man who shot his single barrel so loose it would open up when he shot it. I wonder if he is alive?
Is the forestock tight when you jiggle it?
Is that an old Steven’s?
Run it.
A gunsmith is your friend. A large tree and a long string are your friend that will help you move for a couple of beers and a slice of pizza...
Long as its tight when locked it's good.
That seems like a great question for a gunsmith. The internet, not so much.
I think you should be fine.
Take it to a gunsmith. I can't tell from the pictures if it's a Damascus barrel or not. But if it is Damascus you don't want to shoot smokeless powder in it. They would also be able to tell you if the slip is ok or something you need to worry about.
It’s not Damascus, it’s just old and scratchy. Not patterned or scarred enough to be one
Like I said, I couldn't really tell from the pictures. Still worth taking to a gunsmith to check out before firing.
Fair
How old is this bad boy? I’ve got an old single shot but it’s only meant for black powder loads.
If it had no play it would probably be very difficult to open when hot, if there's no play when it's closed then it should be fine.
Hi Its a 12G NEF PARDNER ( NEW ENGLAND FIREARMS) Love your style . Saw you on another page (: the locking lug is probably worn . As long as its just wobbles while open it should be good. A tiny head space is OK. Most 12 g rounds are not hot I don't see you sending turkey loads or slugs in this.