latch engagement older h&r single shotgun any ideas?

[columbia_shotguneer]

Would appreciate any guidance for an slightly older topper 12 gauge I think its an 80's model. Went through all the shimming barrel lug didn't touch the latch engage ment underlug. It seems to be latching up too close to the top of breech, most of my other collection of fie/winchester/marlin single shotguns lock up alot lower again the action. Any ideas? Thanks

 

[Goatwhiskers]

Smoke your latch shelf and see how much engagement you have. Then we can advise you. Shimming the lug pivot point is mainly for tightening barrel to frame fit at the chamber end. GW

 

[columbia_shotguneer]

I'll try smoking it with a candle. Wondering if I might have too much metal around latch shelf on barrel. Tried already a .001 shim on it and it would not latch up making me think it made it too tight of fit for lockup.