doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Questions on a LC Smith field grade

with a damascus barrel 12. The metal is shiny with no trace of finish, the lock up is excellent, the wood is aged and needs repointing. But it's salvagable. The forend has an ill-advised insert of what appears to be a light wood like maple, but that could be replaced easily. (Don't know if this is standard, but a horn triangle wouldn't hurt the looks.) It's priced too high, but the seller would come down a bit, I think. I'm thinking $450-500 if the barrels ring. The wood has a good but not exceptional pretty common, and no deep dings.

I'm not crazy about the gun, and have other shotguns, although no other sidelock. I'm wondering if I'm thinking too high on the price, given the restoration needs. I figure it'll cost a hundred-fifty to get the stock reworked. Too much?

You didn't mention engraving, but if it's a Damascus gun with no engraving, it is likely an early Grade O gun with standard features and manual extractors. I personally like Smith gun, but such guns are not uncommon; and I wouldn't pay that much for a fixer-upper low grade Smith gun, as restoration to something approaching original condition and finishes would be expensive. You'd be better off to purchase a better condition low grade; or if you do want to go the restoration route, a graded Smith gun in need of restoration.