Description:
This is an early Lefever Arms Co. side-by-side shotgun. It's a G grade, and an early one by serial number (#18,095), placing its production around 1892.
Weight = 8 lbs. 2 oz.
30" Damascus barrels, choked FULL/FULL
Chambers are 2-3/4.
Condition: The gun is in great original condition overall, and would make an outstanding restoration candidate. Its strongest point is the wood to metal fit, which is the one thing a restoration can never fix if no good. The fit around the sideplates, on the tang, and beneath the frame, is outstanding. The frame and barrel metal retain essentially no color, but are un-scratched and dent free, and touch perfectly at the muzzle (i.e. they are un-cut). The exterior of the barrels have not a ripple in them, and it's easy to see that the faint Damascus pattern would come out strikingly if restored. The gun is a little tight, but functions 100%. A good fresh cleaning and lube would likely do wonders.
Both firing pins give good strikes, the cocking indicators work, extractor works, and all three sections (numbers matching) fit together perfectly.
The only negatives on this gun are: (A) a small section on the right side of the palm checkering which bears a dig, which while 1 inch or so in length, is not deep, and likely could be eliminated or largely minimized upon restoration; and (B) there is some pitting inside the barrels. I imagine it could be honed out, as the barrels have sufficient "meat" on them. And that's it for negatives.
The rib is tight and the barrels 'ring.' The stock wood, while weathered, is mostly unmarked, and you can see there's a beautiful red/brown color under there. On these early guns, even G grades were given great lumber, so if restored this one would be striking. The butt plate is the correct original monogrammed "LAC" plate, and the fore arm is of the early push button variety.
IMPORTANT: Federal Law dictates that this gun does NOT require an FFL to transfer, as it is considered an "antique." HOWEVER, IF the state you reside in has a law which requires this gun to be received by an FFL, I will have to ship to the FFL of your choosing. Prior to shipping the gun I will independently research whether or not I must ship to an FFL in your state, and by bidding on this gun you understand that I WILL NOT ship directly to you if in fact your state requires a receiving FFL for transfer. If your state does NOT have any laws superceding Federal interpretation of an antique, then you can just email me a photocopy of your driver's license so I can see that you're over 18, and the gun will ship directly to you.
Condition:
Used - See Item Description
Brand:
Lefever
Caliber:
12 Gauge
Location:
NY
Trades Accepted: No
Shipping Notes: The gun will ship via FedEx, either 2 or 3-day, depending on the cost to your locale.
I am NOT a dealer. So even if this firearm is C&R applicable, I MUST ship directly to an FFL you specify.
