I'm looking for some advice on how to handle this Lefever 12 gauge H project I purchased a while back. The previous owner had cut the barrels (too short to be safely shootable) and I purchased the gun primarily because the wood was in such good condition. I'm not a gunsmith and the barrels are so short they would need to be sleeved or replaced. The mechanics are sound and locks up tight with some surface rust on the side plates.

I'm primarily interested in getting some advice on how to handle a transaction should I decide not to restore it and make it available to someone else in the future. All the serial numbers match so I'm reluctant to destroy the barrels. I just want to make sure I don't get crossways with anything before offering it to anyone. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. also, BTW, If anyone on this site is interested in this gun minus the barrels, I'll make it available for what I have in it - $550 or b.o. and the obligatory $10 for the site.

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x300/ggwillia/LefeverH1.jpg?t=1194808786

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x300/ggwillia/LefeverH2.jpg?t=1194808880

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x300/ggwillia/LefeverH3.jpg?t=1194808928

http://i182.photobucket.com/albums/x300/ggwillia/LefeverH4.jpg?t=1194826669

It would seem that you would offer it to someone the same way it was offered to you. Can you perhaps clarify what your concern is?

My concern is the length of the barrels. Probably not legal length. I purchased the gun sans barrels originally but the seller eventually found them and sent them to me seperately (additional cost of course). I just want to make sure I follow the correct protocal for selling the gun.

I would talt to Buck Hamlin 636-479-4304, and see what options he may give you.
Craig

Legal barrel length for a shotgun is 18". No mysteries there. It either is 18" long or it isn't. If it isn't, I don't think you can legally sell it.

Thanks Jim. Kind of a shame the gun was ruined.

Taking a quick look at the ATF regs, the barrels must be 18" and the overall length 26". Technically, what you have now is not a shotgun but a "weapon made from a shotgun". Those may not be posessed!

Having dealt with this issue in my shop, after direction from the ATF(BATF&E), you could have the barrels "restored" or replaced if the old ones are under 18" and the overall length is less than 26". I have "restored" a number of A-5's, that were so "fixed-up". The short barrels I then crushed in a vice and trashed. Unfortunately fitting SxS barrels is not like fitting A-5's or 870's. Best of luck. Dr. Bill

BBls can be lengthened by turning & reaming opposite portions of the original & extension to about half the wall thickness & approx ½" long, then silversoldering together. This is of course much easier to do a single bbl than a double. For the double would likely need to make up a piloted reamer of correct dia to ream the ends of bbls & turn the "Tongue" on the extension. For a single bbl I normally do it the other way. Would want to make absolutely certain you left no Forward Facing step for wads to hang on. There would then of course be the problem of the rib. To put this much effort in an H grade would have to acquire it much "Cheaper".

Appreciate the information. Probably worth mentioning that the gun and barrels are intentionally not in the same geographic location just to be on the safe side. Probably not the best decision but can't bring myself to permit parting the gun out or using the stock elsewhere so I'll probably sleeve the barrels and keep it for my waterfowl gun.