Polaris550 Report post Posted February 7, 2016 My grand father passed away and gave me a 1929 LC smith double barrel side by side shotgun he shot his whole life. For my annual turkey hunt, I want to use it if possible. It has a 30" barrel. Can I shoot a turkey load out of it and will it damage my gun. This is my most prized possession I own and don't want to mess it up. I've looked online for answers but can't figure it out. Please advise... It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Derrick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted February 7, 2016 In my mind, so long as the right size ammo is used (2 3/4 or 3", which ever the chamber is cut for I would bet only 2 3/4) and lead, you should be fine but I am not certain. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
.270 Report post Posted February 7, 2016 What did he shoot out of it? Lots of old lc's are Damascus barreled. If it ain't, turkey loads should be ok, if the gun is in good shape. If it is Damascus, different story. Light loads only. Lark. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted February 7, 2016 http://www.lcsmith.org/shotguns/1913grades.html Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
singleshot Report post Posted February 8, 2016 My Dad uses an old LC from that era on turkeys and shoots full strength 2 3/4" turkey loads. It does not have damascus barrels though. Works real good and he calls it Deliverance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Sparky Report post Posted February 8, 2016 If it a prized possession I would not shoot turkey loads through it. My sister has my great uncles L.C. Smith 20 ga. side by side with ejectors from around the same era (earlier just not sure on the date) so I can't read all the markings on it. The only time I used it turkey hunting was when we could buy a deer, bear, fall turkey license for $10.50. I just had number 5 shot in a regular 2 3/4" length. Why risk shooting it when you can buy a regular turkey shotgun for under $300? I can understand the sentiment of using it but you will have to decide if it is worth it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EnglishPointer Report post Posted February 8, 2016 Are there any proof marks on the underside of the barrels? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Polaris550 Report post Posted February 8, 2016 You guys are awesome. I have 6 other turkey guns but just wanna shoot my grandpas for some reason I can't explain. It says Armored steel on top of the barrel and no markings underneath. How can I tell if it's Damascus barrels for sure? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted February 8, 2016 I believe it sounds like you have a Field Grade and I didn't see any mention of them coming with Damascus barrels but feel free to post a picture of the barrel and it should be fairly evident if they are Damascus. Field Grade production began in 1912, and it was the lowest grade available. The 1913 catalog said: "This gun is especially designed for those requiring a cheap, sound and plainly finished weapon. It is particularly useful for field and marsh where rough usage is required. The shooting powers of this gun can be relied upon to be fully equal to those of the higher grades. Featherweights are made in twelve-gauges as light as six and one-quarter pounds." Field Grade production totaled 199,384 accounting for 82% of the total production of L.C. Smith side lock shotguns during the period of 1912 to 1950. The price in 1913 was $25. A Hunter-One Trigger brought the price up to $45. A gun with ejectors sold for $35, and one with ejectors and the Hunter One-Trigger retailed for $55. It was available in 12, 16, and 20 gauge and later in .410. The barrels were Armor Steel in lengths of 26, 28, 30, and 32 inches. Chokes were bored from cylinder to full to meet the customer's order. Stocks were American walnut in full pistol, half pistol, or straight grips. L.C. SMITH was stamped on the lock plates, and there was no engraving. The right barrel was usually roll-stamped L.C SMITH FIELD GRADE and the left barrel was marked THE HUNTER ARMS CO. FULTON, N.Y. The 1939 catalog announced a new, improved Field Grade with an improved cocking mechanism, extra strength in the stock, and a reshaped forend. A Field Special was listed for $48. It was the new, improved Field Grade with ivory sights and a recoil pad. The 1945 price of the regular Field Grade was $65. Production data by gauge are available for only the complete production period of Field Grade shotguns from 1912 to 1950. Those production figures are 18 10-gauge, 127,255 12-gauge, 38,678 16-gauge, 30,924 20-gauge, and 2,509 .410 shotguns. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
.270 Report post Posted February 8, 2016 Look close at the barrels. If there is anything that looks like a design in the metal, it's damascus. They wound wire around a mandrel and forge welded it. If you shoot too hot o' load, they turn into a slinky. Lark Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yotebuster Report post Posted February 9, 2016 Like lark said, the Damascus barrels almost looked "wrapped". They usually aren't a really dark black or blue either, kind of a brownish color on the ones I've seen. I would almost guarantee it doesn't have Damascus battles but double check. If not then I'd just get some mild 2 3/4" #6's like the pheasant loads. Keep your shot to 40 yards and you'll be good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
