The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

Marlin LC Smith

Posted by Steven Rebelein on June 11, 2024, 9:56 pm

I recently purchased a Marlin LC Smith 16 gauge SxS. It is in excellent condition and may have never been fired. These guns were manufactured between 1968-1971. My question: Is the gun safe to shoot steel shot? It is choked Mod/Full. Thank you

Re: Marlin LC Smith

Posted by Drew Hause on June 12, 2024, 7:33 am, in reply to "Marlin LC Smith"

Without a composition analysis there is no way to know the steel used for the barrels; but it is very unlikely to be nickel steel or 4140 chrome moly.
There has been lots of discussion about using steel in vintage barrels, esp. from England

https://www.thefield.co.uk/shooting/steel-shot-and-vintage-guns-45758

https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/guns/ammunition/steel-shot-in-old-shotguns-126432/

Current steel shells have thick shot cups to protect the barrels, but, other than target loads, are loaded to very high velocity with substantial recoil, and the risk of cracking the head of the stock.
Certainly you will need to have the full choke opened in order to use steel.

Re: Marlin LC Smith

Posted by Steve Arnett on June 12, 2024, 8:10 am, in reply to "Marlin LC Smith"

Can you share the serial number on this gun? I didn't think the '68-'71 guns were available in anything but 12 gauge.

Re: Marlin LC Smith

Posted by Drew Hause on June 12, 2024, 8:58 am, in reply to "Re: Marlin LC Smith"

Steve is correct

Re: Marlin LC Smith

Posted by Marty Stein on June 14, 2024, 10:48 am, in reply to "Marlin LC Smith"

I'm certainly not the expert of experts, especially when it comes to these fine old guns. However, I have TWO points.
1. I thought the 1968-1971 guns were only available in 12 gauge?
2. I wouldn't ever use STEEL in any of my vintage guns. There are too many better options.

RST makes low pressure shells for vintage guns and
Salt Creek Ammo makes low pressure BISMUTH shotshells for vintage guns.
Take a look at SaltCreekAmmo.com
Enjoy and be safe.

Re: Marlin LC Smith

Posted by Steven Rebelein on June 22, 2024, 9:59 pm, in reply to "Marlin LC Smith"

I'm sorry-it is a 12 gauge

Re: Marlin LC Smith

Posted by Steven Rebelein on June 22, 2024, 10:13 pm, in reply to "Re: Marlin LC Smith"

FWM 58239. I'm sorry I misspoke. It is a 12 gauge.

Re: Marlin LC Smith

Posted by Steven Rebelein on June 22, 2024, 10:24 pm, in reply to "Re: Marlin LC Smith"

I guess I didn't view a 1968-1971 gun as a vintage gun. I was in high school during these years so I must be vintage too.

Re: Marlin LC Smith

Posted by Tom Garver on June 23, 2024, 6:20 am, in reply to "Re: Marlin LC Smith"

I like the term vintage. Most of our young people view the boomer generation and those born before that as ancient.

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