Lefever DSE Grade
Lefever Arms Company · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1904
Also known as: Durston Special Ejector, Lefever DSE, Lefever DS Ejector
Overview
The Lefever DSE Grade is the automatic-ejector version of the DS (Durston Special), the most economical hammerless boxlock side-by-side shotgun in the Lefever Arms Company ladder. It shares the DS Grade's internally adjustable Lefever compensating action, Duro black steel barrels, imported walnut stock with a half pistol grip and rubber buttplate, and double triggers, but adds selective automatic ejectors that throw fired hulls clear while lifting unfired shells for reloading. Introduced around 1904 in Syracuse, New York, the DSE remained a catalog offering after Ithaca Gun Company acquired Lefever, staying available into the early 1940s as an affordable field and upland gun.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3200 g (112.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1181 mm (46.50") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Case Hardened |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Side By Side, Hammerless Boxlock, Compensating Action, Double Trigger, Automatic Ejectors, Half Pistol Grip, Rubber Buttplate, Checkered Walnut Stock
Base model
Production
Production years: 1904-1942
Made by Lefever Arms Company in Syracuse and continued by Ithaca Gun Company after the 1916 acquisition; the DS and DSE were the budget grades of the line, the DSE adding automatic ejectors.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Daniel Myron Lefever
Discontinued: 1942
Notes
The trailing 'E' on Lefever grade names denotes automatic ejectors; the DSE is therefore the ejector-equipped DS (Durston Special), the entry-level grade below the lettered (A through I) and Optimus grades. Weight and length figures are typical-range values for a 12-gauge gun; Lefever barrels were almost always 26, 28, 30 or 32 inches and grade/order details varied. Also chambered in 16 and 20 gauge.
Background
Daniel Myron 'Dan' Lefever patented the first commercially successful American hammerless breech-loading shotgun in 1880, earning the title 'father of the American hammerless double.' The DS and DSE Grades brought his compensating action within reach of working sportsmen, trading the engraving and fine walnut of the Optimus and lettered grades for plain Duro steel barrels and a simple, hardwearing finish.