Posted by SGT on January 22, 2008, 7:05 pm, in reply to "let's talk LC Smith"
If a shooter wishes to have a double gun that is virtually always reliable, then he should seek only those models with two triggers and manual extractors; for with the exception of the occassional and rare hammer or top-lever spring break, these guns almost never fail given careful use and maintainence. This fact holds true for all double guns regardless of make. Guns with single triggers and auto-ejectors are more costly for the following reasons: those options were desireable features during the golden age of shotguning and remain so today; and, as these were expensive devices when originally manufactured, guns having them were naturally more expensive. Today guns with these disireable options remain highly prized and in shorter supply, therefore their prices continue to be higher than a similar gun without options. Yes, it is true that these options are more delicate and therefore more prone to failure; but all can be repaired by those skilled in their service. As to the single trigger, this device originally held great appeal to the hunter using his gun in extreme cold weather where it was virtually impossible for a shooter to properly and safely operate double triggers while forced to wear thick gloves to protect fingers from frost bite. As the single trigger became more reliable, it becam extremely popular with competition shooters and remains so to this day. Tom Breeden is correct; all the top shooters use a single trigger gun for good reason, it is faster and the shooter will never lose a target due to trigger confusion. As to ejectors they can also be troublesome; but not as troublesome as a single trigger because most designs are not as delicate. These devices also add additional weight to a gun; so many guns ordered for field/upland shooting (quail and flushing birds) opted for a few ounces less weight and ordered extractors. But one who has ever engaged in pass shooting activities (doves, ducks, etc), or any kind of rapid high-volume shooting will not have a gun without this feature. Finally as to collecting, vintage guns with these desireable options are nearly always more valuable than the same grade and guage gun without them.