L C Smith 20 ga Field Grade shotgun

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orpington

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I am hoping to own one some day. These seemed to have gone up a fair amount recently—at least asking prices. What should I expect to pay these days (not asking prices) for a NICE example?
 
I should refine my definition of NICE. Meaning all original, very strong case colouring, very strong bluing. On other words, 95% or better.
 
Also, if I find one of these, if I want to shoot clay pigeons or pheasant occasionally, what would you fire in it? I think chambers would be 2 3/4”.
 
Not a lot of completed auctions for 20 gauge in your desired condition. 20s seem to sell higher than 12s. I think you need to have $2000 to $2500 in hand before you start shopping.

Clay pigeons, probably 7.5 or 8 shot. Pheasants, I'd go 6 or 4 depending on expected range of shots. Lighter in tight cover, #4s in open country.
 
Heres one I found that sold just the other day! Sort of what I’m looking for as far as condition. Nice, but pricy, and probably worth every penny???

it says it’s chambers for 2 3/4”. If I find one similar to it, does that mean it chambers a 2 3/4” shell or should it be 2 1/2” as once it’s fired it’s 2 3/4”?

Where would one even find appropriate shells in this era of artificial scarcity with regards to ammunition and components?

https://auctions.morphyauctions.com..._GRADE_20_GAUGE_SIDE_BY_SIDE_S-LOT513508.aspx
 
A 2 3/4 chamber fires a shell marked 2 3/4. If the gun is marked 2 3/4 it's chambered for them. If it's not marked 2 3/4 it could be anywhere from 2 1/2 - 2 5/8.
 
2 3/4" chamber (70mm) means the unfired shell is 2 3/4". a 2 1/2" shell (65mm) means it's 2 1/2" unfired. 2 1/2" shells are for older shotguns chambered 2 1/2" or 2 9/16". (Though they will chamber and fire in 2 3/4" guns just fine) If a gun does not have a barrel stamped for 2 3/4" (70mm), assume it is 2 1/2" (65mm) until it is verified one or the other by a competent gunsmith. The 70mm and 65mm markings are often on the underside of the monobloc or on the water table, particularly on European guns.
 
I sold a real nice field grade 20 about 5 years ago for $1200. It was all original with some case color. I thought it was worth more but it took about a year to sell it after I dropped the price twice. Mine was late vintage, around 1936 I think and had 2 3/4" chambers.

Those old classic American doubles are great bird guns but not very many people looking for those any more. No idea about the prices today but they're even less popular now than they were 5 years ago.
 
LGS has a 16 ga. in decent shooter grade, still has most of its original finish but definitely been used. Shiny bores. $900. A 12 or 20 gauge would probably get a couple hundred more in this condition.
 
Heres one I found that sold just the other day! Sort of what I’m looking for as far as condition. Nice, but pricy, and probably worth every penny???

it says it’s chambers for 2 3/4”. If I find one similar to it, does that mean it chambers a 2 3/4” shell or should it be 2 1/2” as once it’s fired it’s 2 3/4”?

Where would one even find appropriate shells in this era of artificial scarcity with regards to ammunition and components?

https://auctions.morphyauctions.com..._GRADE_20_GAUGE_SIDE_BY_SIDE_S-LOT513508.aspx

That price seems to justify my thoughts that you need to be prepared to spend $2000-$2500.

I haven't shopped for shotgun shells locally. Available from lots of online vendors for what seems a reasonable price. Shipping extra of course, but you should have no trouble finding ammunition if you are willing to pay for it. I don't know that it's an "artificial" scarcity. More like increased demand and supply chain issues. Lots of new gun owners out there in the last couple of ;years.
 
LGS has a 16 ga. in decent shooter grade, still has most of its original finish but definitely been used. Shiny bores. $900. A 12 or 20 gauge would probably get a couple hundred more in this condition.

The 12 would be $700. The 20 would be about $1200-1500 in the same shape. In the shape of the one in the link, easily $2000.
 
Reviewing yet again the link to the auction I posted, I am nothing short of stunned by the quality and vividness of the original case colouring created at Hunter Arms/L C Smith. When it remains in such pristine condition, it almost appears to come to life, it really pops out at you! Fascinating!
 
I went to a firearms auction about 4 years ago . The local barber was selling off his gun collection , mostly shotguns . They had a list of the guns being auctioned . He had about 6 Belgium Browning 20 gauges and I wanted one of them . After I saw the winning price on 3 of them , I left . They were bidding over $2000 dollars on them . I didn’t stay to see what the LC Smiths and Foxes were going for .
 
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