The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

LC smith ?

Posted by Thomas Morrissey on October 24, 2022, 8:17 am

I'm looking for a vintage SxS and came across this LC Smith. I can't personally inspect this, but just from the pics and info provided, it's a 12 GA Featherweight. Seems to be 'fair-good' condition with an addition of a recoil pad. Anyone have any idea on the approximate year? From my review of various sites, I understand that serial numbers were reused and/or overlap. Here are a few pics, but the serial number one isn't the greatest, as I can't really tell in the LCSMITH2 pic if there is anything after the Fw1167 (maybe a zero or 9?)
Thx in advance

Re: LC smith ?

Posted by Tom Garver on October 24, 2022, 9:51 am, in reply to "LC smith ?"

Thomas, if there are only 5 digits in the serial number it looks like 1919. But It looks like there is a 6th digit so that would put the manufacture date at 1929.

Re: LC smith ?

Posted by Thomas Morrissey on October 24, 2022, 11:08 am, in reply to "Re: LC smith ?"
Edited by board administrator October 24, 2022, 1:09 pm

Any thoughts on using Modern ammunition in this gun. Assuming it's at least 1919, it should be the 'Royal Steel' barrels.

I'm looking to be able to actually 'shoot' this periodically. I realize it would likely be smart to give it a good going over by a qualified gunsmith first. But assuming all is well, has anyone had any experience with these 'Royal STeel' barrels and their ability to handle modern light loads (say 7/8 oz. , under 10K psi)?

L.C. Smith Featherweight Field Grade

Posted by Drew Hause on October 24, 2022, 1:07 pm, in reply to "LC smith ?"
Edited by board administrator October 24, 2022, 1:09 pm

Thomas: your Field grade would have Armor Steel barrels and 2 3/4" chambers.
Please check the FAQs, esp. "Is my gun safe to shoot" and the "Shotshells and Shooting" section
https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=274&club_id=43784

As you observed, in that the gun is > 100 years old, it is likely well past due a good check and clean by a doublegun specialist. Let us know where you are and we might be able to recommend someone nearby.

The recoil pad is not original and if hardened you might want to replace it with a period appropriate reproduction; also discussed in the FAQs.

Re: LC smith ?

Posted by Tom Garver on October 24, 2022, 5:41 pm, in reply to "Re: LC smith ?"

Thomas, many of us shoot modern ammo in these guns. I try to find low pressure loads-1145 to 1200 fps for sporting clays but heavier loads for live game are OK. Steel shot is a no-no. The Steel barrels will handle the pressure but the stock takes the beating and can cause cracks especially near the rear of the side locks. Have your gunsmith check the barrels and if the stock is cracked anywhere fix it immediately while the gun is apart for inspection and cleaning. If you need help please call me at 717-887-0545. Tom

Re: LC smith ?

Posted by Thomas on October 26, 2022, 6:16 am, in reply to "Re: LC smith ?"

Thanks folks for the input

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