Chamber drawings in Brophy's book Plans & Specifications for the L C Smith show chamber lengths to be exact length for the shell, no shortening with them. All of my 12 gauge Lefevers also have either 2 5/8" or 2 3/4", little doubt in my mind those with 2 5/8" chambers were intended for that length of shell. It is noted that SAAMI chamber specs from a time after the 2 3/4" shell had become standard in all three gauges allowed for a minimum chamber length of 2.614" in 12 gauge but 2 3/4" in both 16 & 20 gauges. It is my understanding this short chambering was due to a request from Trap shooters. Do we have any real evidence it was used in gauges other than the 12. Also do we have knowledge of earlier Parkers or Foxes with chambers shorter than a nominal 2 5/8" in length or were these short chambered guns all intended for the 2 3/4" shell. Inquiring minds want to know.
