Uncovering the History Behind Your L.C. Smith SXS Shotgun

Are you the proud owner of a rare and intriguing piece of firearms history? If your answer is yes, then keep reading as we dive into the fascinating world of double-barrel shotguns with particular focus on an iconic American brand – L.C. Smith.

Your prized possession, likely purchased at auction due to its interesting past or potential value, bears several distinctive features that scream quality craftsmanship and rich heritage: thirty-inch barrels, double triggers (also known as 'greener' safeties), hammers for safe carry when not in use, and a beautiful swirl pattern adorning the receiver. Let's break down each of these elements to better understand your shotgun's story.

Firstly, L.C. Smith Arms Company was founded by Lewis Cass Smith back in 1878 in Utica, New York. Known primarily for their high-quality shotguns during its operational years (1890s-1944), the company quickly earned a sterling reputation among hunters and sportsmen alike due to its commitment towards producing top-notch firearms that would stand up even under grueling conditions.

The presence of both 'L.C Smith' stamps on either side of your shotgun is strong evidence that it indeed originated from this legendary American arms manufacturer. The second set of initials or markings often indicate later modifications, re-stamping for different markets, or simply a practice adopted by certain manufacturers to differentiate batches within their product line.

Now let's move onto the intriguing 'Hunter Arms Co.' inscription located between the barrels. This particular piece of information can be quite telling when it comes to understanding your shotgun's history and authenticity. Hunter Arms Company was another prominent American firearms manufacturer based in New York – specifically, Fulton County (not to be confused with its more famous namesake city). During World War I, due to wartime shortages of raw materials and labor constraints faced by major manufacturers like Winchester Repeating Arms Co., smaller companies such as L.C Smith often entered into contracts or simply produced guns under other well-known brand names for military supply purposes.

The swirl pattern you mentioned could be indicative of a few things depending on its exact nature – it might represent an original factory finish applied during production, serve as part of the shotgun's cosmetic appeal (a common practice among high-end firearms manufacturers), or even possibly indicate later refinishing work done by skilled gunsmiths to restore or enhance the appearance of your piece.

In conclusion, owning such a unique and historically significant firearm is truly special. Whether you're an avid collector looking to add another rare gem to your collection or simply someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, rest assured that each element on this shotgun holds stories waiting to be told – stories of skilled hands shaping raw materials into pieces of artistry that would ultimately find their way onto the shoulders of hunters and sportsmen across America.

Lc smith sxs