I was looking at a L.C. Smith recently that was in great condition and made in the late 40's. The gun had 90%+ case and had just alittle wear from field use. I noticed that it had a weep hole in front of the barrel lug and was wondering if that meant that its been redone or if it should have the weep hole like the late Remington Parkers?
Re: Weep hole
Posted by Drew Hause on June 7, 2020, 10:21 am, in reply to "Weep hole"
Well John; we've had 60 looks but no response, so I'll embarrass myself I've only had pre-1913 Smiths and every one with original barrels had a small weep hole
A 1940 Field
The PictureTrail albums however have pics of both pre-1913 and post-1913 guns without them
1898 No. 3
Post-1913
Re: Weep hole
Posted by Tom Archer on June 8, 2020, 11:02 am, in reply to "Re: Weep hole"
My 1925 vintage Ideal barrels have a weep hole just in front of the hanger lug; I don't believe they've been re-blued, but like Dr. Drew I haven't paid much attention to Smith barrels with weep holes and can't say for sure. When I examine a set of Smith barrels (any double gun) I first check for loose ribs. Most times a loose rib can be detected by holding the breech end of the barrels and rapping the muzzles sharply against the heel of your hand; the ribs and tubes will rattle (but don't confuse that sound with a loose bit of solder inside the void between the ribs and tubes or the extractor stems, which are made loose). Another thing I look for is evidence of a white or yellowish powder at the rib and forend hanger joints; evidence of a hot blue job and those chemicals dissolving the solder holding barrels and ribs in place. I also give barrels a "smell test", as barrels that have been hot blued will often have a "coppery metallic" smell, whereas slow rust blued barrels have no odd odors. Maybe too much information but things I've learned from experience.