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Forums10
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Apr 29th, 2024
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4
Junior Member
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OP
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4 |
Recently aquired an older 12 ga. smith..my info. indicates it was made sometime in 1911 (serial# 38xx). The barrels say "armor steel" underneath. Am wondering if modern loads are OK in this gun? Also, would this year of manufactor tell chamber length.. and if not is there a way for me to tell if I have 2.5 0r 2.75 inch chambers? Thanks for any advice. Matt
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,257
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,257 |
Hello and welcome to the BBS.
NO. Modern American Nitro loads(average pressures well above 11,000PSI ) are too pressure heavy for this gun.
The pressures you must look to shoot are 9000 PSI and below. Closer to 7000 would be better on both the metal and especially the wood.
Many things may have been done to the gun since it left the factory. Take it to a good SxS smith and have it checked out. He will measure everything and then there will be no doubt.
Many companies sell CIP (European standard pressure) shells, so unless you reload there is plenty of shells for this gun.
If you treat it right, you will have a shooter for life.
Best,
John
PS---Remember that low brass has nothing to do with the pressure generated by the fired shell.
Humble member of the League of Extraodinary Gentlemen (LEG). Joined 14 March, 2006. Member #1.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,468
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,468 |
probably 2 9/16". It can be lengthened
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,257
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,257 |
Pete:
Don't you agree that lengthening the chamber is really not necessary?
Best,
John
Humble member of the League of Extraodinary Gentlemen (LEG). Joined 14 March, 2006. Member #1.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Junior Member
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OP
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4 |
What are the potential problems of not lengthening chambers?
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,257
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,257 |
sonny243:
There are no problems. It is perfectly alright to shoot 2 3/4 inch shells in your gun if the barrels are sound. Leave the chambers as they are and have a ball.
Best,
John
Humble member of the League of Extraodinary Gentlemen (LEG). Joined 14 March, 2006. Member #1.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 477
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 477 |
I believe most Smiths are 2 3/4". I have a 1905 with them.
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,274 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,274 Likes: 1 |
According to the Hunter Arms catalogs all 12ga LCs are 2 3/4 except for the 3" guns which are marked. WARNING 20GA, 16GA AND 410 MAY BE SHORT CHAMBERS!! It is best to check the chambers and have the wall thickness checked on guns you are unsure of, best to be safe than sorry.
Jim
I learn something every day, and a lot of times it's that what I learned the day before was wrong
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,857 Likes: 384
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,857 Likes: 384 |
give it a good look at your self, look at the barrels inside and out,look at the breech face , look for dent and bulges.look at the recoil shields for pits look at the ribs see if it looks original and not messed with(solder where it shouldnt be )check the stock for cracks (behind the lock plates)if you have an other gun you know is in good condition use it as a referance good luck. mc
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,423 Likes: 314
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,423 Likes: 314 |
From the beginning, LC 12g chambers were 2 3/4", unless otherwise marked, and we've found one marked 2 5/8"  Lots of information here http://www.lcsmith.org/faq/faqhome.html
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