I had a wonderful time shooting with various members of the LC Smith Collectors Association. We hunt and fish together so it was natural to travel here to enjoy this venue together.” The temperatures are about thirty-degrees above our normal so I could use some cooler weather.” Cindy Yonker added, “I love being with my husband and doing things together. My shooting was only average but we are having a great time. It’s great to have so much knowledge about the old shotguns in one place. It sounded like a lot of fun so we decided to make the trip. I’ve heard and read about the camaraderie that happens here. Mike Yonker explains, “This is my first time here. Mike and Cindy Yonker, from Ketchikan Alaska, likely traveled the greatest distance to the event. Water stations were strategically located throughout the course so shooters could stay hydrated. Thankfully much of the sporting clays courses are set in the woods with plenty of shade. Shooters were welcomed with unseasonably hot April weather with temperatures into the low 90s. I went, not expecting to compete in any championship finals, but to share the experience with fellow members of the LC Smith Collectors Association. Shooters can from as far as California and Alaska. The Deep River event attracts some of the finest shooters from around the country each spring. Adding to the trip is the LC Smith Collector’s Association versus the Parker Gun Collectors Association annual shoot-off. These are some of the reasons I love heading south to North Carolina each spring as the Deep River Shooting Grounds located outside Sanford, NC hosts the Spring Side by Side Championships.
There is something about this time in shotgun making that produced guns with a graceful lines and a timeless beauty. I really appreciate the classic side by side shotguns made in the late 1890s through to just before World War II. Nostalgia for the way things used to be just sneaks up like another birthday. Perhaps it is a sign of aging but it seems I like old things – old dogs, old cars and in this case old shotguns. As you say, it is a beautiful firearm.The entrance to the Deep River Sporting Clays LC Smith and Parker Collectors Association exhibitor tents provided welcome shade from the 90-degree April heat in North Carolina. If you choose to shoot it, I strongly recommend using lead shot only. If it were my gun, I’d feel comfortable insuring it for around $3,000. Again, though, these are only guidelines. And if the barrels on your gun are 32 inches long, you could likely charge an additional premium. Since far fewer 20-gauges were made, add 50 per cent to the price. Smith Field Grade in 12-gauge should easily bring $1,500 to $2,000, especially if there are American dealers among the bidders. Smith Collectors Association’s excellent website (At a well-publicized gun auction in Canada, an L.C. You can find more information on the L.C. One negative is the white spacer beneath the pistol grip cap-I don’t know if the grip cap is original, but I’m sure the white spacer isn’t. The original case-hardened colouring of the receiver has faded, which is common with guns of that age. “Values should be taken as a guide only.” Most serious collectors would want to carefully examine any potential purchase, as small differences in condition can make a big difference in the value.įrom what I can see, your shotgun appears to be in good condition with no visible rust or pitting. Fjestad’s Blue Book of Gun Values, noting that collector interest can be high, but that guns in 90 per cent or better of their original condition are tough to evaluate. Smith shotguns are rare and were all made to exacting standards,” states S.P. The barrels were made of what was called “Armor Steel” in lengths of 26, 28, 30 or 32 inches. Double triggers and extractors were standard, while single triggers (selective or non-selective) and ejectors could be had instead by special order.
Of the 199,384 Field Grades produced, 30,924 were in 20-gauge. Although not engraved or as finely finished as the higher grades, these guns were made to the same high standards and were equally reliable and durable.
Smiths were Field Grades, the lowest grade offered.
#Lc smith collector serial#
The Field Grade was made from 1912 to 1950 based on the serial number, yours was made in 1941 or 1942. Smith shotguns are considered among the very best American-made shotguns, and they’re in great demand from collectors, especially in the U.S.
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