In House Shipping:
Correction: This shotgun has an extractor, not ejectors.
Make: L.C. Smith Gun Co. / Hunter Arms Co.
Model: Field Grade Featherweight
Serial Number: 126069
Year of Manufacture: 1930 (Ref: L.C. Smith Production Records, by James Stubbendieck)
Gauge: 20Ga. 2 3/4” Chamber
Action Type: Side-Lock Break-Open Side by Side Double Shotgun with Extractor.
Markings: The water table is marked with the serial and the grade. Both sides of the lock plate are marked, “L.C. SMITH”. The barrels are marked, “L.C. SMITH FIELD GRADE” and the Hunter Arms Co. rollmark. All serialized parts are matched. There are several “FIELD” stamps throughout.
Barrel Length: 28”
Choke: Fixed, Full, Improved Modified.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead set on top of the serrated rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece checkered walnut set with a splinter forend, capped semi-pistol grip, raised straight comb, and serrated plastic buttplate. There are light handling marks throughout. There are a few spots of pooled finish. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips, but there is a short, thin crack at the rear of the right sideplate. The LOP measures 14" and 13 1/8” from the fronts of the triggers to the rear of the buttplate. The plate has minor wear with well defined serrations. Overall the stocks are in Very Good to Fine condition as refinished. The stock has a slight right handed cast, the drop at comb is 1 5/8", the drop at heel is 2 3/4".
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: Both bores are bright with some faint scratch lines. There is no erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate a 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The case color is bright. There are scratches and light thinning throughout. The screw heads are lightly tooled. The markings are worn in spots. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good to Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: This L.C. Smith Field Grade 20-gauge side-by-side shotgun, manufactured in 1930 by Hunter Arms Co., represents one of the most cherished American double guns of the early 20th century. The Field Grade was designed as a rugged, reliable, no-frills working gun—perfect for upland game hunters who demanded performance and durability without the ornate features of higher-grade models. Built on L.C. Smith’s sideplate platform, the Field Grade retained the company’s distinctive mechanical quality, robust lockwork, and fine fit and finish even in its most affordable offerings. This example is a featherweight 20-gauge with 28" barrels choked Full and Improved Modified—an ideal combination for upland birds or clays. The shotgun retains about 95% of its original metal finish, with vibrant case coloring still visible on the frame and excellent bluing on the barrels. The bores are bright and clean with only faint scratch lines, rating a strong 9.5/10. The checkered walnut stock and splinter forend show only light handling wear, with a small crack at the right sideplate, and they have been skillfully refinished. The stock has a slight right-hand cast and is configured with a capped semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and original serrated plastic buttplate.
Mechanically, the action is tight and functions properly, with crisp triggers. The serial-matched components and clear Hunter Arms and L.C. Smith markings add to its authenticity. This shotgun remains a very desirable and highly shootable classic.
For collectors of American doubles, vintage bird hunters, or anyone who appreciates the charm and handling of a well-made 20-gauge side-by-side, this L.C. Smith Field Grade delivers elegance, utility, and historical value. It's a fine example of the kind of American craftsmanship that made L.C. Smith a trusted name in field guns for generations.