1903 Lefever struts her stuff

[Frank Srebro]

Shooting with the gang today at Rock Mountain and I fielded a new to me G Grade Syracuse Lefever made in ~1903, 12-gauge, uncut 28" tubes with Light Mod and Strong Mod chokes. Probably ordered for the uplands at just a fraction under 7 pounds. She has Damascus barrels and I used a favorite 1-ounce load of 7-1/2's pushed by single-base "PB" powder at about 1150 speed and 5500 psi. I fired 53 shells and she broke 52. :)

I was alternating stations while shooting a Model 12 20-gauge pump gun and 7/8 ounce commercial loads. The Winny also did pretty well, although not quite up to that 117 year old Lefever that will be grouse hunting with me this fall.

First pic also includes my CV19 mask made by my wife from throwback early 70's peace sign fabric. It was a hit with my shooting buddies. :whistle:

[Dean Romig]

That's a cute little shooting bag Frank.





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[Craig Larter]

Frank nice shooting, I can't imagine shooting that well 52 out of 53 holly crap that's amazing, I have never shot with anyone that good. For myself and all my group we would be happy with 53 out of 75. :) I guess that's why none of us ever bother to shoot for score at vintage events, what's the point.
Nice gun!!

[charlie cleveland]

those lefevers are great guns I always liked those cocking idicators...that 20 ga looks nice to....charlie

[scott kittredge]

Frank, you always seem to find nice guns. Oh and great shooting !!
Scott

[Garry L Gordon]

I'm going to start wearing a mask when I shoot! (On second thought, maybe a blindfold would suit me just as well!:crying:)

What a wonder when you get a gun like that and it fits you so well. Congratulations...and post a photo of your first grouse taken with that nice gun, please.

[Frank Srebro]

Just to clarify, I had only 53 of the PB powder loads done up and missed one bird about half way through the shells. The Lefever fits me well for a hunting gun, with 2-5/8 drop and LOP a tad over 14”. These Syracuse Lefevers have a straight and wide top rib which is a great aid to pointing (and sighting if I dare use that word).

[davidboyles]

Frank you do come up with some real nice guns and evidently you can handle yourself with them.Congrats. I have a dandy little Model 12 20 ga solid rib that is a real quail buster you just have to look around to find those fired hulls!!!

[Frank Srebro]

David, I surely like solid rib Model 12's along with M12's with Simmons vent ribs. I know the latter aren't held in regard by purist collectors but they have their place in history, look way cool and few will argue with how they come up and shoot whether for clays or in the field.

Garry, not a grouse but here's another honest Lefever with a late '19 season cock bird taken on opportunity while walking to a grouse cover. This one is a 12-gauge G Grade with Ejectors, 1908 gun as I recall, with original/uncut 26" steel tubes choked 1/4 and 3/4. The papers are my reloads with #7 shot.

[Gary Laudermilch]

Arriving today, a win model 12 20 ga skeet gun with 26" solid rib barrel choked IC. This is a 1949 gun in its original box with papers. Never fired, supposedly. I haven't had one since I was a kid.

[Garry L Gordon]

David, I surely like solid rib Model 12's too along with M-12's with Simmons vent ribs. I know the latter aren't held in regard by purist collectors but they have their place in history. The good Simmons ones look way cool and few will argue with how they come up and shoot whether for clays or in the field.

Garry, not a grouse but here's another honest Lefever with a late '19 season cock bird taken on opportunity while walking to a grouse cover. This one is a 12-gauge GE, 1908 gun as I recall, with original/uncut 26" steel tubes choked 1/4 and 3/4. The papers are my reloads with #7 shot.

Frank, Thanks for posting the photo. These old guns can still "do it"...probably better than most of us old guys that carry them (at least in my case). You've inspired me to get my Lefevers out this coming season and see what I can do with them in my home covers. Again, thanks for posting. I sure like seeing these photos, especially with the season so far away.