how durable is a L C Smith as opposed to say, a Winchester 21? Thinking of buying a LC for my regular hunting gun.
Re: L C Smith shotguns
Posted by William Sirman Th.D on November 30, 2017, 11:55 am, in reply to "L C Smith shotguns"
Dear Sir,
In many ways so far as durability is concerned. The model 21 Winchester is more "durable," but as my Father used to say, "Looks don't run a rabbit, but it sure does help when you have to feed them everyday!"
It's a matter of personal choice. Beauty is indeed in the eyes of the beholder. When treated well, and L.C. Smith is very durable. My Featherweight made in 1929, has bben well cared for and is tight as she was when she left the factory!
Buy what you love!
God Bless...
Bill
Re: L C Smith shotguns
Posted by Scott on December 1, 2017, 3:31 pm, in reply to "L C Smith shotguns"
I Love LC Smith guns, however if I had to choose one gun to have for life between the LC and the 21. I would have to take the 21.
The LC Smith had been in production and use for about 50 years before John Olin introduced his Model 21 in the early 1930's; and by the 1930's, vast improvements in metallurgy and manufacturing processes had occurred with the result that the Model 21 was a stronger gun from the outset that ever was the Smith. And although the Model 21 was to be Olin's legacy gun, he also owned and used a Specialty Grade Smith for many years, and I have personally handled that gun. I've never owned a Model 21 myself and the reason I chose not too is that the esthetics of a Model 21 are butt ugly compared to the graceful lines of a graded Smith gun. As to the Smith gun itself, the only real weakness of the Smith gun is in the fragility of the wood around the head of the stock, which issue can now be corrected with the use of modern epoxy compounds and correct bedding of metal to wood techniques. But as good as it may, be the Model 21 shares the same characteristic of the Smith gun in that neither is perfect; they both have their faults. Therefore, I'll continue to enjoy the elegance and style of a higher grade Smith gun when I'm in the field; perfectly willing to take my chances in the process.