1911 L.C. Smith Hunter Arms Grade 3e 12 GA 32" Hunter One Trigger F/IM Side by Side ShotgunOur Assessment: The history of the L.C. Smith firearms is quite interesting. L. C. Smith formed a partnership with L. H. Smith and W.H. Baker to manufacture a three-barrel gun in 1879. L. C. Smith took over the company in 1880 and in 1884 began manufacturing hammer shotguns. Smith became interested in a new-fangled invention called the typewriter, and sold the company in 1888 to John Hunter. Smith went on to form the Smith-Corona company and became a world leader in the manufacture of typewriters. The L. C. Smith shotguns MANUFACTURED by Hunter Arms went on to become some of the highest quality shotguns made in the United States. When Marlin bought the Hunter Arms Co. in 1945, they began manufacturing the same guns under the L. C. Smith Gun Company title. This an L.C. Smith No. 3e Grade shotgun chambered in 12 gauge and made in 1911. It has a lot of its finish left with good bores and strong mechanics. This example has a Hunter One Trigger and automatic ejectors. This would be a nice pickup for the L.C. Smith collector.
Make: Hunter Arms Co.
Model: L.C. Smith No. 3e
Serial Number: 213765
Year of Manufacture: 1911
Caliber: 12 GA
Action Type: Top-Break Sid-by-Side Double Barrel Shotgun with Single Selective Trigger and Selective ejectors
Barrel Length: 32"
Choke: Left: Full, Right: Improved Modified
Sights / Optics: There is a white bead at the front of the rib and a smaller white mid-bead. The top of the rib is finely checkered for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with splinter forend, capped pistol grip, straight comb and serrated black hard rubber buttplate. The forend has an inlaid triangular ebony tip. The stocks have some scattered light nicks and small scratches. There are thin cracks at the rear of each lockplate. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures 14 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Drop at comb is approximately 1 1/2", drop at heel 2 3/8". The stocks rate in about Very Good-plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright. There is no erosion in the bores, but there is some stubborn fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bores rate 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are some areas of light thinning on the barrels. There are some little nicks, dings, and scratches, mostly in the barrels. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, including ejectors. The action locks with no play to the frame. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
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