16 gauge Lefever GE double barrel shotgun
Of all the major American shotgun makers, the Lefever Arms Co. turned out the fewest side-by-sides – right around 70,000 or so in all. The vast majority of these were 12 gauges, followed by 10. Lefever turned out far fewer double barrels in 16 & 20 gauge, and finally any of them today, in any grade, is hard to do.
That makes this little 16 gauge GE grade a scarce gun, and the fact that it appears to be in excellent condition makes it even scarcer. Made around 1901-1902, this guns appears to be awfully original. I love the damascus bbls, and the ejectors are a nice bonus. As another plus, this 16 gauge was built on a 20 gauge frame (the X X marks on the action denote this), so I’m sure it’s a real lively shotgun.
BTW: under no circumstances should you lengthen the chambers on this gun to 2 3/4″. DON’T DO IT.
16 gauge Lefever GE double barrel shotgun
16 gauge Lefever GE double barrel shotgun, showing ejectors
16 gauge Lefever GE double barrel shotgun
Gregg, I shoot damascus Brit doubles all the time …most with extended chambers. I think you might enjoy reading the series in Double Gun Journal where old guns were overloaded. I had an e grade Lefever with me in South Dakota two years ago and it was deadly on roosters but alas I sold it. I really enjoy your blog and feel fortunate to receive it..best, Andy kelley
Andy- what do you shoot? I love damascus, but why open the chambers? I’ve read the articles in the DGJ, but I don’t like the idea of taking metal out of bbls, especially when short shells are easy to find.
Thanks for the post and kind wordss.
Gregg
I have a Lafever 16 gauge that my dad bought in 1944 and it was a used gun then.. All it says on the barrel is Lafever Arms Co. If it’s an Ithcha, would it not say so on it some place? I may be making a mistake with it though. I’m having it restored at this time. Keeping everything orginal though. Just having it spruced up and maybe reblued. Thats about all I know about it. It still shoots great though, little rough looking and I don’t really care if redoing it drops the value because, I want to just keep it in the family. Thanks guys for letting me share this with ya….