Posted by SGT on October 18, 2006, 9:49 pm, in reply to "Trap Grade"
All Smith guns were built within a grade parameter; the name Trap Grade simply being a moniker used to justfy a step in price. The name itself obviously carries another implication; but there is a big difference between a Trap Grade gun and one especially built as a "trap" gun. When one thinks of the Smith gun grading system, wheather it be number or name grades, one must think in terms of original retail pricing. In the early number grades up to the No 1 Grade, the pricing difference was in terms of barrel steel quality; and, in higher grades, a combination of engraving, barrel steel, wood, and labor in finishing. In the post-1913 named grades, customers could more easily relate to the pricing of each grade (even though there were other major differences in some features) by the amount of engraving associated with that grade because these engraving differences were emphasized in period catalog depictions. Therefore the Trap Grade was the grade only slightly more expensive than the Ideal; but less expensive that the Specialty Grade and so forth. And because the Trap Grade itself represented just another grading price point, a gun in that grade could be ordered with any number of options (ejectors, single trigger, straight grip stock, beavertail forearm, vent rib, etc); or no options at all (I once owned a Trap Grade with no options; and, except for the engraving and better wood, it was no different from the standard Field Grade). Therefore the collector/shooter will see Trap Grade guns in all gauges built for use as "field" guns; and others, ususally heavy 12-bores, built exclusively for competition. Hunter Arms seemed to specialize in competition guns; and especially guns intended to be used just for the purpose of trap shooting. These specialized guns most often featured what Hunter referred to as a "trap package" (stocks with high comb, recoil pad, single trigger, vent rib, double rib beads, and beavertail forearm); but these features could be special ordered on any grade Smith gun; which is the point I am trying to make with this lengthy post. With Smith guns, grade moniker does not necessarily identify or relate to the purpose for which that particular gun was manufactured. With Smith guns a specific gun's intended purpose is best determined by the configuration of the features with which it was constructed. And this is a fact that even holds true for the Skeet Grade, as I have personally seen Skeet Grade guns with 30" barrels set up as a trap gun; someone just wanted 50 cents worth of line engraving on his big gun. At this point it is possible I have bored readers with this lengthy post, so my apologies; but I have elaborated in detail as this question has surfaced previously and I hope this will eliminate some of the confusion as regards Trap Grade and trap gun. Finally, regarding the subject Trap Grade gun, if the gun has ejectors and the barrels are good; then it is a good buy at $650, as wood can always be replaced and is often a good idea as one can pick a piece of wood with good grain and have it made to his personal specs and tastes. If the gun is a manual extractor model, I personally would have no interest at that price. Good luck