Loose Take Down Lever

[Bubbazinetti]

I'd like to tighten a loose take down lever.The lever pivots loose about 10 degrees under the riveted head of the shaft.It doesn't dislodge from the divot in the receiver to cause a problem yet but I'd like to address it before it gets any worse.Is there a way to stake or peen the lever tight to the shaft without complete removal from the receiver?Or will I have to source a new take down lever kit and replace it altogether?

[Direct Connection]

I have 1 sks that the takedown lever was replaced at some point in time. So it doesn't lock. It cant due to the design. and everytime I shoot it the lever wants to work its way out because its not locked in. I wouldn't mess with it if yours is locked in and really don't cause any problems. Just my two cents 

[Larry D.]

Can the stamped portion be bent just a hair to tighten it up?

[Bubbazinetti]

Can the stamped portion be bent just a hair to tighten it up?

I tried that very gently a while back and it didn't seem to help at all.I didn't want to get too carried away with it.The trouble is the lever is loose under the head and flops around radially.The shaft of the takedown lever stays put.So i'm contemplating a technique to stake the lever tightly to the main shaft while it's still in the rifle but the factory riveted scope rail gets in the way of supporting the end of the shaft to allow me to peen the head on the opposite end against the lever.

I'm trying to do it cleanly and not have ugly stake marks visible from the repair.I've ordered a new surplus lever and retaining pin as a precaution.Just looking for a way to repair the original.I'll see if I can fashion a backer to go under the lever itself so that I can peen the end of the shaft with a large punch to secure the lever.

[Bubbazinetti]

Got it.I managed to peen the lever tight to the takedown shaft in the barreled action using a 3/4" hex nut and machine screw as a backer placed into the rear of the receiver.The cover latches tight now.I'll use the surplus takedown lever kit as a spare.Thanks to all for your suggestions.

[Larry D.]

That's great!
Sounds like a really good tip for others to fix their rifles.