The first time a shotgun is cycled every part invloved is, in theory, worn. The amount of wear might be only an "atom or two," but it is there. That said, we always come back to the questions of how weel to make any repair. We must always consider sensitivity to the aesthetics of the original gun, cost, need for future durability wishes of the owner, etc. But then, we have said all that. The best repair is the one that fufills the most wishes at the highest level for the least cost.
The mechanically best repair would be one where:
- The hinge pin has a round section of hard metal,
- The hook has a round section of hard metal,
- Hook and pin have concentric axis,
- Surfaces have sufficient clearance for a lube film,
- Surface finish is conducive to lube retention.
