how to straighten a bent Stoeger SxS release lever

[Dred Bob]

I bought a nice well broken in Stoeger Coach SxS at our last match.  It is tuned and runs nice however it has a release lever that is bent (intentionally) and I don't like the feel of it and it actually makes it more difficult to release (for me).   How can I *fix* this lever?  just grab a pair of pliers?  get the torch?  are they made that way so if I want a straight one I need to find a replacement lever?  

[The Original Lumpy Gritz]

Remove it and heat to red before straightening 

[Griff]

3 hours ago, The Original Lumpy Gritz said:

Remove it and heat to red before straightening 

Or, see your local blacksmith's shop.  

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

Photo so we can see where and how much it is bent?

[Three Foot Johnson]

1 hour ago, Griff said:

Or, see your local blacksmith's shop.  

Walmart has them, between automotive and paint. 

[Hoss]

Or find some with a straight lever that wishes it was bent and trade! 

[Dogmeat Dad, SASS #48563L]

If you don't want to do the Heat & Beat blacksmithing thing, there are some for sale on eBay, although I don't know if these are interchangeable with what you have.

 

Click the link or search for Stoeger Shotgun Lever

[Dred Bob]

5 hours ago, Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 said:

Photo so we can see where and how much it is bent?

 

[Sam Sackett]

Yep. It’s bent. 
 

Sam Sackett 

[Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933]

No big deal.  You can probably bent it cold with the lever still in the gun.  The metal is not that hard.  Just put a cresent wrench on the tab and pull it over to the right.  If you are ultra cautious you can remove the lever from the gun and heat it.  If you do it cold and it breaks Numrich sells them for $12.00.  (Look under Boito rather than Stoeger.)  Are you left handed?  Most right handers would have not problem with that bend.

 

[Dred Bob]

2 hours ago, Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 said:

No big deal.  You can probably bent it cold with the lever still in the gun.  The metal is not that hard.  Just put a cresent wrench on the tab and pull it over to the right.  If you are ultra cautious you can remove the lever from the gun and heat it.  If you do it cold and it breaks Numrich sells them for $12.00.  (Look under Boito rather than Stoeger.)  Are you left handed?  Most right handers would have not problem with that bend.

 

 

Thank you.  I'll give it a try.  As long as it's a part I can get replacements for there's no downside.  

 

I'm right handed but it feels uncomfortable and during a couple of reloads I actually missed or fumbled the lever.  I could probably get used to it but it definitely isn't improving my reloads.  

 

edit: after looking up the part referenced and a couple more google searches I learned that Stoeger is actually South American made by Boito.   I've learned a lot from reading your posts and advice.  Thank you sir.

[Johnny Meadows,SASS#28485L]

On 9/25/2024 at 3:01 PM, Larsen E. Pettifogger, SASS #32933 said:

No big deal.  You can probably bent it cold with the lever still in the gun.  The metal is not that hard.  Just put a cresent wrench on the tab and pull it over to the right.  If you are ultra cautious you can remove the lever from the gun and heat it.  If you do it cold and it breaks Numrich sells them for $12.00.  (Look under Boito rather than Stoeger.)  Are you left handed?  Most right handers would have not problem with that bend.

 

What Larsen says.

I put that bend in them while there on the gun and do it just like Larsen's picture.

Johnny M.

[Dred Bob]

worked like a charm. 

 

No Stoegers were harmed during the text exchange of this topic.