Loose Ballard Lever?

[buffalobore]

I have a Ballard rifle the appears to have a loose lever. When I close the action the lever still has play between the lever and bottom of receiver. It rattles a bit and doesn't take but a bump to open the action when there is no cartridge present. Is this normal? Is there an adjustment that needs to be made?

Thanks

[Regnier (gunrunner)]

Buffalobore;

There is no adjustment to the Ballard lever problem. Generally, the cause is a worn lever pivot screw. Contact the Ballard Rifle Company and get a replacement from them first. The hole in the lever may have worn too, but since the lever is case hardened, the screw will wear first. If you want to see if that helps prior to buying a screw, wrap the screw with a very thin shim to see if it takes up the slack and tightens things up.
Good luck.......

[marlinman93]

When you order the lever pivot screw, also get the link screws. They also wear, and if you get all three, I'd almost bet it will really snap the lever up tightly.