Problems with an early Lefever safety

[Bruce Hering]

I posted this on the Lefever forums but thought I would post it here and see what ya all thought.

I just took delivery of a very nice G model. However, the seller did not mention that the safety would not “lock off safe”, i.e. it will not hold its position when pulled off safe and in fact there is a notable amount of spring pressure pushing it back on safe when I remove my thumb. Here is the gun:

https://i.imgur.com/QHOM3aw.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/EMkyo4h.jpg

Any ideas, before I try and find someone to fix what could be a simple repair that I might even be able to do. Also, does anyone know a competent smith close to down State Illinois who works on Lefevers just in case.

Thanks....

[Frank Cronin]

I can't help you but Buck Hamlin can. He is the Lefever master gunsmith. No website. Best time to call is in the morning.

Buck Hamlin
8501 Cedar Trail
Pevely MO 63070
(636) 479-4304

[Bruce Hering]

I can't help you but Buck Hamlin can. He is the Lefever master gunsmith. No website. Best time to call is in the morning.

Buck Hamlin
8501 Cedar Trail
Pevely MO 63070
(636) 479-4304

Thanks so much. I forgot about him.

EDIT: Talked to Mr. Hamlin today. I think we have the problem solved. He sure is a great guy......

[George Davis]

He is the Lefever master!!

[Bruce Hering]

He is the Lefever master!!

Yes he is. We talked for over 45 minutes and he solved the problem over the phone. As I stated above.... Not just The Master but a real nice guy.

He took an interest in the gun and we discussed the "transition" guns, from my dates, of which mine is one. We also talked about Damascus barrels etc.

[Bill Murphy]

Can you please explain the procedure for locking the safety off. The explanation in Elliott's book is not very clear. I need to lock my safety off because it is very stiff when operated manually. Thanks.

[Bruce Hering]

Can you please explain the procedure for locking the safety off. The explanation in Elliott's book is not very clear. I need to lock my safety off because it is very stiff when operated manually. Thanks.

Bill: I can tell you what Mr. Hamlin told me.

There is a small screw in your tang below the top lever. Hold the top lever to the right and turn that screw counter clock wise and it will engage the roller sear to the point of holding the safety slide in the rear position locking the safety off.

I think that is correct from what he told me today. Just a reminder which I am sure you know... Now your safety is locked off like on a pigeon gun.
The gun is in the fire position.

If you cant get that to work call Mr. Hamlin....

[Bill Murphy]

Thanks so much. My Lefever has been on the bench for a week trying to get oil under the safety slide. A non automatic or inoperative safety will solve the problem.

[Chris Robenalt]

Bruce, I don't know if you fixed this yet. The gun looks to have been restored so it's been apart and put back together. Sometimes the trigger plate will be snugged down too much. This puts the triggers too tight to the safety, not allowing the safety to slide back and forth freely. I've skimmed metal from triggers or the safety to correct this. Best to take the stock off, and reassemble receiver, and check the operation of the safety. I've done this with Smith and Lefever safetys many times. Just a thought? Buck Hamlin is the man to help though.
Chris, AZ

[Bruce Hering]

Thanks so much. My Lefever has been on the bench for a week trying to get oil under the safety slide. A non automatic or inoperative safety will solve the problem.

Bill: This may be a silly question but....

Does your safety slide have a hole in the forward end ? If so push it forward if ya can. Thats off safe position. Not locked and will return to safe when you open and recock the gun.... I think

[Bruce Hering]

Bruce, I don't know if you fixed this yet. The gun looks to have been restored so it's been apart and put back together. Sometimes the trigger plate will be snugged down too much. This puts the triggers too tight to the safety, not allowing the safety to slide back and forth freely. I've skimmed metal from triggers or the safety to correct this. Best to take the stock off, and reassemble receiver, and check the operation of the safety. I've done this with Smith and Lefever safetys many times. Just a thought? Buck Hamlin is the man to help though.
Chris, AZ

Chris: Thanks for the info. That was one of the things Buck and I talked about.