Range report: L.C. Smith 16 gauge

[Cyrus Cassidy #45437]

Range report, from the history vault: Antique L.C. Smith 16 gauge. According to the serial number, this was manufactured in 1911 by L.C. Smith, the gentleman's refined shotgun of the day. It was also made with 2 9/16" chambers, something not available in modern ammunition. I had the gunsmith check it out, and someone in the past has, indeed, cut the chambers to the modern 2 3/4" specification, meaning modern ammo will work. So I took it to the trap range and shot two rounds (a round being 25 targets / 25 shots).

Handling: Side-by-side double barrels are significantly more delicate and light than their over/under counterparts, and since I'm used to the latter I wondered if the gun would swing a little wildly. It did not. It maintained its delicate feel while pointing naturally and easily. It is well-balanced and easily controllable despite being light enough to carry on a multi-mile grouse or pheasant hunt. I hit 20 and 21 despite moderately-high winds blowing the clays in unpredictable undulating patterns. Absent the wind I'm certain I would have had a better score. Furthermore, I'm fairly certain both chokes are full, which is far too tight for the trap shooting at the standard 16 yards. A more open choke would likely have produced better results, too. Given these factors, I'm quite happy at my own performance. Also notice the "Prince of Wales" style stock. As opposed to its English counterparts, I'm certain the stock style allows for better head placement and eye alignment with the rib than the traditional English style.

Recoil: The 16 gauge is supposed to split the difference between the much more common 12 and 20 gauges in terms balancing hitting power and recoil. I would say this more than achieves that objective. I was shooting 1 ounce of #7 1/2 shot, something either the 12 or 20 could handle, and recoil was barely noticeable as compared to the 12 gauge, even in a heavier over/under.

Action: While it opens and closes rather easily, when closed, the action locks up tightly with no signs whatsoever of play. It's as if the gun was made yesterday. LC Smith really knew what they were doing. What surprised me was the automatic safety. Any time I opened the gun to remove the spent shell and reload, the safety automatically moved to the "safe" position. This is not ideal for trap shooting due to the excessive number of times the shooter would have to disengage the safety, wearing it out prematurely.

Ammunition: The venerable 16 gauge has a small cult-like following who swear by its many qualities. Yes, despite that, the enthusiast community remains small. Many people are convinced the 16 gauge will die forever and be relegated to museum pieces, reminiscent of the cowboy-era in which it was invented. Yet, every now and then it sees a resurgence in popularity and remains alive for another half-generation, until the naysayers once again conclude it is on its deathbed. Unlike its more popular counterparts, the 16 gauge is not available in 3" magnums; with modern produced ammunition, 2 3/4" is the only option. Furthermore, waterfowlers will note the even greater difficulty in finding steel or other non-toxic ammunition required by law. For 16 gauge enthusiasts, reloading is a must.

Application: As a result of the above, I could absolutely see myself hunting pheasant, quail, grouse, or other upland bird with this gun. It would be easy to carry all day and would not beat up my injured shoulder. And yet, it would hit any of those birds hard enough for a humane harvest.

Edited October 18, 2025 by Cyrus Cassidy #45437

[Jabez Cowboy,SASS # 50129]

Howdy Cyrus Cassidy;  

I shoot a slightly older L.C. Smith in Sweet 16, chambers also recut, with Hammers  often for cowboy matches... It's Choked  Mod-Full, I use Holy Black in it.

I have more Scatter Guns in 16 than any other gauge...

Jabez Cowboy

[Shotgun-Gibbs]

I have 2 LC Smiths in 16 gauge. I love them, & the 16 gauge is  wonderful!