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Joined: Jan 2013
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Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3 |
Hello,
I'm new here. Thanks in advance for any information.
I have the chance to purchase a Nitro Special, 16 gauge, 2 3/4" chamber
( I measured it with a home made gauge). Made in Syracuse,NY. It is serial number 2580xx. The barrel has a PP mark and 28 (the barrels are 28") , each barrel also marked LLH The gun is in nice shape, bluing 90%, wood very nice, no cracks, locks up well (very, very slight play). Owner asking $450
Can anyone tell me about the barrel markings?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,758 Likes: 460
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,758 Likes: 460 |
The 'LLH' is the mark of Laurent Lochet-Habran, a Belgian barrel maker who supplied the 'rough forged tube' to many U.S. makers. This mark has been found on Fox, Baker, Lefever, Crescent, Ithaca (Flues, NID, Lefever Nitro Special, and Westernfield Deluxe/Western Arms Long Range), Hunter Arms Fulton and "Ranger" for Sears guns. If it's a Nitro Special it was made in Ithaca, by Ithaca Gun Co. The serial number does not fit the Lefever Arms Co. numbers, and if a Nitro Special should be 1928 http://www.ithacagun.com/pdfs/serialnumbers.pdf
Last edited by Drew Hause; 01/21/13 09:05 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Jan 2013
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Thank You Drew. I thought these barrels were "fluid steel". What do you think is the value of a shootable gun of this type?
There are other guns in this estate, but the collector bought "thriftily".
There is a LeFever serial 607xx 12 bore in poor shape, a Central Arm 12, Falcon 12,a Remington model 48 in poor shape. A almost new J C Higgins model 100 in 16 gauge, single trigger that resembles a Winchester model 21 for $300. I'm tempted on this one also.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,403 Likes: 17
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,403 Likes: 17 |
Nitro Specials were never made in Syracuse. All were made in Ithaca. My suggestion is to pass on all of them until you gain in your double gun education. No offense meant just that I think you need more experience before laying money on the line. JMHO.
Walter c. Snyder
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 978 Likes: 51
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 978 Likes: 51 |
I would pass as well. To gain double gun experience, find a nice light Belgian or French 16ga guild gun in that same price range and you'll be hooked. Many are around 6lbs vs almost 7lbs for a typical 16 nitro special. Stir, rinse, repeat. Enjoy.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,572 Likes: 165 |
One problem with Nitros for many shooters, although they're solid guns, is that there's too much drop in the stock. Too low for modern shooting style.
The JC Higgins Model 100 with a single trigger is probably a Spanish gun made by AyA. If it doesn't have any problems, a 16ga for $300, almost new, should be a good buy.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,598 |
Thank You Drew. I thought these barrels were "fluid steel". What do you think is the value of a shootable gun of this type?
There are other guns in this estate, but the collector bought "thriftily".
There is a LeFever serial 607xx 12 bore in poor shape, a Central Arm 12, Falcon 12,a Remington model 48 in poor shape. A almost new J C Higgins model 100 in 16 gauge, single trigger that resembles a Winchester model 21 for $300. I'm tempted on this one also. LLH produced damascus and fluid steel, as did most Belgian suppliers. Stay away from guns in "poor shape" for the moment. Home made gauge, good thought. While the Higggins gun sounds better, not enough info. Welcome, keep asking questions. Pete
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,071
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,071 |
I would be looking at the Higgins 100 if it is in the condition you say it is.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,758 Likes: 460
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,758 Likes: 460 |
Some Nitro Specials got BOTH fluid steel and damascus   Courtesy of Brad Bachelder
Last edited by Drew Hause; 01/22/13 11:32 AM.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 580
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 580 |
Do you think those mismatched barrels came from the factory that way? If yes, why?
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