LC Smith 2x2

[Tubac]

Gents,
A co-worker has an "attic" find 12 ga. LC Smith 2x2, that he's trying to sell me.
I know even less about shotguns than I do about other firearms.
It's steel barrelled, not damascas, made in 1908, field grade with hammers.
Here are the problems, both bores have pitting right in front of the chambers, and
the left hammer has been brazed.
Does the pitting in the barrels rule out shooting it? I shoot pistols and rifles that have some
pitting, but their barrels are much thicker.
I dealer/gunsmith told me it would be aproximately $600 to reline the barrels to 20ga. It's not
worth putting that much money into it ,or is it?
Thanks,
Tubac

[St. George]

While I doubt the price the dealer claims for relining - for that money, you can buy a 'very' nice L.C. Smith that won't need anything done at all.

This one sounds like a wall-hanger, or something you'd buy for parts - and parts for those shotguns just aren't 'that' scarce.

Good Luck.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Tubac]

St George,
Thanks for your help. I don't have no use for a wall hanger.
The fella was good,he kept a straight face when he told
me, "Oh, about $250, $260 a barrel".

Tubac

[Laredo Crockett]

L. C. Smith is a top quality gun. The pits, though unsightly, won't hurt anything. The Hammer may be another thing. I dunno what the likelihood of finding a replacement is. At any rate the gun is not worth anywhere near $600-my top dollar would be $200 and theen I would be taking a chance. A good welder might be able to TIG the Hammer together where it would hold though.

[St. George]

Some of those dealers get a lot of practice - keeping that straight face.

Watch out for them...

They're the same guys who replace the springs with a Wolff set, smile - and price it as an 'action job'...

L.C. Smith was/is a fine shotgun - with a wide distribution across America.

If you want a good one - all you'll have to do is keep your eyes peeled.

Good Luck.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Delmonico]

One note on LC Smith's that could crop up, LC Smiths when held up to the light empty, one can see light between the breech and barrels, this is not a problem, they were made that way, this serves the same funtion as a gas release vent as found on some rifles, older shot shells sometimes leaked at the fold in the rim, this just vent the gas to the sides where it is safer for the shooter.  The remakes made in the late 60's, to early 70's have this, I'm not sure if the new ones Marlin is making has it.

Of course one should have the headspace checked before firing any older gun, esp break open shot guns.