Browning BSS forend unlatch following shot

[Skull Man]

Wonder if any one else has encountered this issue with their double? Put a lifetime worth of shells through it so it may just be getting tired. If anyone has any suggestions it would be greatly appreciated.

[elkhunter11]

Are the screws holding the latch assembly still tight?

[Skull Man]

Yes, I made sure they were really tight after the first time it happened. Didn't seem to help.

[tikka250]

Could you have lost a spring?

[elkhunter11]

Could you have lost a spring?

Ir it could be jammed or broken.

[bobinthesky]

Sounds like it has a lot of rounds through it and have probably worn out the latch.

[tikka250]

Sounds like it has a lot of rounds through it and have probably worn out the latch.

Doubtfull. a shooting buddy of mine has 30 000+ through his and no worn latch yet.

[elkhunter11]

Doubtfull. a shooting buddy of mine has 30 000+ through his and no worn latch yet.

I can't imagine taking the gun apart and putting it together enough times to wear out the actual latch. I can understand a spring being jammed full of crud or breaking, or the tip of the latch or the piece that it meshes with somehow being broken.

[fps plus]

HELLO Gorilla tape !

[Skull Man]

I may have to buy a really thin slot head screwdriver to dig in and find out what's going on, possibly the latch spring needs replacing.

Although gorilla tape would work (and that would be funny), still like the gun enough not to insult her like that :)

[tikka250]

I may have to buy a really thin slot head screwdriver to dig in and find out what's going on, possibly the latch spring needs replacing.

Although gorilla tape would work (and that would be funny), still like the gun enough not to insult her like that :)

if you do find the broken part your best chance for finding parts will likely be here. https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/Browning-33164/Shotguns-35562/B-SSStandardModel-40776.htm?page=5

[Dean2]

Latch letting go under recoil is clearly an issue with the spring or the latch itself. I have seen Browning latches where a small piece of the latch breaks off and it won't hold. More common is the springs are worn or crudded up. It is very easy to remove the latch and assembly, just be careful not to chip the finish. Clean up all parts and check the end of the latch closely for breakage. If clean and no break, install new springs. Guaranteed that will fix the problem.

[bobinthesky]

Doubtfull. a shooting buddy of mine has 30 000+ through his and no worn latch yet.


A lot depends on how well the latch was fitted from the factory, some are better than others. I've seen latches let go long before a few thousand rounds although not necessarily on a BSS.