Old 16 Ga. SXS Questions

R

Rockrivr1

New member
I've recently come into possesion of an older 16 ga side by side shotgun that has been kicking around the family for a while.

The shotgun is stamped with a LeFever Nitro Special logo on one bbl and LeFever Arms Branch, Ithaca Gun Company on the other.

The finish on it is like dull silver. I'm not sure if that was how it looked new but that's the way it looks now. There is what appears to be a goose flying over a water scene on both sides of the receiver. It's a little worn but you can still make out the engraving pretty good. Even though it looks a little faded the gun is in pretty good shape.

It has a lever on top of the receiver to break open the bbls and there is also a saftey switch on top as well. There are two triggers and a bead site at the top of the bbl.

The serial number is 3504XX on the metal and wood. The wood also has another number of 504XX on it that is not on the metal.

Does anyone have any information on this and maybe an approximate worth?

Thanks, any information will be appreciated.
 
Not in the league of a high grade Parker or Fox, it's a good working shotgun.

Dan Lefever was a genius, and designed/built shotguns that still are among the best ever made.

The Nitro Special was a low grade double that was well made and of good materials and design.

Like all old guns, it should be checked out by a competent smith before firing. It also probably has a chamber shorter than that needed for modern ammo, like 2 9/16" or 2 1/2".

This is correctable for most old guns, or one can use the high priced Brit and Euro shells for these.

These are in and out of fashion, but in decent shape this is worth more than $500,less than $1500.

Check with Harley Nolden at his forum, he and the gang can nail it closer.

I'd LOVE to have this as a family gun. Shoot it, take care of it, and pass it down a few more generations...
 
Rockrvr1
I owned one some years back and found it to be a solid well made gun. I have restocked many of these shotguns and I like them. I have attached the LeFever story below.

HJN
 
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