The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

Trap Grade

Posted by John Kuklinski on January 7, 2024, 3:45 pm

Greetings Friends,

It took a little time but I finally pulled the trigger on a Trap grade. It arrived today and by all accounts it is a really nice piece.

Anyway, I'm still not good enough to recognize how original an Elsie may be. One thing that stands out is the recoil pad. Airocel? Neither Jim Stubbendieck's "Production Records" or Houchin's "... The Legend Lives" refer to this brand. Does anyone have any additional info on recoil pads that may have been used on Trap grades?

Also, I put her together but am unable to close the action with fired rounds in the chambers. Granted, I'm not a seasoned collector but I've assembled a few side by sides in the past never having a problem. Am I missing something? Can anyone shed some light without making me feel too silly?

John from Omaha

Recoil pad

Posted by Drew Hause on January 7, 2024, 4:41 pm, in reply to "Trap Grade"

John: could you post full size images of the pad, both from the side and the end

Here is a resource for period correct pads
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qxQsLDgpKtKITSGCJZ9H348YOsQL5CeZjjqNnHshpKQ/edit

CSMC has some repros
https://connecticutshotgun.co/recoil-pads/

Are you trying to use the fired rounds as snap caps? Does the action close without shells in the chamber?
The Smith firing pins are free-floating. Feel for the tip of the pin protruding from the standing breech. Just push it in and see if the action closes.

Re: Recoil pad

Posted by David Williamson on January 7, 2024, 5:06 pm, in reply to "Recoil pad"

On ejector/extractors there is a half round tapered cut-out on the bottom that when the gun is closing this cut-out will slide over the firing and let the action close.

Extractor cut-out

Posted by Drew Hause on January 7, 2024, 5:42 pm, in reply to "Re: Recoil pad"

Correct, but sometimes it doesn't with one of my Smiths

Re: Recoil pad

Posted by John Kuklinski on January 7, 2024, 8:30 pm, in reply to "Recoil pad"

Drew,
- You're correct, I wanted to use them as snap caps to check the ejectors and trigger.
- The action does close without the shells in the chambers
- Firing pins float freely. They don't seem to be the problem
- Not sure if images of recoil pad were uploaded. If not, please let me know.

And thanks for the links to the recoil pad pics,

Thanks
John

cartoon hd photos free download

Re: Recoil pad

Posted by John Kuklinski on January 7, 2024, 8:34 pm, in reply to "Re: Recoil pad"

David,

Cut outs clean and ejectors float freely.

Thanks

John

Re: Extractor cut-out

Posted by John Kuklinski on January 7, 2024, 8:41 pm, in reply to "Extractor cut-out"

Gentlemen,

Pics of breech enclosed.

Thanks

John

Re: Recoil pad

Posted by Jerry Andrews on January 8, 2024, 6:36 am, in reply to "Re: Recoil pad"

John once fired the brass expands. If you resize the brass or use regular snap caps I’m betting it’ll close just fine. Happy New Year to ya! Jerry

Re: Recoil pad

Posted by Drew Hause on January 8, 2024, 7:58 am, in reply to "Re: Recoil pad"

Thank you John. I'm pretty sure that is a Jostam One Ply tradenamed for someone, but couldn't find the store. Unfortunately, they were attached with glue or tacks

Re: Extractor cut-out

Posted by Drew Hause on January 8, 2024, 8:01 am, in reply to "Re: Extractor cut-out"

Should have thought of this first John.
Are the hammers cocked?
Check the "Disassembly and Reassembly" FAQ
https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=274&club_id=43784

Re: Recoil pad

Posted by John Kuklinski on January 8, 2024, 9:02 pm, in reply to "Re: Recoil pad"

Hello Jerry,

It has been a while but still great hear from you. Hope all iswell with you. Tried new and resized brass with no luck. Can assemble and close with nothing in the chambers but when cartridges inserted cannot close. Gonna try cocking the hammers as Drew suggested. Another first for me.

Re: Extractor cut-out

Posted by John Kuklinski on January 8, 2024, 9:06 pm, in reply to "Re: Extractor cut-out"

Hello Drew,

Tried using resized and new cartridges as Gerry Andrews suggested: no luck. Still unable to close. Next will try recocking. Another first for me. Anything to ge aware of?

John

Re: Extractor cut-out

Posted by John Kuklinski on January 8, 2024, 9:35 pm, in reply to "Re: Extractor cut-out"

Hello Drew,

Checked out "Disassembly and Reassembly" in LCSCA site FAQs. Appears cocking arms are rotated up meaning hammers are uncocked. Would appreciate your opinion of the attached pic.

John

Re: Recoil pad

Posted by John Kuklinski on January 10, 2024, 9:10 pm, in reply to "Re: Recoil pad"

Drew,

I believe you're spot on. Now gotta decide what to replace it with. And appreciate your help.

John

Re: Trap Grade

Posted by John Kuklinski on January 23, 2024, 8:50 pm, in reply to "Trap Grade"

Appreciate all the suggestion. Resetting hammers was needed. Bought the tool, rest hammers, and just like magic this old girl came alive. She is stiff, probably from lack of use but all functions work.

BTW, what a looker! More seasoned eyes than mine are needed to assess her but she is amazing.

Thanks again
John from Omaha

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