L.C. Smith Ideal Grade 32” SxS Shotgun F/F 12 GA 3” Chambers, 1925 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,755.00

LSB#: LSB250816LS003

Make: L.C. Smith

Model: Ideal Grade,  Long Range Wild Fowl

Serial Number: RE 80851

Year of Manufacture: August 1925 / C&R  (Cody Firearms Museum Record)

Gauge: 12 GA with 3” Chambers

Action Type: Break Action, Double Barreled Shotgun with Extractor & dual triggers.

Markings: The top of the right barrel is marked “-L.C. SMITH Ideal GRADE-“, the top of the left is marked “HUNTER ARMS CO INC M’F’R’S FULTON, NY, U.S.A.”. The bottom of each barrel is marked “LONDON STEEL”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “LONG RANGE”.  The water table is marked with the serial number “RE 80851”. The inside of the forend iron is marked with the serial number “RE 80851”. Each side plate is marked “L.C. SMITH”. 

Barrel Length: 32”

Choke: The barrels both measure FULL chokes, based on our choke gauge.

Sights / Optics: This shotgun has a brass bead fixed to the front of the rib. The top of the rib has fine serrations for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb, and serrated black hard rubber buttplate. There is a repaired 1-inch crack at the receiver end of the forearm and a scratch on the bottom of the forearm.  There are a few scattered light nicks, scratches and scuffs. The LOP measures 14 1/4? and 13 1/ 4? from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate respectively.  Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition:  The bores are bright.  There is plastic fouling near the chambers.  stubborn dried grease and corrosion.  In this writer’s opinion the bores rate 9/10. 

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal blued and case hardened finish. The finish on the barrels is strong throughout. Some of the case color still has vivid coloring. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock solidly to the frame. The safety has three positions, forward is fire but will engage the safety automatically when opened, middle is safe, and rear is fire but will not engage the safety when opened. 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: Shearling-lined suede case, Cody Firearms Manufacture Record (not official letter)

Our Assessment: The history of the L.C. Smith firearms is quite interesting. L. C. Smith formed a partnership with L. H. Smith and W.H. Baker to manufacture a three-barrel gun in 1879. L. C. Smith took over the company in 1880 and in 1884 began manufacturing hammer shotguns. Smith became interested in a new-fangled invention called the typewriter, and sold the company in 1888 to John Hunter. Smith went on to form the Smith-Corona company and became a world leader in the manufacture of typewriters. The L. C. Smith shotguns manufactured by Hunter Arms went on to become some of the highest quality shotguns made in the United States. This is an L. C. Smith Ideal Grade Long Range Wild Fowl shotgun made in 1925, chambered in 12 gauge. This would make a great addition to any L.C. Smith, double-barrel, American, or really any shotgun collection and would also make a fine field shotgun to this day.  Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – 

BF