The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
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    L.C. Smiths of 1968-70 Archived Message

    Posted by David W on July 20, 2008, 5:21 pm

    Found a very interesting article in a 1970 Gun Digest 24th Edition and 24th Anniversary about the new L.C. Smith and some information about the old L.C. Smith.
    The first is a picture of the new L.C. Smith with the side lock off showing a flat head screw embedded in the wood. Read on to find out that it is called a "jack screw", and it prevents "doubling". Over time if the sears wear, you adjust this crew so that the sears can't touch one another. Also the long side plate screw can only go so far and then it stops, so that you can't over tighten the side locks.
    Another feature was that they are all glas bedded, but only by 3/64" (.046). Goes on to mention and gives a picture of Verna Hunter Wadsworth, Clair Wadsworth (holding the only 28 ga. made) and the author Gerald R. Hunter, on how Clair designed the single barrel trap gun, and also how he designed the enclosure in the forend to trap the barrel loop for alignment of the forend. Mentioned he also had other patents.

    Went on to say that the new ventilated rib only added 2 ozs. to the gun and that it was made by Poly Choke. Made of an aluminum alloy.

    Also interesting, the author said that he had approached Marlin (on the behalf of the Hunter family) to buy back the L.C. Smith and put it back into production. Instead of furnishing the requested inventory and making me a price, President Frank Kenna countered that Marlin would reintroduce the gun.

    So Mr. Kenna if you look at this site, you can see where your input would greatly be appreciated in the revival of this great gun and the information you know.

    Picture of new 1968 L.C. Smith (as you can see this is the first one made 56801)


    picture of Hunter family with 28 ga.


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