X Mark Posted January 7, 2021 Share Posted January 7, 2021 I am looking for information on an older L.C. Smith 16 ga. shotgun . I was told that this gun uses 2 1/2" shells which , it seems , are scarcer than hens teeth. Are there any L.C. Smith buffs out there that could enlighten me on this ? The gun is a Field Grade with a serial number 185160 which ,I think , was made in 1940 . It has no gauge markings or shell size that I found . Any information would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. X Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeaconKC Posted January 7, 2021 Share Posted January 7, 2021 1940 should be good for 2 3/4" shells, they were common by that time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Sloe Posted January 7, 2021 Share Posted January 7, 2021 Way back when dad had Browning with 2 9/16" chambering. He had a gunsmith ream it out to 2 3/4". No big deal. BS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perro Del Diablo Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 https://gunnersden.com/shotguns/#:~:text=16 Gauge %3D Bore Diameter of,615 inches. check out this article its really good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Indy Kid, SASS #4638 Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 I have a couple of 2 1/2" chambered 16ga shotguns. You can check the chamber length with a chamber gauge ( Brownels # 080-546-016WB ) If it doesn't go in to the 2 9-16 mark it's 2 1/2" I have bought shells from RST 16 Gauge (rstshells.com , than reloaded them on a MEC Sizemaster with a short kit Short Kit (mecoutdoors.com) You might check here for the age of your LC The L.C. Smith Collectors Association Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramblin Gambler Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 http://www.rstshells.com/ I have an old 97 that needs the shorter shells and I bought a case from these people. Looks like they're in stock to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Boy Posted January 8, 2021 Share Posted January 8, 2021 Quote I was told that this gun uses 2 1/2" shells which , it seems , are scarcer than hens teeth. Are there any L.C. Smith buffs out there that could enlighten me on this ? Have a LC Smith, 12ga pre WWII = 2 3/4" Also a Fox Sterlingworth, 16ga pre WWII = 2 3/4" Length of chamber is easy to determine ... use a caliper or magic mark a 2 3/4" loaded round and if the end is scraped = 2 1/2" ... or run a chamber gauge into the bores .... https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/measuring-tools/shotgun-chamber-gauges/shotgun-chamber-gauge-prod593.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jabez Cowboy,SASS # 50129 Posted January 9, 2021 Share Posted January 9, 2021 I shoot a Hammered L.C. Smith 16 ga. gun for CAS .... Fine handling gun , jumps to the shoulder pointed on target .... It has some minor Scratching ( engraving ) on the metal work and the screws are all "timed" ... Jabez Cowboy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramblin Gambler Posted January 9, 2021 Share Posted January 9, 2021 7 hours ago, John Boy said: Length of chamber is easy to determine ... use a caliper or magic mark a 2 3/4" loaded round and if the end is scraped = 2 1/2" Does that work? I thought the chambers had to be longer than the loaded shells because when they are fired they open up and if they're not allowed to open up fully it'll cause pressure issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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