Lefever 16 ga serial number confusion

[AK_Jordan]

I just got a Lefever 16 ga SxS that was made in Ithaca, NY. I tried looking up the serial number on the Diamond Gunsmithing webpage of serial #'s for Ithaca guns, but I couldn't find anything that corresponded. It's a Lefever Nitro Special. The serial # is L296XX, but all the serial #'s listed do NOT have an "L" prefix and they are all one digit longer. The serial # is printed twice, so I'm pretty sure I'm not misreading it. Does anyone know what year this gun was made?

Also, the seller said it can take 2 3/4" shells with no problem (ie, not 2 5/8"). Can I verify this myself or do I need a gunsmith? Thanks so much! I grew up in Ithaca, so it's a great day to have an Ithaca SxS in the house finally.

 

[oneounceload]

If you have a bore mic, you can verify it - remember shell length if for a FIRED hull - an unfired 2-3/4 will easily fit in the chamber of a 2-1/2 or 2-5/8 inch chamber, but the crimp folds will open in the forcing cone and that might spike your pressure to unsafe levels.

You might try www.doublegunshop.com and go to their forum regarding dating your gun

 

[AK_Jordan]

Thanks one ounce! I'll try measuring it and will post a message on the other site you mentioned.