Lefever Nitro Special 20 Gauge Side-by-Side, 28-Inch Barrels, 1930s US-Made, Blued Barrels with Color Case-Hardened Receiver
This 1930s Lefever Nitro Special is a U.S.-made 20-gauge side-by-side with 28-inch steel barrels and 2 3/4-inch chambers. It features a color case-hardened boxlock receiver with the roll-stamped flying duck motif, a solid matted rib with a single brass bead, and classic double triggers with a tang safety. Marked with the Lefever/Ithaca maker line, it represents a well-regarded American field gun from the era.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Specific Condition Notes: The shotgun is solid for its vintage with widespread patina and finish wear. The walnut furniture shows scratches and blemishes, and the bores present as clean and shiny. The locking lug appears to have been tightened but not fitted. A gunsmith evaluation is recommended.
What’s Included
- Lefever Nitro Special 20-gauge side-by-side shotgun
The top-lever boxlock action uses a single central extractor (no ejectors), staying true to the Nitro Special’s straightforward, durable design. Operation is via double triggers with a tang-mounted safety, offering a familiar and reliable manual interface.
The 28-inch blued steel barrels are joined by a solid matted rib topped with a single brass bead, providing a simple, effective sighting reference. Chambers are cut for 2 3/4-inch shells, and capacity is two rounds.
Stocked in checkered walnut, this example has a pistol-grip buttstock and a splinter forend secured by a Deeley-style latch. A grooved hard-rubber buttplate completes the period configuration and complements the handling characteristics expected of a 20-gauge field gun.
The color case-hardened receiver carries the roll-stamped flying duck and marsh motif associated with the model. Barrel markings read "LEFEVER NITRO SPECIAL" with the maker line "LEFEVER ARMS, BRANCH, ITHACA GUN CO., INC., ITHACA, N.Y." The water table is stamped "PAT'D" and "20," aligning with its 1930s production era.