Re: L C Smith 1946-1950
When Marlin purchased the company out of bankruptcy in 1945, their "bean counters" looked for ways to lessen the costs of gun making and speed up production; and they did make some changes in the barrel bluing process, case hardening process, and in other manufacturing areas, which changes were why Smith gun from this era are considered "lesser" quality. But the bottom line is that these later Smith guns were made in the same building; and by the same craftsmen who made the "original" Smith guns; so if you find a later example Smith gun that appeals to you and remains in good condition, you'd not be making a mistake to own that gun at a fair price.
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