The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

L.C. Smith, number 50363 F

Posted by Martin Reynolds on June 9, 2019, 7:07 pm

This shotgun was in my parents attic since at least 1950. According to the reseach on the internet it was manufactured in 1894. I checked the chamber with a primitive device and it is approximately 3". Can you tell me if that is the original chamber debth, or was it reworked. Also,
if I want or need more information, should I buy a book referring to L.C.Smith.Any guestions back to me, please ask.

Re: L.C. Smith, number 50363 F

Posted by Martin Reynolds on June 9, 2019, 7:28 pm, in reply to "L.C. Smith, number 50363 F"

Sorry, I should have said it is a 12 gauge, double barrel, hammer type.

Re: L.C. Smith, number 50363 F

Posted by Dan Wildhaber on June 10, 2019, 3:38 am, in reply to "Re: L.C. Smith, number 50363 F"

Martin
You need to find someone with barrel measuring capabilities. A chamber guage, a bore diameter guage, and a wall thickness guage.
Have someone qualified check it over and then assuming it checks out okay, you're probably good to go with some suitable ammunition.

Re: L.C. Smith, number 50363 F

Posted by Tom Garver on June 10, 2019, 6:59 am, in reply to "L.C. Smith, number 50363 F"

Martin, there are several sources of good information here at LCSCA. Dr. Jim stubbendieck can furnish a research letter that will give info and the date of manufacture. He has also published "L.C. Smith Production Records" which is available at $39.95. David Williamson has also published a book that details the evolution of LC Smith hammer guns.

Re: L.C. Smith, number 50363 F

Posted by David Williamson on June 10, 2019, 1:08 pm, in reply to "L.C. Smith, number 50363 F"

Martin, 1894 is the correct year. This style of hammer gun is known as a bar action lock, meaning the mainspring is in front of the action or tumbler (place where the hammer is attached). It would be a 5 pin lock meaning you should see 5 pins showing, the one that is slightly hidden is behind the top part of the hammer. These guns were very well made and like Dan stated you should have it checked out by a competent gunsmith that knows L.C. Smiths and if found good is still shoot able with low pressure low velocity shells.
I don't believe it has 3" chambers but do make sure that is checked also.

Re: L.C. Smith, number 50363 F

Posted by Martin Reynolds on June 12, 2019, 1:43 pm, in reply to "Re: L.C. Smith, number 50363 F"

Thank you for the information you all provided. I will get it to a gunsmith this summer and post the results.

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