Welcome to the PGCA Bruce. That is a beautiful gun. I’d say most of us buy RST shells but if they aren’t available you can try posting in General Discussion forum and ask what others are using.

Buy a wall thickness gauge with your leftover cash. This gun may be thick enough for common 1200 fps field loads.

Bill:

Yea. I am going to have them checked. They do seem thick but looking thick and being adequate are two different things. I am going to have them miced when I send them to be cleaned up.

Very nice Bruce! I have one the Dr. gave me as a gift. Took me a couple years to bring mine all together. I found screws, replaced springs, did some checkering and rubbed some finish. I like your engraving, the dogs are very realistic looking! These old LeFevers are something special! Mine's a field gun, your's could be also, don't deprive yourself!
Chris,AZ

Chris:

Thanks for the comment. These guns ARE something special. I really like the wood on your gun. Walnut comes in so many colors phases and grain looks. What is the butt stock on your gun ? Is it original ?

I will likely use it shooting skeet, doves and some waterfowl. My ability to walk much has diminished. Not that I planned it that way.

Bruce, my buttstock is straight with a Redhead pad I think. Not sure if pad was original, it was missing so I ground an old one I had. Single select trigger, 28" Damascus IC & IM I believe, ejectors. The Dr. bought it as a package deal, came out of Pennsylvania. He gifted It to me. It came in parts and I put it all back together and returned it to the bird fields. Haven't shot it in awhile. I think I'll take it and a little DS 20 I have out this weekend to shoot some birds. I load 3/4 ounce, Win Lite, Win 209, AA hulls. Off hand I'm not sure, but I think PSI is 5600, maybe 1050 - 1100FPS? Has recoil of a 410... I can adjust loads with 7/8 or 1 ounce. If I want. I love mine and I know you'll be loving your's soon enough!
Chris, AZ

Chris:

That must have been an interesting rebuild. I have seen these Lefever's taken apart and I am not sure I want to get into that....

My question above had to do with "what kind of walnut is that?" I really like the lines....

I should add; God willing the gun will see some dove, waterfowl, and target shooting. And, of course, some showing off.

Here are a couple better pics of the stock. I know LeFever used English, French and Circassion walnut. I don't know my woods. Perhaps Chris Dawe or Brian Dudley could help identify. I just cleaned the wood, freshened up the checkering and rubbed some finish in. I wanted to keep the character and age to match the metal. We are lucky to have these old guns Bruce, not a lot of them around to be had. Hope you enjoy your's as much as I do mine!
Chris, AZ

Chris:

Thanks so much for your reply.

Yea, I know, these great guns are something to special. Many represent great family history and have great stories to tell.

I am saving your pics if thats OK..

You're right about the stories Bruce. I tell my buddies if they listen hard enough, they'll hear those stories from the past, as told by the gun! I'm a believer in returning these old relics to the field. You're more than welcome to the pics! I may have more this weekend after we shoot birds. Taking my DS20 along also. Keep us up to date with yours.
Chris, AZ