I have what appears to be a 12g 1930 (from what I could glean from the serial # info posted on this site) LC Smith shotgun that needs some mechanism repair and a buttplate. Says Hunter Arm Co Makers, Fulton, NY on the barrel and when you crack it open the serial number reads 130833 with a single F below the serial number. It has damascus barrels, which doesn't seem to make sense based on the info I read here but there you have it.
I inhereited this gun from my father and don't know very much about it. It is one of the very few things I have that was my Dad's and I would like to get it back in working order (and no I don't intend to fire it). I just want to know that it works and is all there.
I made the mistake, several years ago of bringing it to the wrong gunsmith in Wisconsin. Everything mostly worked when I gave it to him, but when I got it back nothing worked. He was a very old gentleman and my gun was the victim of his failing health and attention. The levers don't cock now and the small stock under the barrels does not stay in place. The triggers feel like they're cemented in place. I'm guessing it is missing some stuff but I don't want to take any of it apart and make it even worse. I didn't have the heart to get mad at the gentleman, as he seemed to have enough problems already. It was actually a very awkward situation and I ended up feeling bad for the guy, even though he messed up my gun. I then just put the gun back in the closet and forgot about it for a few years.
Now it is time to get it fixed up. I don't suppose it is worth much and I don't want a major restoration. I just want the mechanisms to work and a new buttplate. I have the original buttplate but it is in four pieces now.
Any referrals to a gunsmith anywhere in all of Illinois or Southern Wisconsin would be greatly appreciated.