The LC issue is pointed out well above. I think another factor is the type of wood. English seemed to fair better than Black. But work quality and frame size may have also played a role at the same transition point.
I have some pre 13's w/really nice contact inside. On the other hand, I just messed around w/a 1940's 16 gauge you could see light through the head of action. Not one point of contact. Stocks is in perfect shape otherwise. But, it wouldn't have been for long. The company was clearly just hanging on by then...
Flawed as they are I love them.
