Lefever Optimus Grade
Lefever Arms Company · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1885
Also known as: Lefever Arms Optimus, Optimus Grade
Overview
The Lefever Optimus Grade was the top-tier hammerless side-by-side shotgun offered by the Lefever Arms Company of Syracuse, New York, representing the pinnacle of the firm's craftsmanship. This 12-gauge break-action double gun featured Whitworth fluid-pressed steel or finest hard English Damascus barrels, a full compensating fractional-sidelock action with automatic shell ejectors, gold-plated checkered double triggers with cocking indicators, finest French walnut stock with full pistol grip and horn cap, and the highest class of engraving, checkering and finish. Its hallmark locking dolls-head fastener and internally adjustable cocking mechanism set the Lefever apart from its American contemporaries.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1194 mm (47.01") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| 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, Cocking Indicators
- Features: Side By Side, Hammerless Sidelock, Gold Plated Double Triggers, Automatic Ejectors, Compensating Action, Adjustable Trigger Pull, Dolls Head Fastener, Concave Engine Turned Rib, Presentation Engraving, French Walnut Stock, Full Pistol Grip
Base model
Production
Production years: 1885-1919
Optimus was a low-volume made-to-order top grade; surviving examples are rare and highly prized by collectors.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Daniel Myron Lefever
Discontinued: 1919
Notes
Optimus was Lefever's most expensive grade, built to order with premium materials and elaborate gold-inlaid engraving. Barrels were typically 30 inch (762 mm) with 2-3/4 inch chambers, though grade, barrel length and specification varied per order. After roughly serial number 25,000 the entire locking mechanism became frame-mounted with only cocking indicators remaining on the sideplates. Also available in 16 and 20 gauge. Weight and length are typical-range approximations for a 12-gauge field configuration.
Background
Daniel Myron 'Dan' Lefever earned the title 'father of the American hammerless double' after patenting the first commercially successful American hammerless breech-loading shotgun in 1880. The Optimus stood at the summit of the Lefever grade ladder, a showcase piece meant to rival the finest London best guns, and today ranks among the most sought-after American doubles at auction.