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View Full Version : 16 Gauge 2 3/4" vs. 2 9/16"?

ArmedBear
May 25, 2008, 01:33 AM
It seems I just bought a LeFever from 1926. Anyone have a clue what chamber length was standard in 16 Gauge in 1926?
mnrivrat
May 25, 2008, 03:16 AM
Best I can recall the 2&3/4 inch chamber became standard around that time period, but if it is not marked ,I would have it checked before shooting it.

I'll try to find the exact year and get back to you if I have time. Otherwise I'm sure others will know off the top of their heads like I used to before the age thingy caught up to me ! LOL :D
Dave McCracken
May 25, 2008, 09:04 AM
IIRC, Ithaca switched over right around then.

Since it should go to a smith anyway, have him/her measure the chambers.

If it is short, your options are to either use just 2 1/2" loads from makers like Polywad or Gamebore or to have them lengthened. Not all old chambers can be stretched.
axeman_g
May 25, 2008, 09:40 AM
Dont sweat the 2 9/16" chambers if you do have them. As Dave said, get yourself some 2.5" shells and blaze away. These are very goos shells, much more consistent then what you would get bulk packed. I have an ld A5 chambered for 2 9/16" and I love shooting the 2.5 shells. It does not sound like you were going to put 1000rds a year through the gun, so enjoy it. BUT.... if I remeber correctly... I believe all Lefervre NITRO guns were built and designed for the 2 3/4 shells in addition to the new powders.
TrapperReady
May 25, 2008, 07:15 PM
AB - I've got two short-chambered 16's around here. One is a Winchester from 1926. The other is a Browning from 1930. I'd guess they're probably 2 9/16".

Are there any markings on the barrel that say either 65 or 70? IIRC, 65 is 2 9/16" and 70 is the standard 2 3/4".
cdrt
May 25, 2008, 07:19 PM
My 16 gauge Model 12 Winchester pump from 1923 had a 2 3/4" chamber. Always best to have the chamber measured to make sure what you have.
ArmedBear
May 25, 2008, 08:51 PM
65 or 70... I'll have to look. Thanks!

Those barrels have few markings. There are proof marks, the model name, the maker, and that's all I can find. I'll have to look again.

I think the Nitro Special was introduced in 2 3/4", but I can't find that in writing anywhere.

Those 2 1/2" shells look like they'd be nice to shoot, either way. Thanks for the heads up on Polywad especially. Never used those.