Why did it bite her?

[ctwo]

They had a break barrel 12ga with the release lever on top center. Cut down stock.

I think the recoil pushed that lever into the web between thumb and index finger. Guy says the lever automatically opens to eject the shell, but that's not what I would expect. So they think the lever opened and closed on her skin.

Tell me a break barrel will open when fired...

 

[OaklandF4i]

In my decades of shooting break action shotguns, I’ve never been bitten by the top lever which opens the action. Unlike some 1911s, high powers, or other hammer action semi auto pistols that may bite the web between thumb and index finger. Somewhat common on some pistols in my experience.

That said, the top lever wouldn’t open and close to bite the hand either. The lever doesn’t move that easily from the recoil motion at all, it takes lateral force perpendicular to the shotgun. Never seen a top lever open unintentionally either.

It is not an automatic function after firing either of the barrels. Some models do eject shells, vs just extract them, after applying force to the top lever and opening the action.

Loose trigger hand grip, in combination with a shortened pistol group, or improperly mounted, and the hand slid forward for the bite would be my guess. The top lever didn’t move, or shouldn’t have, isn’t designed to.

I shot 9-10k shells last year, almost exclusively with break action shotguns. Not a pro, but have some experience.