The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

L C Smith 16 gauge double barrel

Posted by Jeffrey Scott on December 21, 2025, 12:48 pm

I have a L C Smith 16 gauge shotgun that has been in the family for over 60 years. It is in great, original shape. Serial number S-7080 2 questions:
1 How can I obtain the year of manufacturer?
2 It it appropriate to have a gun like this restored? It looks and operates fine--but does show signs of 50 plus years of wear

Re: L C Smith 16 gauge double barrel

Posted by David Williamson on December 21, 2025, 12:59 pm, in reply to "L C Smith 16 gauge double barrel"

Jeffrey your gun was made in 1946 given the S prefix. It is on a Featherweighat frame and should have 2 3/4" chambers at this time. It is an Ideal Grade which is nice. If you are thinking of having it restored for the next generation in your family that is nice, but having it restored is going to cost more than what the gun is worth.

Re: L C Smith 16 gauge double barrel

Posted by Dan Wildhaber on December 21, 2025, 3:06 pm, in reply to "L C Smith 16 gauge double barrel"

From what I can see it looks pretty original which is always nice. Unfortunately it looks like someone has been holding down barbwire fence with the cheek of the stock.
Damage like that is hard to repair.
Like David says, restoration cost would exceed the value of the gun, however a cleaning using proper techniques could certainly make it look a lot nicer without robbing it of it's originality.
Using the proper techniques is key. Application of anything improper to a surface runs the risk of devaluing the originality.

Re: L C Smith 16 gauge double barrel

Posted by Ken Descovich on December 21, 2025, 3:58 pm, in reply to "L C Smith 16 gauge double barrel"

I wouldn't do anything to that gun other than lubricating it and cleaning the bores. It looks like there is alot of case colors on that one.

Re: L C Smith 16 gauge double barrel

Posted by Drew Hause on December 21, 2025, 4:22 pm, in reply to "L C Smith 16 gauge double barrel"

Your family had good taste

1948

The gun should be checked and internally cleaned by a qualified double gun smith before use.
Please check the Maintenance and Restoration section in the FAQs for some clean up suggestions
https://www.lcsmith.org/content.aspx?page_id=274&club_id=43784

Re: L C Smith 16 gauge double barrel

Posted by Jeffrey Scott on December 21, 2025, 4:57 pm, in reply to "L C Smith 16 gauge double barrel"

Gentlemen-thank you very much for the feedback and info. That’s exactly what I wanted to know. I think the right strategy is do nothing and keep it maintained.

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