Barrels under spring tension
Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2026 6:52 pm
I have a 20 ga Philly Sterlingworth (extractor)that retains spring tension on the barrels after opening. To slide a new shell in I have to manually hold the barrels down against the spring tension until they reach a hard stop, about 1/4" vertical movement at the breech face . I checked my late model Philly A grade 12 ga, and it too retains spring tension on the open barrels, but only about half as far, 1/8," and not enough to keep a new shell from seating in the chamber without holding them down against the tension. I am not enough of a gunsmith or mechanic to visualize what is happening. I dont see this as a major problem, although it is a bit of a nuisance when reloading the 20. Any thoughts would be gratefully appreciated.
Mike
Mike