Inherited This LC Smith
 

I joined this board to do research on a Parker 20 gauge that was passed down to me. Will post that up on the main board when I take some good pics. Anyways, I also inherited this old LC Smith 20 gauge sxs. Serial number 107066 matching. It has damascus barrels so my understanding is no modern shells. The base around the left firing pin is damaged. This is an family gun and will keep going downline, what would you guys do with a gun like this? Display only?

Struggling to post pics off my Ipad

as with any old gun- have it checked by someone who knows old doubles-

if it is in safe shooting condition - on face- no major pitting and good wall thickness

call RST - get some shells and enjoy the family history

A regular framed Damascus 20g smith would be relatively hard to come these days.

I was going to say the same thing Brian. This is a one of a kind gun.

Matt, Here is a good place to learn more about your L.C. Smith

http://lcsmith.org/

Thanks for the link.

I don't believe this is a one of a kind, all the familys real good guns went to collectors.Not sure why I thought it was a 20 guage but looks more like a 12 after a second look.

X3 on what Brian said. If it checks out with a gunsmith, it could be quite desirable.

Matt, this appears to be a O grade made in1901. The grade should be stamped on the water table below the serial #. There were 4150 O grades produced that year with Damascus barrels so rarity is not an issue unless the barrels are 24" or 32". As others have stated, have the barrels checked and shoot low pressure shells. As far as the damaged area around the firing pin, if your gun has firing pin bushings they are easily screwed out and replaced. I have several "Elsies" and Parkers with laminate or damascus barrels and I shoot them all. Good shooting to you in the new year.

0 grades are not rare, but 0 grade 20 gauges are rare.

I believe the gauge has changed. O grade 12s are nice too, but not scarce.

Ok. That is a big difference

My old OE 12 is my favorite Smith. It has 32" vent rib full and full barrels and an extra set of 30" IC and MOD, solid rib, both fluid steel. It does everything.

Thanks for all this info guys. I am going to take this gun to a smith and get it looked over and ready to shoot. The idea of carrying this gun in the field is very appealing - its been in the family for 70 years, my grandpa's fathers gun given to him by the Webb family of Vermont. I shoot grandpa's old A5 and his Parker 20 so putting this one into service would be amazing. Once i have the gun back will update this post with better pics.

If the barrels are safe, most anything else can be fixed, lots of spare parts available out there. Good luck getting it shooting again.

On another note, I do not think a Regular frame L C Smith 20 gauge has ever been located with Damascus or fluid steel barrels. All rumored 20 gauges have turned out to be a case of mis identification of gauge, or frame.

Phil, about ten years ago, I sold a "00" grade 20 ga. LC with French walnut stocks and 30" barrels for 3K. I'll try to dig up the pics. Jim. Gun was made in 1909 or so

Jim was it built on a regular frame? I also owned an 00 grade but was on the same frame as the 20 gauges later marked FWS.

No Phil, was not a featherweight or an R frame just a regular 20 ga. Frame

Which is more likely to pop up first - an LC 16ga hammer gun, or a o grade 20ga? I don't see either very often.

Finding a hammer less 0 grade 20 gauge is quit common. I have only found one hammer 16. About 4000 16 hammer guns made of all grades. About 30,000 0 fame 20's

I have 2 16ga hammer guns, both found within the same 7 day period. Luck, I suppose. The LC Smith website says only 1306 0-grade 20ga. Roughly 3300 00 Grade 20ga.

Will you are 100% correct, 1306 made. That's what I get for quoting from memory. I was thinking of the Field grade.
You are a lucky guy to own to 16 gauge hammer guns.

I didn't realize the early 20's were that uncommon. I have an 00E from 1909 that is in very nice shape. It also has excellent wood for the grade. It doesn't get out as much as it should.