LC Smith - $250 what to look for

[Mark_Mark]

I’m back at the trap field and my local honey hole has a LC Smith for $250

Going to look tomorrow!

What to look for?

 

[RKRCPA]

If I'm reading this correctly both guns are missing parts and the one for sure needs significant repair to be safe. Sounds like they are both parts guns at best.

 

[Mark_Mark]

If I'm reading this correctly both guns are missing parts and the one for sure needs significant repair to be safe. Sounds like they are both parts guns at best.

No Lock mean, no Gun safety lock. Requirement here in Seattle

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Well, as with any used shotgun bulged barrels are probably problem numero uno.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Well, as with any used shotgun bulged barrels are probably problem numero uno.

look for bulged barrel… check

 

[eastbank]

i realy like the older shotguns, but what i found out is to buy two so you have spare parts. the ones i have i hunt a few times over the seasons and use reloads with one ounce of shot at low pressure. no since over working them.

 

[RKRCPA]

No Lock mean, no Gun safety lock. Requirement here in Seattle

Okay then, never even considered that. Knowing that I would say look them over for any signs of abuse or significant wear (off face definitely qualifies), barrel dents etc. Oil soaked and cracked stocks are probably the single biggest concern. You should probably send them to a qualified gunsmith to determine if there are safety issues. I recently picked one up for $300 so deals are out there for sure. More info can be found at https://lcsmith.coffeecup.com/index.html and https://lcsca.clubexpress.com/content.aspx?page_id=0&club_id=43784

 

[drband]

Breech should lock up tight with a good snap. If you can, remove the barrels and suspend by the hook. Tap them lightly with a wood dowel or pencil— they should ring like a bell if they are sound and are still fully soldered to the rib. If they go “thunk” best to avoid because they have significant cracks in the solder.

 

[1KPerDay]

Do this also

Ringing Barrels

Dead barrels should not be fired without correction, Just Sayin........

youtu.be

 

[1KPerDay]

Dang it, drband was up early today!

 

[Mark_Mark]

Breech should lock up tight with a good snap. If you can, remove the barrels and suspend by the hook. Tap them lightly with a wood dowel or pencil— they should ring like a bell if they are sound and are still fully soldered to the rib. If they go “thunk” best to avoid because they have significant cracks in the solder.

Do this also

Ringing Barrels

Dead barrels should not be fired without correction, Just Sayin........

youtu.be

learn something NEW

 

[Jim Watson]

If the $350 shotgun is "do not fire in current condition" what shape would you expect for $250?

Examine critically: "A bargain is something you don't need at a price you can't resist."

 

[MacAR]

What to look for?

As others said, ring the barrels and also see how pitted they are. More than likely the stock will be cracked where it meets the locks, that's a common weak point in Smith guns. Make sure the safety works also, they get worn over the years. If it has a single trigger, be especially careful to make sure it doesn't double; the Hunter One-Trigger guns were known for that after they got some wear on them.

Mac

 

[Jim Watson]

they should ring like a bell if they are sound and are still fully soldered to the rib.

Fred shoots CAS with a BSS's ribs flapping in the breeze. Don't be like Fred.

 

[Mark_Mark]

what does a good shape LC field grade run?

they have 2 shotgun, one to shoot, one for parts??

 

[luv2safari]

As others said, ring the barrels and also see how pitted they are. More than likely the stock will be cracked where it meets the locks, that's a common weak point in Smith guns. Make sure the safety works also, they get worn over the years. If it has a single trigger, be especially careful to make sure it doesn't double; the Hunter One-Trigger guns were known for that after they got some wear on them.

Mac

This...cracked at the receiver...

Also, Smiths are notorious for going off face. Take off the forend and hold the grip tight. Point the gun up and shake it like a baby rattle. If there is Any rattle it is loose and needs a costly repair, probably as much or more than the price of the gun. This assumes the butt stock is tight. IMO, old LC Smiths are a big PASS, unless they are in excellent condition.

 

[RKRCPA]

what does a good shape LC field grade run?

they have 2 shotgun, one to shoot, one for parts??

Hard question to answer, so much depends upon condition. As noted above, cracked stocks are a known issue with these guns.

The Cabelas near me has three Field grade LC Smith's, a 12g, a 16g and a 20g with prices running between $1,000 and $1,500. Finish wise the 12g and 16g look a little better than mine but not that much better. The 20g has been refinished (including a blued receiver) and has a small dent in the barrel and it is the most expensive of the three. Granted Cabelas is usually proud of their used guns but I wouldn't buy them at that price.

If the $250 gun is tight, mechanically correct and not too fugly it might be worth taking a chance. It will depend entirely on your desire for a shooter grade SxS. Worst case, if it doesn't work out you have a wallhanger. I would include the cost of having it checked by a qualified gunsmith in the equation.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Hard question to answer, so much depends upon condition. As noted above, cracked stocks are a known issue with these guns.

The Cabelas near me has three Field grade LC Smith's, a 12g, a 16g and a 20g with prices running between $1,000 and $1,500. Finish wise the 12g and 16g look a little better than mine but not that much better. The 20g has been refinished (including a blued receiver) and has a small dent in the barrel and it is the most expensive of the three. Granted Cabelas is usually proud of their used guns but I wouldn't buy them at that price.

If the $250 gun is tight, mechanically correct and not too fugly it might be worth taking a chance. It will depend entirely on your desire for a shooter grade SxS. Worst case, if it doesn't work out you have a wallhanger. I would include the cost of having it checked by a qualified gunsmith in the equation.

Thank You!

 

[Mark_Mark]

This...cracked at the receiver...

Also, Smiths are notorious for going off face. Take off the forend and hold the grip tight. Point the gun up and shake it like a baby rattle. If there is Any rattle it is loose and needs a costly repair, probably as much or more than the price of the gun. This assumes the butt stock is tight. IMO, old LC Smiths are a big PASS, unless they are in excellent condition.

Hard question to answer, so much depends upon condition. As noted above, cracked stocks are a known issue with these guns.

The Cabelas near me has three Field grade LC Smith's, a 12g, a 16g and a 20g with prices running between $1,000 and $1,500. Finish wise the 12g and 16g look a little better than mine but not that much better. The 20g has been refinished (including a blued receiver) and has a small dent in the barrel and it is the most expensive of the three. Granted Cabelas is usually proud of their used guns but I wouldn't buy them at that price.

If the $250 gun is tight, mechanically correct and not too fugly it might be worth taking a chance. It will depend entirely on your desire for a shooter grade SxS. Worst case, if it doesn't work out you have a wallhanger. I would include the cost of having it checked by a qualified gunsmith in the equation.

You know what they say, “You get what you pay for” maybe I should just take that money and buy a modern SxS. CZ or maybe a used Fausti, or save up more and get that Beretta SxS (just dreaming )

 

[barnett]

When talking about SxS shotguns, be they sidelock, boxlock, or droplock, the “lock” is the part of the trigger- hammer mechanism that makes the gun fire. If the gun has no lock, it is a non firing gun.

 

[Mark_Mark]

When talking about SxS shotguns, be they sidelock, boxlock, or droplock, the “lock” is the part of the trigger- hammer mechanism that makes the gun fire. If the gun has no lock, it is a non firing gun.

it has a lock.. “ No Lock” mean no trigger safety cable. They are required here in Seattle, that mean customers has to buy a $3 lock from them

sorry for the miss communication

 

[luv2safari]

You know what they say, “You get what you pay for” maybe I should just take that money and buy a modern SxS. CZ or maybe a used Fausti, or save up more and get that Beretta SxS (just dreaming )

Look into a good used Sauer or Merkel/Simson (same company post-war).

 

[luv2safari]

This is a poor photo of a good Simson 16ga. It's quality is higher than any CZ and on par with field grade better quality Italian guns. These in 12ga can be found for $900.00-$1,200.00. The 16's go for a bit of a premium, and 20's are even higher. The 16's and 20's are built on the same receiver.

The top gun is the Simson 16, and the bottom is a like new Simson 12ga I sold years ago...not a great decision.

 

[Mark_Mark]

This is a poor photo of a good Simson 16ga. It's quality is higher than any CZ and on par with field grade better quality Italian guns. These in 12ga can be found for $900.00-$1,200.00. The 16's go for a bit of a premium, and 20's are even higher. The 16's and 20's are built on the same receiver.

The top gun is the Simson 16, and the bottom is a like new Simson 12ga I sold years ago...not a great decision.

OHHH MAN! these are pretty, Hope I’m not getting into pretty shotguns again.

 

[PapaG]

What to look for…$250 LC? A nice display rack.