The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

HOT beginnings

Posted by Stan Hillis on February 7, 2019, 7:39 pm

Were HOTs available in 1905?

Thanks, Stan

Re: HOT beginnings

Posted by Drew Hause on February 7, 2019, 7:51 pm, in reply to "HOT beginnings"

Welcome Stan

Oct. 22, 1904 "Sporting Life"
The Hunter Brothers, who are owners and manufacturers of the L. C. Smith gun and represented by the genial Harvey McMurchy, make a strong combination of capital and brains. Anything "Mack" says goes with the Hunters, and as the time seemed ripe for a perfect one-trigger, the word was given, and after three years of the most exhaustive possible tests the Hunter one-trigger is offered to the shooter as the result. This company has the reputation of always being absolutely sure of any improvement on the Smith gun before offering it to the sportsman, and the new one-trigger is no exception to the rule. We are assured that it has been used and abused in more ways than the ordinary shooter could think of, and has never once failed to meet the unusual work demanded of it.
Mr. John Hunter claims that they have had the Hunter completed for the past three years and are only now offering it to the trade when they know beyond any possible question of a doubt that it will work, and work every time. The one-trigger catalogue will be sent to our readers on application. It gives a full description of the Hunter one trigger, showing working parts, and is illustrated with shooting scenes, showing the advantages of the one-trigger on a double-barrel shotgun. Everyone interested in the one-trigger should send for this booklet to the Hunter Arms Co., Fulton, N. Y.

Re: HOT beginnings

Posted by David Williamson on February 8, 2019, 8:43 am, in reply to "Re: HOT beginnings"

Stan, the HOT was first trialed in 1901. This is a picture of James C. Hunter's Monogram, finished April 1, 1901. This gun has ejectors, HOT but no safety. Has engravings with setters and a hunter which could be James himself.

The gun is still in the Hunter family and is now being cared for by the great-great grandson James C. Hunter

Re: HOT beginnings

Posted by Tom Archer on February 8, 2019, 10:38 am, in reply to "HOT beginnings"

Stan
There are fair number of pre-1905 Smith guns with factory equipped HOT triggers still in service as, like Drew reported above, the gun works installed them in a number of guns for testing prior to cataloging the HOT as a factory option in 1905 (I've owned a 1902 vintage PE grade with the HOT option). Some folks may think an early Smith gun with a HOT trigger unit has been retrofitted (and some obviously have) as the early HOT trigger units feature a difference serial number than the serial number assigned to the gun; this is because these early HOT trigger units were not built by Hunter. Later Hunter secured the necessary license to build these trigger units in house; and at that time all HOT triggers were seial numbered to the gun.

HOT history

Posted by Drew Hause on February 8, 2019, 10:59 am, in reply to "HOT beginnings"

More here, and some neat ads
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/22972484

And Vic Venters' "Hunter One Trigger" in March/April 2010 Shooting Sportsman

Re: HOT beginnings

Posted by Stan Hillis on February 8, 2019, 7:12 pm, in reply to "HOT beginnings"

Thanks all. I have become the caretaker of a 1905 12 ga. 3E, with the second set of barrels, which were fitted to the action at the factory for the owner who desired a set of 32" "vent rib" barrels for pigeons. He was a member of the Philadelphia Gun Club. I was wondering if the HOT could have been original to the gun in 1905 or if it was also fitted to the gun when the #2 set of barrels were fitted in 1927.

Thanks to your replies I understand that it may well have been originally built with the HOT. I guess a letter would confirm that?

Stan

Re: HOT beginnings

Posted by Tom Archer on February 8, 2019, 8:31 pm, in reply to "Re: HOT beginnings"

"I guess a letter would confirm that?"

Stan
With the exception of auto ejectors, seldom do the pre-1913 shipping records provide any information as to other optional features; BUT sometimes notes were added to the ledger entry of a pre-1913 gun when a gun was returned to the gun works for additional work, barrels, stocks, etc. so it is possible a letter may provide additional insight. Good luck in your search. Tom

Re: HOT beginnings

Posted by Stan Hillis on February 9, 2019, 6:31 am, in reply to "Re: HOT beginnings"

Thanks, Tom.

Taking her to the range this morning for some sporting clays with some B & P Comp Ones.

Best to all, Stan

Re: HOT beginnings

Posted by Mike Harris on February 12, 2019, 8:05 am, in reply to "Re: HOT beginnings"

Stan, I hope you can make it to the Spring Southern in April in Sanford, N.C. You would be an asset to our team but I know that it is planting season also. Thanks for becoming a member. Best, Mike Harris Membership Chairman

Re: HOT beginnings

Posted by Stan Hillis on February 12, 2019, 9:39 am, in reply to "Re: HOT beginnings"

Thank you, Mike. I am really trying to arrange it so that I can be there this year. I've just acquired a new 32" barreled LCS pigeon gun that I'd really like to try in the quals.

Best, Stan

Re: HOT beginnings

Posted by Mike Harris on February 12, 2019, 2:38 pm, in reply to "Re: HOT beginnings"

Stan, I saw the pics of your new gun on Doublegun BBS. I basically only look at things pertaining to Elsies because of all the BS on there these days. Great looking gun and I know you will have a ball with it. Best, MIke

Re: HOT beginnings

Posted by Stan Hillis on February 12, 2019, 5:58 pm, in reply to "Re: HOT beginnings"

Thanks, Mike. Seeing as how it's my second, I decided to join and be part of the "band of brothers".

All my best, Stan

Re: HOT beginnings

Posted by David Williamson on February 13, 2019, 9:00 am, in reply to "Re: HOT beginnings"

Stan, welcome aboard. I always enjoy reading your posts on the DGBBS.

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