Posted by Bryn Weese
on November 2, 2009, 8:06 pm
70.27.108.4
I recently bought a L.C. Smith 16 ga. with Damascus barrels as a project gun. All of the browning is completely gone from the barrels, and the case coloring is all worn away too.
The serial number (which all match up) is 5899. There are no letters attached to the number. The grade, as it appears on the underside of the barrels is OE.
It has ejectors, and luckily the wood is in great shape - no cracks or serious scratches - but is in dire need of refinishing.
The action is really tight, and it locks up really tight, too.
It cost me $200 Canadian ($180 US).
What I need help on is:
I think it dates from 1901, but am not sure if I used the search tool on this website properly. Is that the right date, or is it 1919?
Also, once my gunsmith friend and I get it restored, is it a purely black powder gun, or would the light loads from RST be safe to shoot?
Also, what butt plate would have come with the gun? The one that's there is a black plastic affair with horizontal lines between the screw holes.
Is this the original? If so, it's a little beat up and I wouldn't mind replacing it (with another just like it) once the gun is restored.
I figure it will have already lost almost all of it's value because of the barrel/receiver/stock refinishing work, so a new butt plate isn't the end of the world.
Are there any websites that sell L.C. Smith parts/accessories?
I'll also be looking for a nice, attache-style take-down case in the $200 range when I'm done. Leather w. straps would be nice, don't you all think. Any suggestions. One that said L.C. Smith would be best, of course, but I haven't been able to find any.
Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give me on any of these questions.
A Canadian newbie to Elsies.
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