10 ga LC Smith Gunmaker ca. 1888

[bentongunclub]

I would like to find some shells and firing pins for this old 10ga LC Smith that I got onto a few years ago. Damascus twist steel from about 1888 according to some input from an LC Smith collectors site. Hammerless model. Anyone got any info?

 

[JohnBT]

Yes, there's probably a good reason somebody removed the firing pins. It's so old - and it's Damascus steel - that it isn't safe to shoot.

If you fix it up I would suggest tying the gun to a tire (not while it's on the car) and using a long string to pull the trigger. And hide behind a tree. I'm serious.

 

[Dimis]

take it to a reputable gunsmith and have them evaluate its condition to see if it is at all fireable before you have the pins replaced

damascus steel is fragile and brittle over time and very well could shatter once fired

also ammo will be a handloaded blackpowder round Im sure someone knows of commercially loaded blackpowder loads but I assume they are far and few between and also expensive

 

[oneounceload]

RST makes the ammo, but it needs a thorough check by someone who KNOWS these guns. Since you said you were on the LC site, I would suggest getting names of reputable smiths from them to send your gun to for a check-up

 

[btz]

gads custom catridges has 10 gauge BP loads...
If you're concerned about the damascus steel I wouldn't even go with the RST shells, they're smokeless. Granted they're low pressure, but the black powder will probably be lower..

 

[kozak6]

Damascus shotgun barrels don't age well. If the firing pins are removed, it's likely that it was done because the shotgun is unsafe to fire.

You definitely need a reputable gunsmith to check it.

Another option might be to resleeve it to a smaller gauge, although that will be expensive.

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

Its hammerless right? my LC Smith 10ga has cold rolled steel barrels. Get it checked. It will probably be choked tight and tighter.
Have the barrel looked at by a pro, some shotguns had Damascus patterns acid etched on steel barrels like the Spencer Pumps.

 

[JohnBT]

"my LC Smith 10ga has cold rolled steel barrels"

That's a rare gun for a Hammerless Model L.C. Smith, isn't it? I didn't think they used rolled steel that early.

"The L.C. Smith Hammerless Gun was made during the period of 1886 through 1888 and offered in Qualities 2 through 7." - lcsmith.org

 

[oneounceload]

Damascus guns are shot all the time by groups like The Vintagers, among others. Just because a gun has Damascus barrels does not automatically make it a wall hanger. The condition of ANY gun 100+ years old will determine shootability with the proper ammo

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

It surprises me a little but I agree with the last post 100%.

My 10 Ga was my Grandpas, it is a LCSmith/Hunter/Fulton, and I would be surprised if it was older than about 1910.
Side locks, and I'm pretty sure Non-Damascus barrels.

Now if you can see my gun from there, you are more than just an expert.

 

[XxWINxX94]

Damascus guns are shot all the time by groups like The Vintagers, among others. Just because a gun has Damascus barrels does not automatically make it a wall hanger. The condition of ANY gun 100+ years old will determine shootability with the proper ammo

+1
I shoot all my 100+ year old guns. Just make sure your L.C. is checked over by a knowledgeable gunsmith who knows his antiques, and that the correct ammuntion is obtained. The oldies are alot of fun!

 

[rcmodel]

I have known three different people through the years that lost fingers to an exploding damascus shotgun barrel.

One gun was an old Belgan made beater, and it should have been enough just by looking at it to make you gun-shy about shooting it when it was brand new.

Another one was a very nice old Parker trap gun, that was by all outward appearance, about as good as it gets.


When they let go, it is almost always right under where you have your left hand on the forend.

To me, it is just not worth the risk.
I have plenty of other shotguns that simply are not going to let go and blow my fingers off.

rc

 

[RugerMcMarlin]

Everything said up to this point,is correct far as I know. Please don't take this as a pro to your con anyone,

I made a statement earlier that some guns with fluid steel barrels were acid etched to mimic Damascus. I gave The Spencer repeating shotgun as an example. To expand, the reason they would do this was because AT THAT TIME damascus was viewed as the superior barrel type. Age has had a detrimental effect on a lot of things.