I have an Ithaca Lewis model double that is in excellent condition. Everything functions properly, except that the toplever returns to the center position when the gun is open. The bolt is tapered on the top, so when the gun is closed, the barrel lug pushes the bolt back and the toplever goes to the right and then comes back to center when the gun is completely closed. Is this the way the gun is supposed to function, or should the lever stay to the right with the bolt retracted when the gun is open?
Walt Snyder states in his book that the Crass and Lewis Models are very similar in their internal design. There is a photo of a Crass Model receiver with the barrels removed, and the lever is locked to the right as you would expect. Since my gun is over 100 years old and looks to have never been apart, is it possible that there is just a broken spring or a frozen part somewhere that is the culprit? Has anyone ever had one of these apart? Does anyone have a Lewis Model gun, and if so, does the lever stay to the right when the gun is open? Thanks for any info you can provide. Bill
