Description:
L.C. Smith Ideal Grade 12 Side-by-Side
FACTORY 99%, U.S. ARMED FORCES ISSUE, 1942, SUPERB GUN!
General Specs: LC Smith, Year 1942, 12 Gauge, 7lbs 6oz, SxS
Serial Number: FWE199966
In the world of L.C. Smith 12 gauge shotguns, it is not hard to find a decent Ideal Grade…they made 18,000 of them total. However, to find one that is FACTORY AS NEW, WITH EJECTORS, AND NO COMPROMISES is indeed rare and an Elsie like that will bring a premium price as 99% factory original guns are indeed a rare find. This beautiful L.C. Smith Ideal Grade on a Featherweight frame is that gun; showing as new in all ways and NOT A RESTORED GUN. It still has the factory jeweling marks on the breech face of the barrels! More important to some collectors and shooters, this gun is one of a very small number of L.C. Smith shotguns shipped to the U.S Military in preparation for WWII. Called “ORDNANCE” guns, the military utilized shotguns to train gunners to take down enemy airplanes. Setting the gunners up on the Skeet fields, trainers could teach gunners the concept of lead and how to swing on a rapidly moving target. Most of the L.C. Smith guns shipped to the military were Field Grade guns, but 23 Ideal grades have been noted as being shipped and this is one of those guns. As noted in James Stubbendieck’s excellent reference book “L.C. Smith Production Records”, MOST BUT NOT ALL of the guns were marked with the flaming bomb ordnance mark. There is mention in Stubbendiecks, Brophy’s, and Houchins’ book on L.C. Smiths that many were marked on the barrels with “USA-F”. Some believe it stands for U.S. Air Force, others U.S. Armed Forces. This gun is so marked. Most of these guns saw lots of use and showed it, mostly the Field Grades. It may be that the Ideal Grades were meant for officers and hence were not as heavily used and abused, but regardless, this gun is a rare example of a near new Ideal Grade issued to the U.S. Armed forces and will have special meaning in any fine collection of L.C. Smiths. Mechanically perfect in every way, tight as new, barrels have special reinforced lug, this is a great, affordable Elsie. You certainly won’t find a higher factory original condition USA-F Ideal Grade anywhere. It has been shot, so you can enjoy using the gun while it continues to gain value as a highly prized collectible Elsie from the early days of WWII. Thanks for looking, and don’t let this one get away!
Barrels
Barrel Length: 28"******
Chokes: .028/.037 IM/F******
Bores: perfect mirror******
Bore Diameter: .729/.729******
Wall Thickness: .034/.036******
% Blue: 99% factory******
Chambers: 2 3/4"******
Ribs: Single Sighting Pane, tight******
Sights: double metal******
Action
Action: tight, way right of center******
Ejectors or Extractors: ejectors, strong, timed******
Case Color: 99% factory******
Screws: perfect******
Engraving: sharp clear******
Trigger Type: double, crisp******
Trigger Guard Color: 97%******
Stock
Type: capped pistol grip/splinter forend/ nicely figured for Ideal******
LOP: 14 1/4"******
LOP To End Of Wood: 14 1/16"******
DAH: 2 1/2"******
DAC: 1 7/16"******
Cast: 1/8" off******
Checkering Condition: perfect******
Butt Treatment: factory plate******
There are more photos upon request. We offer a 30 day mechanical warranty on this fine shotgun. Call us for full details. PLEASE SEE MY OTHER FINE VINTAGE FIREARMS. Just open one of my ads and click on the line that says “see all items from this seller” and a very nice list of fine sporting and collectible arms will appear. I have many more fine sxs shotguns not yet listed. Thanks for looking!
COME JOIN US on SEPTEMBER 8-10, 2017 at the 2nd annual Tunnel of Trees Side X Side Tournament and Game Fair at the Emmet County Sportsmen’s club in Northwest Michigan!
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Brand:
LC Smith
Model:
FWE199966
Caliber:
12 Gauge
Location:
MI
Trades Accepted: Yes.
Shipping Notes: Payment Methods: Money Order, Certified Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer******
Inspection Period / Return Policy: Three Days from the date the item was received.******
Sales Tax: 6% Michigan Only******
Shipping & Insurance: Ground $45.00 We ship internationally!******
Item Condition: Used******
Requires FFL?: Yes******
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.
