The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association
[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]

Forearm fastening system

Posted by Alfred J. Ducote Jr. on May 21, 2018, 12:33 pm

Hello All- I was hoping someone could tell me if it’s possible-feasible to change a snap on forearm fastening system to a Anson push button type. My L.C. Field grade snap on works fine, I admit I cringe pulling it off. Thanks- Al Ducote bducotejr@gmail.com

Re: Forearm fastening system

Posted by Drew Hause on May 21, 2018, 2:08 pm, in reply to "Forearm fastening system"

Feasible Al, but it would require harvesting the Curtis FE and hardware from another L.C. and modifying the barrel lug, after which the snap on FE could probably not be used

I understand as I have had to install a larger thread FE screw in my well used 1906 00
revdoc2@cox.net

Re: Forearm fastening system

Posted by Mike Jeter on May 22, 2018, 5:09 am, in reply to "Re: Forearm fastening system"

I'd really reconsider that path, the Curtis system can be a problem. If the forend wood is original, the screws tend to loosen up in shooting and the pushrod can fall out. It then becomes very difficult to remove the forend, and replacement rods can be difficult to find.

Re: Forearm fastening system

Posted by David Williamson on May 22, 2018, 6:34 am, in reply to "Forearm fastening system"

Before the roller release system was put on non ejector guns the Curtis for-end was used, it was used from around 1912 to 1919 on non ejector guns from Field Grade and up. In a later statement Hunter Arms stated that it was a patent infringement and that the Curtis for-end would no longer be used. In it's place would be the banjo style roller release to be used on non ejector Ideal Grades and up.
This might have been similar to the Anson style release but in all probability was a cost factor, many man hours had to be put in to make this Curtis for-end fit guns. This was a suburb way to hold a for-end on along with the "J" spring.

Re: Forearm fastening system

Posted by Alfred J. Ducote Jr. on May 22, 2018, 7:53 am, in reply to "Re: Forearm fastening system"

Thanks for the info on changing the type of forearm fastening from snap on. I’ll probably just preserve and do the best I can with what my 1929 LC Field Grade came with. All the Best to you- Al Ducote. bducotejr@gmail.com

Re: Forearm fastening system

Posted by Michael Harris on May 22, 2018, 9:44 am, in reply to "Re: Forearm fastening system"

Al, If it is hard coming off, I sometimes use a wooden clothespin to help pry it off. Mike

Re: Forearm fastening system

Posted by Rick Fraley on June 26, 2018, 4:26 pm, in reply to "Forearm fastening system"
Edited by board administrator June 26, 2018, 4:31 pm

Is the "J" spring functional?

The forend on my 1919 16ga feather weight is retained entirely by the push button mechanism.

It doesn't look like the barrel lug is contoured to even receive the spring.

Thanks, Rick

Re: Forearm fastening system

Posted by David Williamson on June 27, 2018, 1:00 pm, in reply to "Re: Forearm fastening system"

Some guns have on the loop a round indentation where the "J" spring fits into. Others the "J" spring is flat on the end and just catches on a lip of the loop. The one with the indentation are great because the "J" spring is now centered and makes the for-end go on easier.

Some "J" springs are straight, others bent and if the gun was not cocked before taking the for-end off, the "J" spring can be over-bent and will not hold the for-end on.
The Curtis for-end was a savior to many for-ends not falling off and by 1919 was discontinued because of being an expensive part to make and hand fit. After 1919 all Field Grade guns without ejectors just had the "J" spring, all other grades without ejectors had the banjo roller release along with the "J" spring.

Re: Forearm fastening system

Posted by Rick Fraley on June 28, 2018, 4:40 pm, in reply to "Forearm fastening system"
Edited by board administrator June 28, 2018, 4:44 pm

David - Thank you for your answer. Rick

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