The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]

Stiff forend release

Posted by John Chambers on March 7, 2026, 10:50 am

I have a 16 ga. Field Grade made in 1940 .
It takes considerable force to remove the forend
from the barrels. Is there a way to reduce the
force needed ? or, should I leave well enough alone.

Re: Stiff forend release

Posted by David Williamson on March 8, 2026, 9:28 am, in reply to "Stiff forend release"

I would leave it alone. The "J" spring is what is causing it to be hard to remove, but I suggest you leave it alone.
You could get a 1/4" dowel, flatten one side of the tip and put the flatten side down on the barrel and push under and pry up to remove.

Re: Stiff forend release

Posted by Steve Arnett on March 9, 2026, 6:47 am, in reply to "Re: Stiff forend release"

Sound advice, David. It's easy to strip the wood screws out of the forend without this trick.

Re: Stiff forend release

Posted by John Chambers on March 11, 2026, 4:26 pm, in reply to "Stiff forend release"

Thanks folks for your advice. The dowel approach

worked very well.

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