L.C. Smith, sn69553R, 1914, 16GA, 6lbs 1oz., SK/LM, LOP, 14 3/8"
There were a LOT of Field Grade 16ga. Elsies made over the years. Most have seen a lot of use and show their age, and most are rather on the heavy side weighing between 6 ¾ and 7lbs. This L.C. Smith 16ga., sn69553R built in 1914 on a Featherweight frame weighs in at just 6lbs. and balances on the hinge pin. What a great upland gun! This is a different Elsie in other ways as well. First, it has the Curtis Patent forend release only used on L.C. Smith guns from 1913 to 1919, a nice feature that many L.C. Smith shooter/collectors seek out. Second, the gun has been expertly restored to new condition with only a couple of light field marks in the wood from a season in the grouse woods. The wood is nicely figured with excellent checkering and not a crack or split anywhere. This gun has 28” barrels factory choked SK/LM, mirror perfect bores, with the barrels tight on face and hinge pin like a new gun, with the top lever well right of center. The mechanics are perfect, as are the screws and wood to metal fit. PRESENTLY IT IS DIFFICULT TO FIND 2 ½” 16GA. SHELLS. BECAUSE OF THIS, VFI GUNSMITHS HAVE CAREFULLY MEASURED THE BARREL WALL THICKNESS AHEAD OF THE CHAMBER AND HAVE LENGTHENED THE CHAMBERS TO 2 ¾” AND EXTENDED THE FORCING CONES TO 1 ½” TAPERS SO THAT YOU CAN SHOOT MODERN 2 ¾” HEAVY FIELD LOADS THROUGH THIS GUN. This is a $360 service in our shop. These guns are going up in value as you enjoy their use, so you won’t lose money should you ever decide to sell this nice little Elsie. The price is affordable, the gun is attractive and 100% functional. Set up perfectly for your upland pursuits or clay target games, light as a feather, well balanced, and stunning good looks…what’s not to like about this one!? The gun was previously fitted with a Hawkins pad for a long 15 ¼” LOP which is shown in the photos and can be included in the sale should the new owner need a longer LOP. The stock dimensions are modern and longer than usual even with the buttplate, measuring 14 ½” LOP to the plate. This is a great way to get into the small-bore vintage double gun game without breaking the bank, just in time for summer practice prior to the upcoming bird season. Thanks for looking!
Barrels: 28"
Chokes: .004/.012 SK/LM
Bores: excellent
Bore Diameter: .652/.666
Wall Thickness: .025/.021
% Blue: 99% restored
Chambers: 2 3/4" with 1 1/2" cones by VFI
Ribs: tight
Sights: front brass
Action: tight Right of Center
Extractors
Receiver: 100% bone and charcoal case color; NICE
Screws: perfect
Trigger: double-crisp
Trigger Guard: 99%
Stock:Capped pistol grip/Splinter; Curtis forend 1 only; some fiddleback
LOP: 14 3/8"
LOP To End Of Wood: 14 1/4"
DAH: 2 5/8" with plate
DAC: 1 9/16"
Cast: neutral
Checkering: perfect
Butt Treatment: BUTTPLATE/Hawkins pad fitted too
INQUIRIES
There is a 30 day mechanical warranty on long guns. If it is a “VFI Certified” gun there is a 90 day mechanical warranty. Call or email us for more details or questions. Thanks! Vintage Firearms Inc.
Other
Terms of Purchase: Check your local and state laws before purchasing. It is the buyer’s responsibility to confirm his/her right to own the firearm or any item before purchasing.
