L C Smith "Wild Fowl"
 

Many of you know that the L C Smith "Long Range" was a contemporary of the Super-Fox, introduced in about the same time frame. Then in 1940-42 Smith made a derivative which was named the "Wild Fowl" and while some sources believe it was merely the Long Range with a new name, this student of Super-Foxes sees some unusual barrel boring features in the one pictured here. The Wild Fowl came into being well after the intro of the Super-X 3-inch/1-5/8 ounce load. Total production of the LCS Wild Fowl totaled less than 100 guns and this one was made in 1941 and is now nicely restored. 32-inch tubes, Full & Full and with factory 3-inch chambers. Here are cell pics showing some of the work on this WF. She'll be making her debut at the Northeast Side by Side (Hausmann's) and we'll see what she can do at the Fox Collectors Bo-Whoop long range competition. Come by and see her at the B-W shooting butt or under the big tent.

What a spectacular LC Smith! I will see you there and give you my best in challenge with my M21! Can’t wait for the NE.

The Long Range was first advertised in 1923, but the Hunter Arms records show that one was made in 1921 and an Eagle Grade Long Range in 1922. Only 14 were made in 1923. Total production of Long Range shotguns (1921-41) was 2,606, and of Wild Fowl 98 (1940-42).

This 1923 ad in "Hunter-Trader-Trapper" introduced the Long Range Wild Fowl

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL.../408539130.jpg

In 1924 the ads were mostly just "Long Range"

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL.../268801900.jpg

More information here
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/17318961
and
Spring 2013 "Double Gun Journal" Volume 24, Issue 1, p. 137.

Mine is pretty far from that nice, but is a good shooting gun. It was in the shop all of last season, unfortunately, but is back and ready for the coming season.

Frank, you wouldn't tell us something about the stocking and finishing on this gun, would you?

that is one nice gun....i too like mills have a long range gun a shooter....i like reading about the 80-85 yard kills these gun will do...i know this is to sell the guns but it suits me.....charlie

Thanks all for your feedback.

Bill, despite VERY diligent questions and search I haven't been able to find out who did the stocking, finishing, checkering and the metal finishes. :banghead:

Weight is 8^7. My friend Craig Libhart of Susquehanna Stockworks has identified the wood as American Black Walnut. He suggested I remove the pad to look for a stocker's cartouche but I haven't done that as yet. Sorry, that's all I know except that she's been hunted a little since restoration and will absolutely turn clays into smokeballs.

Drew et al., the 3-inch/1-5/8 ounce progressive loading was intro'd in about 1935 along with the Winchester Model 12 Heavy Duck pump gun, and again, there are significant differences in the borings of this 1941 Wild Fowl as compared with my 1927 LCS Long Range that was made for the 3-inch/1-3/8 ounce load. More to come as I make time to compare the two special long range Smiths against 3-inch Super-Foxes and Winchester Heavy Duck Model 12's and 21. That will be objective testing with 3-5 shot composites and with ducking size shot for pattern efficiencies and penetration at 40-50-60 and perhaps 70 yards depending on results obtained.

will be looking forward to your testing results on these guns....charlie

"Designed to replace the heavier bores"?? In the first ad, what does that mean? Was the Wildfowl lighter than the Long Range? Frank, that is one great gun.

I think it was intended to mean replacing the 10 and 8 bores.