I'm presently researching a 20-gauge LC Smith Specialty Grade which gun features this barrel stamp "USA-F". This gun was shipped in May, 1942 and was not shipped to Rochester Ordanancece. Tom
All military use purchases for L.C. Smith shotguns went through Rochester Ordnance. The Government did not purchase "Specialty Grade" L.C. Smith shotguns.
From Serial Number 197,321 on May 9, 1942 to Serial Number 202,813 on April 9, 1943, Rochester Ordnance purchased the following
grade L.C. Smith shotguns only, no more, no less:
Field Grade 1,477
Ideal Grade 20
Wild Foul 9
Being an ex military fighter pilot, although from another period in time, and having spoken with several of my pilot friends who did fly and train during WWII, I know of no military lead and lag training that took place with 20 gauge shotguns during WWII from any maker. I think the records bare this out quite conclusively.
Most likely the USA-F = UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - FULTON. Not documented and the people who actually applied those stamps are dead, so pot luck I would say.
