Hello everyone, I recently won a 1929 12 gauge steel barrel LC Smith off of a Gunbroker auction, originally with 32" barrels but it seems they were cut down to 28" and had a Colonial Choke & Tool choke tube installation service performed for thin wall choke tubes. The shotgun seems to be restored but with a torch case coloring. The shotgun got ripped apart when I first posted an intro on FB but I bought it to trap shoot and bird hunt regularly since it’s in such nice condition. Next LC Smith will be an all original buy. I joined the L.C. Smith Collectors Association and sent out for my research letter which is attached to this post with some other photos. I have a few questions if anyone can offer advice or help; especially around shotshell choice. Thank you in advance for any advice and help!
Stock care: I have been using Renaissance wax to clean the stock after each use but I want to attempt a coat of boiled linseed oil. Any advice on properly cleaning the stock before applying the BLO?
Chokes: As of now, my choke selection includes two Skeet 1, one Light Modified and one Improved Modified thin wall choke tubes from Colonial Choke & Tool, below are my proposed setups:
Upland (pheasant & chukar) - skeet 1 for right barrel and light modified for left barrel
Skeet - skeet 1 for both barrels
Trap 16 Yard Singles - light modified for right barrel to start, improved modified when scores average over 20
Trap 16 Yard Doubles - light modified for right barrel and improved modified for left barrel
Trap Backyard / Sporting Clays (same setup as Upland) - skeet 1 for both barrels
Shotshells: I’m very focused on “safer” low pressure shotshells. For these choke options above I plan to use the following shells. I specifically chose shotshells with a 7/8 oz – 1 oz payload and under 1200 fps for less wear and tear. I can’t seem to find pressure ratings on any of these shells but did email the manufacturers. Do these payload and velocity specs equate to lower pressure? Any and all advice is welcome on shotshell selection.
Upland (pheasant & chukar) - Rio Vintage 1896 Paper Shotshells 12ga 2-3/4" 1oz #7.5 1200 fps
Upland (pheasant & chukar) - RST Paper Pheasant 12 ga 2-3/4" 1-1/4 oz #7.5 1200 fps
Skeet/Trap - RST Paper Trap 12 ga 2-3/4 In 1-1/8th oz #7.5 1200 fps
Skeet/Trap - B&P Competition One Shotshells 12 ga 2-3/4 In 7/8 oz #7.5 1160 fps
Skeet/Trap - B&P Competition One Shotshells 12 ga 2-3/4 In 1 oz. #7.5 1160 fps