Mike, it is an ejector gun, Grade 2E, so your first picture would not be it as this stype of release wasn't available until the mid 1930's and the 3rd picture is for an extractor gun.
Pictures would help.
Newf, you first mentioned old Gr. 2E, does it have the clam shell for-end escutcheon or the banjo type? If it has the clam shell it is before 1901 and uses the first style ejectors which uses the cocking rods to activate them.
Since both sytles with the for-end release along with the "J" spring hold the fo-end snug to the barrels, one in the back of the loop and the "J" spring in the front. If the for-end is not loose on the gun when cocked, then I would use some prussian blue or lipstick and put it on the for-end where it mates to the knuckle of the receiver and see what kind of contact there is.
Last edited by JDW; 08/03/12 01:11 PM.
