LC SMith Extractor Question
 

Just picked up a LC Smith 12 ga. Couple of questions for the Smithis that may (are)be among us; are all Smiths hard to break open after firing (this gun is very tight) and I've noticed that while the extractor lifts the shell from the chamber (as its supposed to do), there's no tension behind the extractor at this point and it can easily be pushed back down. Not familiar with Smiths. I'm wondering if there is a broken or missing spring behind the extractor. Any thoughts?

Allen,

If your LC Smith has a "roll check" in the barrel lug the extractors can be pushed down once fully open. Roll checks were found in the early LC Smiths made in Fulton NY.

I do not know why your LC Smith could be hard to open rather than need of grease on the barrel hook, or however unlikely it was recently rejointed, i.e. put back on face. Since Smiths cock on opening there could be a problem with the cocking rods/system. My LC Smiths with and without roll checks are not any harder to open than a Parker.

Mark

Thanks Mark,
It's quite tight to open, but it does. So you're saying that unlike my Parker's extractor which can not be pushed down manually after opening the gun and extracting the shells, the extractors on smiths can be pushed easily down? I looked for a schematic on the web for smiths but could not find one. This gun was made in 1927. The LC Smith Assoc. does not have a detailed schematic.

USN-R (DD-943) WestPac 1968

Mark, is the 'roll check' that circular thing that is embedded in the barrel lug? When I took the barrels off the frame, I noticed this circular disk that rotates and has a 'tit' opn each side of the round disk. The disk rotated inside the barrel lug. I assume this is all correct?

Allen,

Yes, that is the roll check.

With the barrels removed from the frame operate the roll check and you should observe as you rotate it clockwise the extractor will rise. Once the roll check is rotated to it's most clockwise point the extractor is no longer under supported and may be pushed in flush with the breach face of the barrels.

PS: Please forgive my hasty photography. Not my best work...

Mark

Mark, it was a bitch putting the barrels back on the frame as I had to rotate the 'roll check' into the right position so the barrels would seat properly to the frame. Does this indicate a problem somewhere?

A (USN-R)
Retired civilian though!

There is no problem with the LC Smith but it is not a Parker or Fox design.

Rotate the roll check all the way clockwise and push the extractor down. Then insert the roll check lugs into the action and close the gun.

Mark

Thanks Mark. Assume this has to be done each time.

If so, that's good as all I have to do now is get the blueing removed from the frame and have it case colored, I'm in business then and have a nice shooter. Pictures to follow.
Thanks again Mark.
A