General Specs: L.C. Smith, 1927, 20 Gauge, 6lbs. 4oz., Chokes F/F, LOP 14 1/4", DAH 2 13/16", DAC 1 7/16"
Serial Number: FW94467
There were a LOT of Field Grade 20ga. Elsies made over the years, nearly 31,000 in total, so how do you know which one to buy? Most are nice, but not special, guns. ONLY 1,224 OF THIS 31,000 HAD 30” BARRELS, SO A VERY RARE AND DESIRABLE OPTION ON THIS GUN, WHICH MAKES IT MORE VALUABLE. I have noticed that even on the common Featherweight frame the guns can be a bit on the heavy side, often weighing close to 6 3/4lbs. even with 26" barrels. Occasionally, I find one that is dynamic in hand, with lighter than usual weight, usually guns with the lower rib from the 1920’s or earlier. Lightweight, dynamic guns are highly desirable as well. This gun, snFW94467 made in 1927 is just such a gun. Weighing just 6 1/4lbs. with her long, elegant 30" barrels and full-length stock (see specifications below) this Elsie is notably dynamic in hand. The factory case color rates about 90% (thinning), factory barrel blue and trigger guard 98%, and factory original wood retaining most all of an older refinish. The screws are perfect, the mechanics are excellent, the barrels are tight as new on the hinge pin and breech face, ribs are tight, and the top lever is well right of center. The wood-to-metal-fit and checkering are superb and no cracks. This is a VFI CERTIFIED GUN, meaning we stripped the action to the smallest part, cleaned all in the Ultrasonic cleaner, scrubbed each part and inspected all for function and integrity, lubricated and reassembled. VFI CERTIFIED guns have a 90-day mechanical warranty (a $275 service in our shop). Most guys buying guns of this nature are shooter/collectors that will use the gun for birds and clays. PRESENTLY IT IS DIFFICULT TO FIND 2 ½” 20GA. 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. This is a gorgeous investment quality gun set up for long range dove shooting, pigeons, late season pheasants, waterfowl, turkey…any longer-range use with its tight chokes (we can alter chokes to your specs within a few days of purchase). 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 piece. The price is affordable, the gun is attractive and 100% functional, having already had all the service and adjustments needed by qualified gunsmiths here at VFI. What a great way to get into the small-bore vintage double gun chase without breaking the bank. Thanks for looking.
Barrels: 30"
Chokes .029/.030 F/F
Bores: excellent
Bore Diameter: .615/.615
Wall Thickness: .034/.030
% Blue: 98% factory blue
Chambers: 2 3/4"
Ribs: tight
Sights:Front brass
Action: tight-way Right of Center
Extractors
Receiver: 90% factory case color; thinning
Screws: excellent
Trigger: double-crisp
Trigger Guard: 97% factory charcoal blue
Stock: Capped pistol grip/Splinter; nice figure for Field Grade; euro walnut
LOP: 14 1/4"
LOP To End Of Wood: 14"
DAH: 2 13/16"
DAC: 1 7/16"
Cast: neutral
Checkering: excellent
Butt Treatment: factory butt plate
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.
