The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

Chamber length mark

Posted by Drew Hause on May 31, 2021, 6:43 pm

Dave Noreen raised an interesting point on this thread
https://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=533602&p=4534540

I've certainly not seen them all, but has anyone seen a pre-Marlin Smith with the standard chamber length mark - NOT the special 'CHAMBERS ___ INCHES' mark - this is a 20g

This is a 1950 Marlin Ideal

Re: Chamber length mark

Posted by Tom Archer on May 31, 2021, 9:59 pm, in reply to "Chamber length mark"

Not a great pic, but this 2 3/4" chamber marking is on Frank's 1909 vintage A-3 20-bore.

Re: Chamber length mark

Posted by Drew Hause on June 1, 2021, 8:23 am, in reply to "Re: Chamber length mark"

Thanks Tom. Another interesting example of non-standard chamber length mark courtesy of Buck Hamlin - 2 7/8"

A.P. Curtis published a two part article in the July 1936 and the March 1938 American Rifleman entitled “Advantages of Short Shotgun Chambers” and stated -
SAAMI, assembled in serious conference on March 26, 1937, passed the following resolution:
“That all guns be marked so that the consumer will be able to tell the chamber length, as for example by marking 2 3/4 inch chamber etc.”

Has anyone seen a 1937-1945 Smith with a standard 2 3/4" chamber that was so marked?

Re: Chamber length mark

Posted by Denver Dillard on June 1, 2021, 12:46 pm, in reply to "Re: Chamber length mark"

I have Frank Troeh's competion 12 gauge Crown Grade Live Pigeon gun with 2 7/8" chambers,1927, marked like the one submitted by Buck Hamlin. Not your question, but also have FWS36015 16 gauge 2 barrel set with one set marked "Field 2 3/4" Chambers" (not in the oval).

Re: Chamber length mark

Posted by Drew Hause on June 1, 2021, 6:30 pm, in reply to "Chamber length mark"

I looked through my images of military purchase guns, and also the USA-F guns, all 1941-1943 and none have a chamber length mark.

It does appear that Hunter Arms ignored the SAAMI resolution.

Re: Chamber length mark

Posted by David Williamson on June 2, 2021, 3:48 pm, in reply to "Re: Chamber length mark"

The earlier 20 ga, and 16 ga. did not have any chamber markings. The 20 ga. was 2 1/2" and the 16 ga. was 2 9/16". The 20 ga. was the first to show the new chamber length of 2 3/4" sometime in the 1930's. The 16 ga. was around 1940, although some here have ones a few years earlier with a 2 3/4" chamber marking. My 16 ga. Field circa 1939 still has 2 9/19" chambers, and has the Single Sighting plane which was a $5 option then by 1940 it was standard.
If memory serves me I only think they stamped the barrels for chamber length for a few years. When Marling bought them out it was line stamped not in an oval.

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