Lefever Optimus 16 Ga. – HIGHEST GRADE LEFEVER, vintage firearms inc

Lefever, sn54508, Year 1905, 16ga, 6lb 6oz, Chokes F/F The Optimus grade Lefever is avidly sought after. Original examples are very rare, with less than 125 ever produced in all gauges, LESS THAN 10 MADE IN 16 GAUGE!  Even if an original Lefever Optimus came up for sale, the price would exceed $100,000 for a high condition gun.  Most doublegun enthusiasts simply can’t afford to play at that level.  For avid collectors of vintage American side x side shotguns wanting to own an example of the highest grade of gun produced by each of the “BIG FIVE” makers, ie A.H. Fox, Ithaca, L.C. Smith, Lefever, and Parker, sometimes the only avenue is an upgraded gun.  That is what we have here in this Lefever Optimus Grade, a stunningly perfect replication of the crown jewel of the Lefever Arms Co. in a 16ga. ejector gun built on a 20-gauge frame.  Weighing 6lbs. 6oz. serial number 54508 was built in 1905 and at some time in the past has been masterfully turned into a stunning work of art.  Consult Robert Elliot’s definitive book on the Lefever gun, “LEFEVER: GUNS OF LASTING FAME”, by Bob Elliott, pages 77-84 and pages 214-225 and you will see that somehow, some unknown artist has captured ALL OF THE FEATURES AND DETAILS THAT MADE THE LEFEVER OPTIMUS GRADE ARGUABLY THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND ELABORATE OF ALL THE “BEST GUNS” PRODUCED BY AMERICA’S BEST GUN MAKERS AT THE TURN OF THE 20TH CENTURY.  Look at the sculpted frame, deep-relief shamrock carved fences, the stepped lockplates, the elaborate top lever carvings, the elegantly curved top tang, the gold inlaid forend escutcheon, all deeply engraved with finely detailed scroll and borders.  The 8 gold inlaid scenes are finely detailed.  Even the stock work is a perfect rendition of the Optimus, with ebony and ivory inlays at the wrist, superb scallop bordered, ribbon laced checkering, and a gold shield inlaid in the belly of the stock.  Just as amazing, the mechanics of the gun are superb as well, the barrels being tight on hinge and breech face, ejectors strong and well timed, the auto safety works as designed, and the trigger pulls are crisp as should be expected on a BEST gun.  Most of the double gun audience knows that Vintage Firearms has 3 top double gunsmiths employed year-round and has done some amazing restorations and upgrades on fine guns, so we know what we are talking about.  In 30 years, I have never seen a more perfect upgrade, both visually and mechanically, as this gun demonstrates (and the two other Optimus Grades that will also be offered for sale this week).  The specifications can be seen below.  We are offering this Optimus upgrade at an amazing price (you couldn’t even have the engraving done at the selling price) and it is an opportunity to own and show what the top level of Lefever Arms Co. offering was like.  This gun is in near 100% condition. There will not be another opportunity like the one before you now, so don’t hesitate or she will be gone!  Barrel: 28″ Chokes: .033/.033 Bores: excellent Bore Diameter: .673/.673 Wall Thickness: .030/.031 % Blue: 100% Chambers: 2 3/4″ Ribs: tight Action: tight right of center Ejectors-strong Receiver: 100% Screws: perfect Engraving: EXACT rendition of Optimus Trigger Guard: 100% Stock: Eng/splinter; figured English walnut LOP: 14 7/16″  DAH: 2 1/2″  DAC: 1 1/2″ Cast: neutral Checkering: superb, scalloped borders with ribbons Butt Treatment:  checkered butt with horn heel & toe plates There is a 30 day mechanical warranty on long guns. If it is a “VFI Certified” gun there is a 90 day mechanical warranty. Call us for full details, or to purchase.