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Forums10
Topics38,373
Posts543,987
Members14,389
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Most Online1,131 Jan 21st, 2024
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 14
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 14 |
Just found this forum and I have a couple of questions about a Nitro Special 20 ga that I have aquired. This gun has a single trigger, I understand most had double triggers. Was this standard on some models or special order? I am trying to determine the value of this gun. I have looked at pics of a few on the net and they don't come close to the condition of this one. It has a few bumps and bruises, but try as I might I can't grade it any less than 95% original condition. The color case hardening is very rich, the barrels are 26" and other than a small ding in the rib they are flawless and deep dark blue. All the markings and engravings on the gun are sharp and clear. There is absolutely no wear on the extractors, breech faces, firing pins, nothing. Locks up tight with the lever centered in the stock. Safety is crisp. The stocks are in great condition with 98% original finish remaining. There are a couple of scratches and a nick or two, but absolutely no cracks or chips. It has a 13" lop and a very nicely fitted recoil pad. Forearm is as nice or nicer than the butt stock. No splits and looks like it hasn't been snapped off over once or twice in it's life. I know you will need pics and I will try to post up a few today. Thanks!!
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,399 Likes: 15
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,399 Likes: 15 |
A single trigger was a $3.21 option as I recall.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 546
Moderator
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Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 546 |
Boogan1:
Left you a response over on the Lefever forum.
Roy
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 14
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 14 |
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,883 Likes: 106
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,883 Likes: 106 |
Nice find. Don't often find Nitro Specials in that nice a shape!! According to the table in Walter's book that is a 1936-vintage gun. From the Jan. 25, 1936, Dealers Quotations a Nitro Special had an Advertised Retail price of $28.90 and the single trigger was a $4.60 option. There has been a 20-gauge Ithaca-built Lefever A-Grade Model 5 with the single trigger sitting at a shop near me for some time now. It also has a rather short stock and a recoil pad.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 866
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 866 |
Roy, Could you post the web address of the Lefever site. Thanks
Better to keep your mouth shut and be thought stupid,than open it and confirm.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 546
Moderator
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Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 546 |
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 450
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,693 Likes: 450 |
Nice looking gun, but it was the bargain basement grade, trading off the Lefever name and marketed as a price point gun. In 100% shape, which this one is not, it might be worth a grand. If it were an original Lefever in DS, H or G grade it would be worth several times this much. Now if someone really wants it they might pay more. Market price is what someone is willing to pay. I bought a Nitro Special 20 that had been restocked with an superb Black walnut crotch stock, in almost as nice a shape metal finish wise as this one and paid much less than a grand. The stock puts most Winchester 21's or Ithaca Grade 5's to shame. Pity it was put on a Nitro Special. I guess the owner wanted the one of a kind.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,438
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,438 |
Biggest drawback with this one I can see is the 13" LOP. That will not fit too many shooters in this day and age. If I was going to use it I would consider fitting it with one of the extra thick recoil pads. Jim
The 2nd Amendment IS an unalienable right.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743 |
I believe standard stock dimensions for the NS called for a LOP of about 14". Note also this was normally measured from the "Front" trigger of a two triggered gun. Note also this single trigger is set in the rear trigger position, so assuming about a 1" spacing for the triggers, this is most certainly just a standard NS stock. Perhaps the single trigger was ordered for a boy or short armed lady to make it easier for them to shoot without the greater expense of a custom stocking, a use to which it could still well be put.
Miller/TN I Didn't Say Everything I Said, Yogi Berra
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