Hey guys this is more of a gunsmithing question but that section of the forum looked dead and i need and answers somewhat quickly. I was shooting my savage model 24 0/U .223/12 gauge yesterday. I shot one high brass turkey load and about 5 shots of .223 through it. Next thing when i shot it broke open in my face. The shell didn't eject or hit me but i shot it once more hip firing just to make sure i didn't lock it weakly the first time. It opened again. So i'm thinking i have a weak latch. First i need to find a gunsmith. How much do you think a problem like this could run me?

That sounds like what it would be and I don't think it would be that expensive for a new part and the labor, but I can't put a price tag on it since I'm not a smith. I'd call the Savage service department and see what they say before proceeding any further.

The latch has worne down needs replaced.

Might be better served to look through Numerich and look for a latch you could install yourself. The spring might be weak, the release lever might be loose from the latch, a lot of things could be going on. I'd check it out first, figure out which part/parts are in disrepair, and then fix it. These aren't very complex mechanisms, no reason you can't service it yourself.

ok well here is the deal. I disassembled it and cleaned it real well. It feels like its locking real solid, and it felt that way when i was shooting before. Now i was shooting this at my friends camp when it happened, that is 2 hrs away. I have a public range within a half hour of me. Is it a good or bad idea to test it there? if i do i can't hip fire it so i will be wearing safety glasses and hope the shell doesn't hit me in the face..I would just take a shot in the woods with it but my wmu is shotguns only.

alright thanks RR