The L.C. Smith Collectors Association

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

10 gauge Syracuse F grade hammer gun what is side bar?

Posted by Brian McMahon on June 18, 2026, 7:16 pm

There is a Syracuse F grade hammer gun up for auction Made between 1884-1887 is up for auction. What is the side bar or bar action or Baker joint check or barrel stop that this gun has? It has damacus barrels and says stub twist on barrels. 32 inch barrels and 3 inch chambers. The auction house says it might fetch $2500-$5000. What is it really worth? Can you really shoot something this old? Does anyone own something like this and do they shoot it. Thanks for any response.

Re: 10 gauge Syracuse F grade hammer gun what is side bar?

Posted by David Williamson on June 19, 2026, 5:34 am, in reply to "10 gauge Syracuse F grade hammer gun what is side bar?"

Brian, without the serial number it is hard to determine when made.
Bar action is when the "action" is before the hammer, the mainspring is recessed in the long finger of the side plate.
All the workings are shown in the picture attached.
Hope this helps you.
https://ibb.co/ynLG6pD7][img]https://i.ibb.co/cczM6wPV/3-bridles-3-hammers-2-copy.jpg[/img

Re: 10 gauge Syracuse F grade hammer gun what is side bar?

Posted by Tom Garver on June 19, 2026, 6:48 am, in reply to "10 gauge Syracuse F grade hammer gun what is side bar?"

Brian, there are quite a few shooters in LCSCA that have restored and shoot these old guns. The damascus barrels should be evaluated and use low pressure modern ammo or black powder. Here is serial number 11838 from c. 1885 that is partially restored. Waiting for the forend and then I'll shoot this gun

Re: 10 gauge Syracuse F grade hammer gun what is side bar?

Posted by Brian McMahon on June 19, 2026, 8:25 am, in reply to "Re: 10 gauge Syracuse F grade hammer gun what is side bar?"

Thanks for response Dave and Tom. The serial # is 15686. Bidding started at $1300. Can’t see paying more than $1500.

Re: 10 gauge Syracuse F grade hammer gun what is side bar?

Posted by Tom Garver on June 19, 2026, 3:53 pm, in reply to "Re: 10 gauge Syracuse F grade hammer gun what is side bar?"

Brian, here is serial number 15203 made in Syracuse c.1886. I restored this gun about 8 years ago and have shot it post restoration. The stub twist pattern in this one doesn't jump out at you but that happens sometimes. I try to make sure the original parts are there especially the hammers and forend. Good luck in your bidding

Re: 10 gauge Syracuse F grade hammer gun what is side bar?

Posted by Brian McMahon on June 19, 2026, 5:47 pm, in reply to "Re: 10 gauge Syracuse F grade hammer gun what is side bar?"

Nice gun Tom thanks for pics

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