Posted by David Williamson on August 3, 2016, 4:13 pm, in reply to "Project gun"
Ed, the Syracuse era L.C. Smiths were built very well. All the wood was imported and dense. I don't think I have seen a crack behind the locks of one. The barrels also were heaver and if it is a hammerless, none were Stub Twist (not that there is anything wrong with them). They were offered in three weights medium, heavy and extra heavy.
All 12 gauge Syracuse guns had 2 3/4" chambers. I would be leery of any shotguns with very shiny bores, brings a red flag up. Most of these guns were not cleaned regularly and the corrosive nature of the primers along with some moisture caused pitting if not cleaned. The bores on some of these Syracuse guns are not the standard they are of today. I have measured some 12 gauges that were .740 bore and 10 gauges that were .780 and higher. The best way is to have the wall thickness checked to be sure.
These guns are getting harder to find, and if you find one in decent condition, it might be worthwhile to have it fixed right. Buck Hamlin would be the person to do this.