The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

LC Smith Ideal - Long Range

Posted by David Fishley on March 22, 2021, 3:37 pm

I just picked up an Ideal Long Range and have a few questions about it. I hope the board members have some answers.

First it has 3 inch chambers and I'm wondering what kind of shells I can safely use. Would modern 3" lead be okay or should I download to get reduced pressures?

Second I'm assuming the 'I 'by the serial number means ' Ideal'?

Third, what exactly is 'London Steel"? Made in London, sourced in London or the wording Belgium makers used?

There are are symbols and marks on the flats. Are these able to be interpreted?

It needs a new butt pad. Where is the best place to source one?

Thanks to all who respond.

Re: LC Smith Ideal - Long Range

Posted by Drew Hause on March 22, 2021, 5:25 pm, in reply to "LC Smith Ideal - Long Range"

Neat David.

There is a great deal of information in the FAQ section that will help answer your questions
https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=274&club_id=43784

Regarding the appropriate load, I would strongly advise you to have the gun evaluated by a double gun specialist, checking for cracks in the head of the stock, and consider glasbedding or cyanoacrylate impregnation of the head of the stock. Done correctly, that would afford confidence that you can use shells for which the gun was designed; the Western "Super-X Field" 2 3/4" 1 1/4 oz. 3 3/4 Dr. Eq. shell and the 3" "Record" with 1 3/8 ounces of shot.
Again, there is information in that regard in the FAQs.

Yes "I" is for Ideal, and "London Steel" was the name given the barrels by Hunter Arms. London Steel London steel was introduced for the No. 0 in 1907. We do not have composition analysis or tensile testing on a sample of London Steel but there is no reason to think it was not similar to other turn-of-the-century fluid steels.
This might be of interest
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dnRLZgcuHfx7uFOHvHCUGnGFiLiset-DTTEK8OtPYVA/edit

The mark on the forward part of the flats is the Hunter Arms Proof Mark symbol.

Finally, a Research Letter might identify the original purchaser of your gun and confirm the factory specs
https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=43784&module_id=245742

There is also a section in the FAQ regarding period appropriate replacement recoil pads; CSMC carries several
https://connecticutshotgun.co/recoil-pads/

Re: LC Smith Ideal - Long Range

Posted by Steve Arnett on March 24, 2021, 8:20 am, in reply to "Re: LC Smith Ideal - Long Range"

David, in addition to Dr. Drew's sound advice, whatever you do, DO NOT shoot any type of steel loads in this gun. Other non-toxic shot loads can be used, if you want to hunt waterfowl with it.
A number of years ago, I bought a Long Range, with full knowledge that the barrels had been cut from 32" to 30". The barrels had likely been damaged by shooting steel loads in them. I sent them to Briley to install LEAD ONLY thinwall chokes. Since the collector value was wiped out with the barrel cutoff, I was able to salvage a great "shooter".

Re: LC Smith Ideal - Long Range

Posted by David Fishley on March 24, 2021, 10:19 am, in reply to "Re: LC Smith Ideal - Long Range"

Thank you Steve. I am aware that steel would damage the barrels. They are choked .685 and .680. Very tight. At some point the inside walls were cleaned up but the chokes weren't touched.

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