The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

Stock Sustainability

Posted by Jack Shannon on September 4, 2023, 3:06 pm

I have a wonderful 12 Ga 30" barrel Elsie, S/N 52471. I have told people it is a 1950's gun. It is tight with no mechanical issues or problems. In just a few years the stock had serious cracks. I only used 2 3/4 Matrix loads, the lowest shells I can find. I can get it glued back together. The damage at recoil points will probably require glass bedding. Of course it was a favorite gun. Without regard of the cost, will stock failure after repair always be a problem?

Re: Stock Sustainability

Posted by Drew Hause on September 4, 2023, 3:23 pm, in reply to "Stock Sustainability"

That would be a 1948 DOM
Are you using the Kent Tungsten Matrix shells?
The velocity of the 2 3/4" 1 3/8 oz. load is 1375 fps and of the 1 1/4 oz. load 1400 fps.
Yes, I believe the stock repair is likely to fail with those loads.

Re: Stock Sustainability

Posted by Jack Shannon on September 6, 2023, 6:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Stock Sustainability"
Edited by board administrator September 7, 2023, 7:36 am

I was afraid of that. But where would I find a lesser load?

Re: Stock Sustainability

Posted by Drew Hause on September 7, 2023, 7:35 am, in reply to "Re: Stock Sustainability"

https://saltcreekammo.com/products/low-pressure-12-gauge-2-5-bismuth

Re: Stock Sustainability

Posted by Doug Precourt on September 14, 2023, 12:41 am, in reply to "Re: Stock Sustainability"

I was my understanding that our Elsie’s required shells producing 1200 fps or less. But the loads recommended are at 1300 fps. Is there something I am not understanding!

Re: Stock Sustainability

Posted by Drew Hause on September 14, 2023, 7:43 am, in reply to "Re: Stock Sustainability"

Cracked stocks are a function of recoil, and loose actions both recoil and pressure.
Yes, the load recommendation found on 12g L.C. Smith hang tags prior to 1920 was 3 dram 1 1/4 oz. shot (1165 fps); thereafter 3 dram with 1 1/8 oz. shot (1200 fps)
If not hand loading, we have very limited options for low pressure low recoil non-tox loads, and those loads are the lowest available.

Re: Stock Sustainability

Posted by Richard Phelps on September 27, 2023, 9:15 pm, in reply to "Re: Stock Sustainability"

RST Shotshell Bismuth

RST has a Bismuth load in stock at the moment rated at 1250 fps for a 1 ounce load.

https://www.rstshells.com/12-ga-2-1/2-bismuth-vel-1250-1-oz-load-box-aspx

Re: Stock Sustainability

Posted by Jerry Andrews on October 9, 2023, 6:12 pm, in reply to "Stock Sustainability"

I use AcraGel only for my repairs. It retains 5% elasticity. I also glue my fly rod ferrules on to the bamboo rods I make with it. Never had a failure. Ever

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[ The L.C. Smith Collectors Association ]