Description:
L.C. Smith SKEET SPECIAL 16ga. –RARE, RARE! 1 of 77 MADE
Every once in a while you find a fine vintage American double that is truly special.
This Elsie, sn143947, is an L.C. Smith collectors dream. There were only 771 Skeet Specials made in all gauges, only 77 in 16ga. Taking into account loss due to damage or accident, there are likely less than seventy 16ga. Skeet Specials left on the planet. This fine shotgun comes with Cody Firearms Museum documentation and matches the shipping records precisely, including the 27” factory barrels. I have never seen another one in all my searching, and this one retains over 85% factory case color. This is a very nice investment quality firearm that will be just as fun on the clays course/skeet range as it is in the field.
The 27” barrels are a real oddity amongst American double shotguns, retaining 90% factory blue, typical handling marks, no dents, dings, or pits, ribs are tight, choked SK1/SK2 (.002/.007), mirror bores, bore diameter .646/.647, minimum barrel wall thickness 40 thousandths, chambers 2 5/8” (can be opened to 2 ¾” with lengthened cones for $150, but not necessary to shoot with 2 ¾” shells. If you don’t know why, ask. Lengthened chambers and forcing cones lessen felt recoil and often improve patterns), double ivory beads, ejectors strong and timed, barrels tight on breech face, reinforced forend lug as seen on 3” magnum guns, an excellent set of barrels that are tuned to competitively break targets or drop your close flushing game.
The receiver is in beautiful condition retaining 85% vivid factory case colors, excellent screws, non-selective single trigger (very reliable), long tang trigger guard reblued, action tight with lever right of center, engraving is unique, sharp, and clear, all in excellent mechanical condition.
The English style stock and Skeet style beavertail forend are in excellent condition with no splits, cracks or repairs. The butt stock is nicely figured walnut with checkered butt, excellent factory checkering, a few handling dings but nothing major, LOP 14” from REAR Trigger position to end of checkered butt (would be 15” from front trigger of a two trigger Elsie, so the stock is long), 2 3/8” drop at heel, 1 ½” drop at comb for awesome modern shooting dimensions. The graceful Skeet Style beavertail has excellent checkering, 99% factory finish, no cracks or repairs, reinforcing rod through bolt to forend iron. This gun is set up to shoot high volumes of ammo.
This rare collectible has already been shot a bit, so it is a very useable shotgun. Due to it rarity and high original condition it is a very good investment gun that is sure to appreciate as long as it is cared for. With all of the Vintage Side by Side shoots sprouting up around the country this gun is a must have!
I have more photos upon request. There is a 30 day mechanical warranty on this gun. PLEASE SEE MY OTHER FINE VINTAGE FIREARMS ON THIS WEBSITE. Just open one of my ads, click on the line that says “see all items from this seller” and a great list of collectible sporting arms will appear. I have many more guns not yet listed, so ask if you don’t see what you are after. Thanks for looking!
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Caliber:
16 Gauge
Location:
MI
Trades Accepted:
Shipping Notes: See Description
LET ME SELL YOUR GUNS!!! As you can see, I do a thorough job, am nationally known, and have hundreds of existing customers looking for your gun! Federally licensed dealer of Classic American Doubles, i.e. Fox, Parker, Ithaca, L.C. Smith, Lefever. Guns must be shipped to licensed dealer. Layaways accepted. No returns on layaways. I BUY SHOTGUNS, COLLECTIONS OR ONE AT A TIME.
