Thread: Shotgun shell latch staking

I had a jam with my net 12 gauge pump on Saturday and I couldn't clear it. The forend would not budge either. I got home and field stripped the shotgun and out fell the left shell latch. So I popped it back in place without much effort using a visegrip. My question is should I have it restaked?

The gun works and cycles properly now but I am not sure for how long.

They sell a tool for this but I really hope that this is a one time deal rather than an ongoing task

Often when you replace a shell latch the burrs caused by previous the staking must be removed before you can put the new shell latch in.

The fact that you were able to pop back the shell latch "without much effort" makes me believe that you should either have it restaked or buy the tool and do it yourself.

Correctly staked it should be a one time operation.

Really not the answer I wanted to hear. Well good to know. Thanks