LC Smith SXS Question

[DaleCooper51]

I was just given an older Hunter Arms LC Smith 12ga SxS by my Aunt. The gun was my uncles field gun. I had it broken open to bring home and when I got home with it, I noticed that the firing pins were sticking out like there was no longer a spring in there.

Is this how it is supposed to be? Is it safe? My gut tells me that it isn't the way it should be. Which leads me to how hard or expensive would it be to get this taken care of. I would like to keep this shotgun and have it in usable condition.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[rluening]

Thats....

... not at all correct. See about having it repaired. They are fantastic shotguns.

/rl

 

[Vern Humphrey]

You need to replace the firing pin return springs. Once you look, you may find other parts need replacing.

 

[DaleCooper51]

Is that something a mechanically inclined person can do or is it better left to a decent smith?

 

[romeo212000]

I say find a good gunsmith and have him look the gun over and fix whatever is wrong with it. But do get it fixed. L.C. Smith's are great guns.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Lyman Cornelius Smith made some fantastic shotguns. This is well worth fixing. And,IMO, a professional should do the work.

FYI, a field grade Elsie can bring four figures.

 

[DaleCooper51]

Thanks for the replies. This gun was the my uncle's constant companion in the field for as long as I can remember. It's in pretty rough shape cosmetically, but hopefully a good going over will bring it back mechanically. It's nice having it around. It reminds me of many good times of my youth that I spent with him.

Already called my smith and will be dropping it off in the morning.

 

[ArmedBear]

A good going over it can certainly have.

Google Classic Gunstocks and Doug Turnbull.

Here's an example of a field-grade Elsie without any additional adornment, as they have restored it:

 

[DaleCooper51]

Armed Bear -

I looked at some of the images on Classic Gunstocks and all I can say is wow. There are some nice looking restorations. They aren't inexpensive, but that quality of work never is. Maybe someday after the mortgage is paid off, I'll be able to send her out to have something like that done.

 

[ArmedBear]

Just thought I'd show you that, so you can use the gun without guilt. As long as you take good care of it, "honest wear" can be remedied later if you want.

 

[TAB]

there is nothing wrong with honest wear...