The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

2 3/4” Chambers

Posted by Joe Woolsey on February 18, 2022, 4:38 pm

I recently purchased a 16ga Specialty that was listed with 2 1/2” Chambers. When did Smith change to 2 3/4”?

Thanks in advance,
Joe

Re: 2 3/4” Chambers

Posted by Drew Hause on February 18, 2022, 5:39 pm, in reply to "2 3/4” Chambers"

Hunter Arms Co. lengthened the 20 gauge chambers from 2 1/2" to 2 3/4" in 1936.

16 gauge guns manufactured as late as 1939 have been found with 2 9/16" chambers.

Re: 2 3/4” Chambers

Posted by Joe Woolsey on February 18, 2022, 7:29 pm, in reply to "Re: 2 3/4” Chambers"

Makes sense now.

Thanks Drew

Re: 2 3/4” Chambers

Posted by David Willliamson on February 19, 2022, 6:47 am, in reply to "Re: 2 3/4” Chambers"

I have a 1039 16 ga. Field Grade with the optional raised rib. After this period when they changed to 2 3/4" chambers they stamped the barrels water table stating this. The same with the 20 gauge.
The bores on the 16 gauge also changed sometime in the early thirties from .660 to the now .662

Re: 2 3/4” Chambers

Posted by Byron Whitlock on February 19, 2022, 5:30 pm, in reply to "Re: 2 3/4” Chambers"

The original bore diameter of the LC Smith 16ga guns was .650 up until about 1936 when they listed it as 2 3/4 in chambers and .662 bore.
The chambers of my 1924 Ideal model measured as 25/8 by my gunsmith and I trimmed all my empty hulls to that.

Re: 2 3/4” Chambers

Posted by David Williamson on February 20, 2022, 5:50 am, in reply to "Re: 2 3/4” Chambers"

Sory mistyped .660 should have been .650

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