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L.C. Smith Specialty Grade 16-gauge – 1938, FACTORY LETTER
$7,975.00
| General Specs: L.C. Smith, 1938, 16-Gauge, 6lbs. 14oz., Chokes M/IM , LOP 14 3/8″ , DAH 2 3/4″, DAC 1 9/16″ Serial Number: FWE164517 This is the kind of L.C. Smith that checks nearly every box for both the collector and the upland hunter. Built in 1938, this Specialty Grade 16 gauge combines the desirable Featherweight frame, English stock, 28” barrels, automatic ejectors, double triggers, and beautifully figured walnut in a gun that remains in exceptional original condition. The accompanying L.C. Smith Collectors Association research letter documents serial number 164517 as a 16-gauge Specialty Grade with 28” barrels, Featherweight frame, and automatic ejectors. It was started March 25, 1938, proofed April 22, completed May 11, and shipped that same day to National Sporting Goods Company. The letter further notes that only 720 Specialty Grade 16 gauges were produced, with 358 having 28” barrels, and just 148 made in the same configuration as this gun. Condition is a major part of the appeal. The Nitro Steel barrels retain excellent original blue with only light handling marks, the engraving remains crisp and fully legible, and the receiver shows attractive traces of original case color in protected areas. The stock is especially striking, with unusually bold figure for a Specialty Grade. The locks and trigger guard were removed during inspection, confirming the wood is properly factory-stamped to the gun and definitively original to serial number 164517. Wood-to-metal fit is excellent, the checkering remains strong, and a well-fit Silvers-style recoil pad gives the gun a very usable 14 3/8” length of pull. Mechanically, the gun is tight and sound with timed ejectors, crisp triggers, mirror bores, and stout barrel walls. At 6 lb. 14 oz., it has enough substance to shoot comfortably while still carrying like a proper 16 gauge in the field. For the L.C. Smith enthusiast, the appeal is obvious: rare configuration, documented history, original factory-numbered wood, strong overall originality, and exceptional figure. For the shooter, it is equally attractive—a beautifully configured American 16 gauge that remains entirely at home in the grouse woods, pheasant cover, or over pointing dogs. Factory research letter included.
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| Barrels |
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| Barrel Length: 28″ Chokes: .014/.024 M/IM Bores: mirror Bore Diameter: .664/.666 Wall Thickness: .034/.033 % Blue: 97% Chambers: 2 1/2″ Ribs: tight Sights: Front/mid ivory |
| Action |
| Action: tight- Ejectors: timed Receiver Condition: 90% factory Case color Screws: excellent Engraving: clear, sharp with hooks Trigger Type: double-crisp Trigger Guard Color: 70% |
| Stock |
| Type: straight/splinter LOP: 14 3/8″ LOP To End Of Wood: 13 1/2″ DAH: 2 3/4″ DAC: 1 9/16″ Cast: neutral Checkering Condition: excellent+ Butt Treatment: Silvers-style recoil pad |
| 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 |
| Payment and Shipping |
| Ways to Pay: Credit Card, Money Order, Certified Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer (Advertised price reflects 3.5% cash discount. Actual price if paid by credit card is 3.5% higher.) Inspection Period / Return Policy: Three Days from the date the item was received. Sales Tax Collected: FL, MI, PA, TN Shipping & Insurance: Ground $155.00 within continental U.S. Additional fees for HI & AK. Item Condition: Used Requires FFL?: Yes. C&R licenses accepted for shipping C&R eligible guns |
| 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. PLEASE SEE OUR OTHER FINE VINTAGE FIREARMS. View all listings and our full inventory of fine sporting and collectible arms will appear. Thanks for looking! We employ full time gunsmiths on premises and can perform alterations to suit your needs within a few weeks of purchase. Common requests are: -stock bending to suit your particular requirements -addition of any specified butt pad to increase length of pull -alteration of chokes to suit your shooting preferences -lengthening of chambers and forcing cones -darkening stock color with penetrating stains -restoring any part of the gun including rust blue, charcoal blue, bone and charcoal case color, wood restoration and checkering recuts. If you like one our guns but it needs “tweaked”, let us know and we can quote you a time and price. Some enthusiasts like the guns “as found” and others want them “just so”. We often list guns as found and let the particular buyer choose how they want their gun to fit or look. |
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