The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
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Shortened Barrels

Posted by Mac on July 22, 2008, 9:16 am
12.73.172.97

I am considering the purchase of a 16 Ga. FW (circa 1924) with 26” barrels. Since the barrels are short, I’m concerned that they might have been cut. If they were cut from 28” or even 30” I assume that the choke would be ineffective. I’ve only seen photos of the gun but it looks good and I am inclined to buy it ,but not if the barrels have been cut. Any way to tell If they have been cut?

Mac

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Re: Shortened Barrels

Posted by Mac on July 22, 2008, 2:32 pm, in reply to "Shortened Barrels"
12.73.177.184

The seller measured the barrels with dial calipers and got Right .645" and Left .642". He assumed that the barrels were 28" and cut to 26".
The price for the Field grade gun, which had been restocked and the case colored parts blued was $1400 which is a little on the high side according to the 29th edition of the Blue Book. I've decided to pass on the gun but I'm also disappointed because I've looked for over two years for a 16 with a straight grip.

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Re: Shortened Barrels

Posted by John Harris on July 22, 2008, 7:02 pm, in reply to "Re: Shortened Barrels"
12.218.71.2

According to page 394 in the Houchins book

16 gauge chokes are approximately:
.662 Bore
.657 Imp Cylinder
.639 Modified
.629 full

"The actual choke in the barrel was a tapered cone about 1 1/2 inches to 2 inches from the bore diameter to the choke diameter. The choke diameter at the muzzle was straight for about 1 inch."

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Re: Shortened Barrels

Posted by David W on July 22, 2008, 7:52 pm, in reply to "Re: Shortened Barrels"
68.39.186.119

Mac,
From those readings, the barrels haven't been cut. Do you know for sure that the stock is a replacement?. Also have you asked him if that is the best he can do?
If everything else is good, no cracks in the wood near the side plates, no dents in the barrels, for a Field Grade $1200 wouldn't be a bad price.

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Re: Shortened Barrels

Posted by David W on July 22, 2008, 10:46 am, in reply to "Shortened Barrels"
68.39.186.119

Mac,
If the barrels were shortened there would be no choke left at all. It would be bore size, .662. Twenty six inch barrels weren't uncommon then. Whom ever you are buying gun from have them measure the chokes. If it is a dealer, they should all be able to do so. If it is an individual have them send you a close up picture of the ends of the barrel and post it here, you will get some help.
The seller should give you a 3 day inspection on the gun which is only fair.
Also if the price is right and the gun is as good as you say, buy it, you can always reload some tighter shooting shells.

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Re: Shortened Barrels

Posted by Jent P Mitchell III on July 22, 2008, 9:54 am, in reply to "Shortened Barrels"
71.171.75.247

If the barrels have been shortened then the barrels will most likely not shoot to the same point of impact now. You should pattern test the shotgun before you buy it. I would pattern test the shotgun at a distance of 16 yards from the muzzle to the paper. If the centers of the two patterns are not within 3 inches of each other at 16 yards then the gun has been ruined. Good Shooting To You, Jent

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