We've beat this to death several times before, likely changing no one's mind. The Browning owner's manuals both for the Superposed and the BSS say to close the action, allowing the bolt to snap into place. They specifically add that the lever should not be retarded or held up in any way. Beretta says the same thing, as I recall. I watched the head smith at Purdey's close a 130 year old SxS, out of the company collection, by snapping it closed. No thumb on the lever. NOBODY SAID SLAMMING!

> Jim Legg <