Lafever Nitro Special Barrel Lengths

1921-1947

Moderator: ripjack13


Copper BB
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Apr 17, 2013 9:10 pm
PostPosted: Wed Apr 17, 2013 9:23 pm
I acquired a 1929 Lafever Nitro Special double barrel in 20 guage. The barrels measure 26". Did Ithaca manufacture 26" barrels or have they been cut?

.410
Posts: 63
Joined: Mon Feb 25, 2013 9:42 pm
Location: Tidewater Virginia
PostPosted: Thu Apr 18, 2013 9:53 am
The 1932 Stoeger catalog lists 20 gauge Lefever Nitro Specials in 26" and 28" lengths. So your barrels are probably original.
I am curious about the chokes on your gun. You should see numbers on the barrel flats - 4 means full, 2 is modified, etc.

.270 WIN
Posts: 429
Joined: Sat Jan 21, 2012 8:50 am
PostPosted: Thu Apr 18, 2013 3:34 pm
Look at the end of the barrels. Ensure that the area in between the barrels under the rib is filled. If not than the barrels where most likely cut. You can also measure the inside of the barrel to ensure there is a choke.

Copper BB
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Apr 17, 2013 9:10 pm
PostPosted: Sun Apr 21, 2013 9:55 am
Thanks for the replies. The right barrel has a "0" and the left barrel has a "2" on the barrel flats. On both barrels just before the flats "LLH" is stamped into each barrel. Additionally, the serial number is on the flats as well. Everything looks factory at the end of the barrels with no voids.

.270 WIN
Posts: 218
Joined: Wed Dec 19, 2012 12:26 pm
PostPosted: Sun Apr 21, 2013 12:29 pm
You got a good one!

.410
Posts: 63
Joined: Mon Feb 25, 2013 9:42 pm
Location: Tidewater Virginia
PostPosted: Sun Apr 21, 2013 12:39 pm
Yes, that's modified and cylinder bore. Not the most common combination, but a classic bird gun with 26" barrels.

Copper BB
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Apr 17, 2013 9:10 pm
PostPosted: Sun Apr 21, 2013 6:12 pm
Thanks Donald & Flues16 you have been a tremendous help. I will post some pics as soon as possible. I can't wait to shoot it and check out the patterns.

.410
Posts: 63
Joined: Mon Feb 25, 2013 9:42 pm
Location: Tidewater Virginia
PostPosted: Sun Apr 21, 2013 7:28 pm
peek52, while the Nitro Specials were a lower priced gun than the Ithaca doubles, they were strong and well made.
If your gun was made in 1929 it should have 2 3/4" chambers (Ithaca 20 gauge guns made before October 1926 have 2 1/2" chambers). Personally I would use lower powered shells to spare the 80+ year-old stock excessive recoil.
I look forward to seeing your pictures and hearing how it shoots!

Copper BB
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Apr 17, 2013 9:10 pm
PostPosted: Sun Apr 21, 2013 7:58 pm
Flues16, thanks for the heads up on using low powered shells. The gun is extremely tight. There is no movement whatsoever in the stock. I think I have a pretty sweet little bird gun that has not been shot much. Thanks again for all your help !!!

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