Description:
L.C. SMITH CUSTOM PREMIUM GRADE 16GA. by David VandenBrand
Here we are again with another fantastic custom gun built on a L.C. Smith featherweight Field Grade frame by David VandenBrand of West Olive, MI. For those of you that visit the popular gun sales sights you may recognize the name as the maker of the 2 custom Fox guns that got a lot of discussion on the talk forums. They recently sold, both to the same gentleman. Dave has given me the opportunity to put 3 more of his guns up for sale, all custom stocked, shaped, tuned by Dave, engraved to his customer’s desires.
This particular gun Dave built for himself and you can see that no amount of labor or expense was spared. The barrels are 30” 16ga. barrels with a custom English game rib, .662 internal bore diameter, choked IC/M (.010/.020), mirror bores, ejectors that are strong and timed, 2 ¾” chambers with lengthened forcing cones, 100% rust blue, ring like chimes, and have custom gold lettering identifying the gun as a “L.C. Smith Premium Grade”, labeled as such by Dave. The breech end of the barrels have a small amount of tasteful engraving as well.
The receiver is engraved with 100% coverage of delicate scroll and bolino game scenes that are simply incredible. I have many photos of this work done by Chris DeCamillus of Traverse City, MI in high definition photography for serious shoppers. The receiver was case hardened by Turnbull, treated to French grey, and then lightly polished to enhance the engraving background. The screws are incredibly engraved, double triggers, barrels tight on face of receiver, trigger guard is rolled on right side and beautifully engraved, even the water table has been given a simple scroll design engraving.
The custom wood is exhibition grade English walnut and is something to behold. Straight grip stock, custom beavertail forend with horn Schnabel inlay, 28 lpi checkering with ribbons and flour-de-lis is fitting of the rest of the gun. 15” length of pull to a checkered butt (even that has a flour on it!), 2 5/16” drop at heel, 1 ½” drop at comb, fine oil finish, FLAWLESS. The underside of the forend iron is fully engraved, as are the screws, all the wood to metal fit is meticulous and perfect.
The serial number on the gun, FWE 190380 indicates a 1940 vintage gun and Dave spent over a year doing the work to create this very unique double shotgun. He has shot it at sporting clays for over a year and the gun shoots to point of aim with simply awesome patterns. Dave is an expert at tuning chokes and double guns to maximize patterning. The gun balances ¼” ahead of the hinge pin with 30” barrels and handles dynamically like a fine European double at twice the price of this fine gun. A great investment that will appreciate in value, it would cost over $25,000 to duplicate today.
I have many more photos for you to view, just ask. Please look at my other Classic American Doubles on this website. 3 day inspection that does not include firing or screw driver disassembly and full refund if gun is received back in the same condition as shipped. Spend some time viewing the engraving and checkering. It is fantastic.
Condition:
Used, As New
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.
