Lefever Nitro Special 20 Gauge Side-by-Side Shotgun, 28" Barrels, Factory Goose Engraving — 1936 Production
This 1936 Lefever Nitro Special offers the classic American side-by-side experience in a lighter 20 gauge format. Built on a color-case-hardened steel frame and factory engraved with flying goose scenes, it blends utilitarian build quality with period artistry. Matching serial numbers on the receiver, barrel flats, and fore-end iron verify its original configuration, while the 28" chromoly steel barrels and matted solid rib underscore its field credentials.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Specific Condition Notes: Scattered scratches, blemishes, and widespread finish loss are present on the metal surfaces. There is a visible crack in the right side of the walnut fore-end, shown in picture #15.
What’s Included
- Lefever Nitro Special 20 Gauge side-by-side shotgun
Produced within the 1936 Nitro Special serial block, this shotgun retains its factory-cut extractor system rather than ejectors, keeping operation simple and reliable. The double triggers provide independent control of each cylinder-bored barrel, a feature valued by wingshooters who appreciate immediate choke selection.
The blued 28" chromoly barrels ride under a matted solid rib topped with a brass bead, offering a clear sighting plane that resists glare. Both barrels lock up tightly on the hinge pin, and the matching serial numbers confirm they left the factory together.
Color-case hardening on the receiver still shows visible pattern, framing the crisp flying goose engravings on both side-panels. These factory cuts add visual appeal without compromising the shotgun’s straightforward, workmanlike design.
The walnut stock sports a pistol grip, sharp checkering, and a hard-rubber grip cap. Length of pull measures 14.0", providing comfortable fit for most shooters. A splinter fore-end matches the stock’s finish; note the crack on its right side noted above.