John A Nichols Hammer Gun

Eldon Goddard · 03-18-2015, 10:25 PM

I picked up my 10 ga John Nichols hammer gun yesterday at the post office. I have been looking for a Nichol Lefever and a friend had a couple in his collection a higher grade and this E grade that I purchased from him. This gun is completely restored. I believe the Nichol Lefevers are the most beautiful American hammer guns. To me they look more English than American. I will post some pictures this weekend when I am actually home in the daylight. Does anyone else own or shoot a Nichol Lefever or a John A Nichols hammer gun?

Bill Murphy · 03-19-2015, 03:20 PM

No, I don't own or shoot any Nichols guns, but I would like to. My meager Lefever collection does not yet include any pre-Lefever Arms Company guns. I can't wait to see the pictures. My favorite Lefever is my 16 gauge hammerless pivot lever #9568, which the Lefever Gun Collectors Association tells me is the first known top lever hammerless gun made by Lefever. When I found the gun, I had no idea of its significance in Lefever history.

George Lang · 03-19-2015, 05:20 PM

I have a 10 gauge Nichols Lefever, Grade E, 34" barrels with fairly modern stock dimensions. Great gun and fantastic shooter. Mine is all original condition about 65% bbl pattern and 85% metal and wood. Enjoy it

Bill Murphy · 03-20-2015, 08:24 AM

Every one of my Lefevers has modern stock dimensions.

Eldon Goddard · 03-21-2015, 03:46 PM

Here are the photos first taken with my new iPhone.

Bill Murphy · 03-21-2015, 06:40 PM

More pictures.

Eldon Goddard · 03-21-2015, 09:44 PM

Sorry Bill can not figure out how to resize pictures on the iphone.

charlie cleveland · 03-22-2015, 07:23 PM

mighty nice gun...should make a fine turkey gun...charlie

Jim Signore · 03-27-2015, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Murphy

My favorite Lefever is my 16 gauge hammerless pivot lever #9568, which the Lefever Gun Collectors Association tells me is the first known top lever hammerless gun made by Lefever. When I found the gun, I had no idea of its significance in Lefever history.

I have a 16ga F grade pivot lever 10398. Bought it as a project a few months ago so still working on it but I can't wait to shoot it! That Nichols is a beautiful piece though, great find!

Kensal Rise · 03-28-2015, 09:11 AM

The basic action frame and locks of this gun look very much like those of a W. & C. Scott hammer gun of that period. Especially the percussion style firing pin skirts. And while I can't say for sure, I'm willing to bet that Scott is where the basic forgings were sourced.