doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com E. J. Churchill XXV Premier, forend won't latch

Hi, the only ones that I have that have this issue (I'm sure my list is short and the world offers many many variations) is my Purdey 6-bite oxu (1939) designed during Atohl Purdey�s time and a real SOB to re-assemble if un-cocked and rotary bolt LC Smith.

I�m of the opinion that storing sidelocks un-cocked is better for main spring life so my normal routine is load snapcaps, release both locks, remove forend, break the gun apart. Of course this leaves the ejector spring(s) compressed but I think coil springs are fair less a problem than main springs.

I would be interested in hearing others chime in on this practice but I am guessing this argument will likely never be fully settled.
Also I would like to learn more of the best practice to re-cock doubles that have this issue as I don�t quite grasp the steps described I wonder if there are any more complete description on how to use a piece of dowel rod or the edge of bench. Also I google but don�t much on cocking tools. Are these shop made � purpose made or what?

Thanks in advance for any response, I find all of your comments helpful and useful. As an aside I stumbled upon some Larry Potterfield�s videos that I find excellent and his series with English trained gunsmith Jack Row on English doubles are wonderful: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEUyTWz75c-r96hvqhOuKFxJ0w8uvRP2n

I answer your question the way I decide for myself.
Which event is more rare?

I've never broken a leaf spring, and only 2 coil springs. It seems leaving firearms cocked is of no consequence generally or at least from my experience.

Damaging firearms from dis-assembly, reassembly, is common. So, I leave them together after cleaning/wiping.
Crumbly, oily, stocks are real common, so I do as little lubricating as possible.

YMMV, naturally.