doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Thoughts on LC Smith Hammer gun.

Hey guys, I am not terribly familiar with the LC Smith Hammer guns. This one is listed locally as a 1937 vintage. The lever is left of center, but the gun looks to be in decent shape. Any thoughts? Asking price is $500. It's rare that an older gun goes up for sale on the local sites, and when they do, the owner likely either prices them sky high (its old!) or they price them very low (its old!)

With out you giving the serial number, it is after 1907 with the tapered top tang. L.C. Smith stopped making hammer guns in 1932. It is hard to tell from your picture, but after 1917 the only barrels offered were Royal Steel and Grade F in 12 ga. and catalog listed Grade FF as a 10 ga. This FF grade I believe was just a reference for Hunter Arms.
Damascus barrels could be special ordered as well as graded hammer guns. In 1917 this gun cost $22.50.

If you could post the serial number it would help determine year made. It does look like it was used quite often.
It also looks like someone put a center bead on it.

OK, I talked to the guy and found out a bit more. Serial number is 1605xx. (1909?)It is a 12. Barrels are stamped Royal Steel. 30" barrels. A single F with the serial number and CC stamped on the underside of both barrels.

No dings in the barrels. No cracks in the wood (some indentations from being used)

Here are my questions. Does it have short chambers (I assume so) and can anyone estimate a ball park value? Not many hammer guns to judge by on the auction sites.

Thanks,
Shane

If it's in good shape mechanically $500 isn't too bad.

That's what I thought. The kid says it shoots well, also said he bought it dirt cheap. Also... I am sure he hasn't been shooting short shells in it. But he says it does lock up nice and tight.

All L.C. Smith 12 ga. guns from the begining were 2 3/4" chambers.
The lever problem could be that the extesion rib slot is worn, or the rotary bolt is worn. My gues, the barrel extension rib. It can be tig welded and filed.

If its tight otherwise is it ok to shoot for the time being? Any ballpark on the repair?

Your guns is from 1909. It is a "F" Grade. Royal Steel ( A good thing). Very good old guns that are safe to shoot. If it locks tight, and I suspect it does, don't worry about the lever position. It's a pretty easy fix. I can suggest an expert L.C. Smith gunsmith that can do it right.

I have one (1908) in 16 gauge with Royal Steel barrels that my Dad used and that I have used regularly Since I was a kid 50+years ago.

Shane: No 100 year old gun is "OK" until it's been checked by a doublegun specialist smith. Take it to Lee Koning in Forney, TX 972-564-1520 or Buck Hamlin in Pevely, MO 636-479-4304

I have one, and I wouldnt part with it.About the same vintage, Royal Steel BBLs, full and more so. Buy it, get it checked out and shoot the peewillies out of it...