Custom L.C. Smith 00 Grade 24” Side By Side Double Rifle, 1910 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,100.00
LSB#: LSB250628BE022
Make: L.C. Smith Gun Co.
Model: 00 Grade
Serial Number: 330600
Year of Manufacture: 1910 (Ref: L.C. Smith Shotguns by LtCol. William S. Brophy, USAR Ret.)
Gauge: Sleeved, .45-90
Action Type: Side-Lock Break-Open Side by Side Double Shotgun with Extractors.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a barrel mounted base. The rear sight is a three piece V-notch with two folding blades mounted to the barrel rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece checkered walnut set with a splinter forend, Prince of Wales wrist, straight comb, and rubber recoil pad. There are light handling marks throughout. There is a chip that has been fixed on the wrist. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the buttplate. Overall the stock is in Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued, in the white.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: Both bores are bright and the rifling is sharp. There is light erosion but there is light surface rust throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate a 8/10
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is thinning and scratches on the barrel, and outright blueing loss at the muzzles. The case hardening has been scrubbed to white. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this double rifle rates in Fair condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Spare 12ga barrel set in Poor to Fair condition.
Our Assessment: This custom L.C. Smith 00 Grade began life in 1910 as an American-made side-by-side shotgun before being reworked into a double rifle chambered in the powerful .45-90 cartridge. While L.C. Smith never manufactured factory double rifles, their sidelock actions were strong and well-suited for custom conversions. This example has been sleeved with 24-inch rifled barrels, fitted with proper express-style sights including a beaded front and a three-leaf rear, making it an effective dangerous game or heavy sporting rifle configuration. Such conversions were not uncommon in the 20th century for hunters seeking an affordable alternative to purpose-built European double rifles. Condition reflects both age and the custom work performed. The barrels retain about 85 percent of their blued finish with thinning, scratches, and loss at the muzzles, while the case hardening on the action has been scrubbed to white. The bores are bright with sharp rifling and only light erosion, though surface rust is present, rating 8 out of 10 overall. The walnut stock has been refinished, with checkering softened by wear and a repaired chip at the wrist, but remains sound and serviceable. Mechanically, the action locks up and functions properly, and the rifle is accompanied by a spare 12 gauge barrel set, albeit in worn condition.
For collectors and shooters, this double rifle represents an intriguing piece of custom American gunmaking history. While it lacks factory originality, its configuration as a .45-90 double makes it a unique and highly functional big-bore sporting rifle. Enthusiasts of custom rifles, L.C. Smith collectors, or those seeking a practical double for black powder or handloaded cartridges will find this piece appealing. Its combination of American craftsmanship, custom ingenuity, and strong condition for its age ensures it will stand out in any collection of sporting arms. -R.E.
