Re: Seriously considering buying my first Smith and don't want to be taken Archived Message
Posted by SGT on October 17, 2006, 9:08 am, in reply to "Re: Seriously considering buying my first Smith and don't want to be taken"
Straight grip 2-E Smiths are not common, as early catalogs did not list that model with a straight grip; but, as with any other graded Smith gun, that feature could be special ordered and I have owned and seen other original 2E guns with an English grip. If you raise the trigger guard strap, an original stock whould have a serial number and grade stamp matching that of the frame stamped into the inletted wood surface beneath the strap. Regrading the forearm release, that was a feature standard on pre-13 ejector guns and it is not uncommon for the fore arm to be tightly fitted on a Smith gun, especially a gun with little use; and it really serves well to keep the forearm tight against the knuckle of the frame. When removing a Smith forearm, NEVER remove the forearm without first cocking the gun; a novice, doing otherwise, risks serious damage to cocking rods and forearm wood if he tries to reattach the iron with hammers in the fired position. The Pachmayer pad is a definite add-on; but it can be replaced with a Silvers pad, which would be period and look appropriate to the gun. Unlike most early American classic doubles, Smith 12-bores were always chambered for 2 3/4" shells, unless ordered otherwise; but, as chambers are not marked, it is always best to have them measured. The Crown steel barrels are fluid steel and safe to shoot; but, out of respect for the age of this gun and consideration for the Smith stock, we recommend loads not exceeding 1 & 1/8 oz and 8000 psi. Regarding barrels, I have no idea what you mean by rough machine marks on the botton (would like a photo). Early Hunter Arms guns were always well finished and there would certainly be no solder visible around rib joints. Regarding those barrels, there should be a silver bar (precious metal inlay) at the rib joint on this model (in the early days, makers often used stock shields as an indicator of quality-brass denoting lowest quality, silver denoting mid-grade quality, and gold denoting best quality-Hunter Arms wished to be unique and instead used rib-joint bars as quality indicators-no bar denoted lowest quality, silver bar denoted mid-range quality, and a gold bar donted hightest quality; but believe me when I tell you a 2-E Smith is a quality gun!). Barrels on graded guns also got a little extra touch to the end of the ribs at the muzzle, a little "dimple" being filed into both the top and bottom rib. Occassionally, one will find an early gun without that feature; but always be suspicious of any set of barrels on a graded gun without those dimples. That said, dimples are no guarantee of barrels not being cut; but you can order a letter from Cody and, if the shipping record for this gun remains, original barrel lenngth will be noted therein (although stock grip type is not). If this gun has not been monkeyed with (other than a burred screw), $1900 is not a steal; but is probably a fair price for a high-conditioned gun of this model. Finally, Smiths guns are great shooters, the only delicate component being the stock head; but correct glassing and reinforcement easily cures that problem in the vast majority of situations. I encourage you to join the LCSCA; and, if you choose to join, you will have the opportunity to fellowship and to shoot this Smith gun with our other great members.
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