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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 38 |
I recently acquired a Syracuse LeFever in a multiple gun purchase. Intially I didn't intend to keep the gun but the darn thing just comes up to my shoulder so good. The bores are a little rough but it still patterns quite well. It's a 16 ga., 28" IC/Xtra full with ejectors. I know very little about LeFevers and have some questions. One: the serial # is in the 66,000 range and the gun is quite plain with no engraving and no indication of grade I can see. What grade is the gun? Two: From looking at ads for other LeFevers it seems most or all came with ejectors. Is this the case?
Thanks for the help.
Last edited by cuzncletus; 08/31/09 05:58 PM.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 6,812 |
Info re: serialization by year of manufacture available under "Other useful information" on home page this site. Should be a letter stamped on water table indicative of grade. There are extractor guns.
jack
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
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Cuz: 16-ga. Lefevers are darned rare, so you're wise to hang on to it. TT
"The very acme of duck shooting is a big 10, taking ducks in pass shooting only." - Charles Askins
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Joined: Mar 2005
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2005
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Joined: Dec 2004
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2004
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Most Lefevers came with extractors, ejectors mainly on the higher grade guns, F thru A. Without pictures or a better description it is hard to know what you have. If it does not have cocking indicators, two small buttons on the side plates, it is probably a DS grade.If the top rib entension is rectangular in shape it is a DS, if the extension is rounded it is called a dolls head, and you probably have a G or H grade. The grade is usually stamped on the water table of the action.!^ and 20 guage guns are rare and most were in the DS grade range.
Craig
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
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As Craig stated, extractors are the norm. Do not believe all ads. I had a seller insist that a gun was 20ga with ejectors. After several conversations he finally admitted the gun in question was 12ga with extractors. Big difference in price. You can view various grades and get history here: http://www.lefevercollectors.com/The photos are very helpful: http://www.lefevercollectors.com/index.php?p=1_18_PhotosThe Lefever discussion forum. http://lefeverforum.informe.com/index.phpI strongly recommend Robert Elliot's book "Uncle Dan Lefever Master Gunmaker". The grade is stamped on the water table next to the serial number:  Pete
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 38
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 38 |
Thanks to all. On looking at the water table it is a DS grade. It is an ejector gun and they seem timed perfectly. Hopefully it will see the field this fall. I have guns I'm scared to take out. This is not one of them.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,786 Likes: 673
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,786 Likes: 673 |
You may already know this, but Lefevers and most other older doubles should not be shot with standard higher pressure off the shelf factory loads. Low brass does not mean low pressure. You might get away with factory loads for a little while, but it is very hard on 100+ year old wood and may quickly shoot loose as you hammer the bolting surfaces in the action. You also might want to check your chamber length to make sure it is not less than 2 3/4".
Voting for anti-gun Democrats is dumber than giving treats to a dog that shits on a Persian Rug
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 38
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 38 |
Keith;
Thanks for the tip. I had a gunsmith check it and it is 2 3/4 chamber. I hunt regularly with a 20 ga. Parker from the 30's and have had no problems. I don't want to tear anything up, though. Are any of the common off-the-shelf loads safe? Sounds like pheasants are out.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,723 Likes: 126
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,723 Likes: 126 |
Cuz, all Lefevers are antiques. Yours dates to 1913. I wouldn't shoot 'regular store bought' in your gun even if it has 2 3/4" chambers. Appropriate low pressure shells are available off the internet 'shelf' from RST or from Polywad (google'em) shipped to your door...Geo
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