The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

LC Smith 20 ga chamber length

Posted by Rick Fischer on September 9, 2025, 11:56 am

I'm looking at a field grad 20ga with a 1936 serial number. What is the chamber length? The barrels do not appear to be marked. I read in a thread, that Hunter increased the chamber to 2 3/4" between 1920 and 1930, in another thread the increase occurred in 1936. Gun is online and I don't have access to it.

Re: LC Smith 20 ga chamber length

Posted by Drew Hause on September 9, 2025, 3:19 pm, in reply to "LC Smith 20 ga chamber length"

Unfortunately the chambers must be measured.
About 1936 is the correct date Rick, but that does not confirm the chamber length of this gun.
A Research Letter will not include the chamber length (unless special ordered) and the chambers may have been lengthened at some point. And if lengthened, measuring the end of chamber wall thickness is prudent.

Re: LC Smith 20 ga chamber length

Posted by rick fischer on September 9, 2025, 3:46 pm, in reply to "Re: LC Smith 20 ga chamber length"

Hey Drew, thanks for the reply. That was you I quoted in my post. The current owner said it must be 2 3/4 because he put a 2 3/4 in it, pulled the trigger, and everything is fine. I replied that I didn't think it worked that way, and there is a healthy crack forming a the rear of the lock plates, so I'm leery of this gun.

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