The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

London Barrels

Posted by Fred Lima on May 12, 2023, 6:55 pm

So I looked at the years of manufacture on our site and the Ideal grade I just acquired appears to be from 1924. It has London Barrels. Question...what would the chamber length be???? any clue? Thanks all in advance!!!

Re: London Barrels

Posted by John Reed on May 12, 2023, 9:21 pm, in reply to "London Barrels"

I just picked a 1923 ideal in 20ga and it has
2-1/2" chambers.
-John

Re: London Barrels

Posted by Fred Lima on May 13, 2023, 7:58 am, in reply to "London Barrels"

Thanks John....but I should have mentioned mine is a 12 ga. Currently looking for a nice 20.

Re: London Barrels

Posted by Drew Hause on May 13, 2023, 8:52 am, in reply to "Re: London Barrels"

From the beginning, Smith 12g guns had 2 3/4" chambers, unless otherwise marked on the barrel flats.
Hunter Arms Company lengthened the 20 gauge chambers from 2 1/2" to 2 3/4" in 1936.
L.C. Smith and Hunter Arms Fulton 16 gauge guns manufactured as late as 1939 have been found with 2 9/16" chambers.

Re: London Barrels

Posted by Jerry Andrews on May 13, 2023, 9:55 am, in reply to "Re: London Barrels"

I don’t believe L.C. Smith ever made chambers shorter than 2 3/4” in 12 ga. But someone may have evidence otherwise.

2 5/8 chambers

Posted by Drew Hause on May 13, 2023, 9:58 am, in reply to "Re: London Barrels"

Certainly not very many

Re: 2 5/8 chambers

Posted by Fred Lima on May 14, 2023, 10:08 am, in reply to "2 5/8 chambers"

Great Information gentlemen! Thank you very much!!!!

Re: 2 5/8 chambers

Posted by Mark Britton on May 14, 2023, 9:10 pm, in reply to "2 5/8 chambers"

That stamp I have never seen, but isn't 2 5/8 for 2 3/4 chambers ? And 2 9/16 for 2 1/2 ?

Re: 2 5/8 chambers

Posted by Mark Britton on May 15, 2023, 3:33 am, in reply to "Re: 2 5/8 chambers"

I ment to say shells Not chambers

Re: 2 5/8 chambers

Posted by Jerry ADREW on May 15, 2023, 6:36 am, in reply to "2 5/8 chambers"

I don’t believe those stamping are from the factory. I’m guessing those are possibly foreign. I’ve had over 7000 L.C. Smith guns through my shop since 1976 and I’ve never seen that type font But..I’ve learned to never say never. Thanks for sharing the photo. Jerry

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