Hunter Arms L.C. Smith Field Grade 12 Gauge Side-by-Side, 26-Inch Armor Steel Barrels, 1913 Era
This L.C. Smith Field Grade 12 gauge is an early example tied to Hunter Arms Company's 1913 named-grade reorganization. It features 26-inch Armor Steel barrels with a solid matted rib, classic roll-stamped sideplates, and period-correct rib and patent markings. American walnut furniture with a half-pistol grip, checkered wrist, and a grooved hard rubber buttplate complete this U.S.-made hammerless sidelock double.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Specific Condition Notes: The right-side firing pin is missing. The shotgun fires when the safety is engaged using either trigger. The forend catch lever is stuck to the barrel. The action does not break down easily. The wooden forend is missing the screw required for proper installation.
What's Included
- Hunter Arms L.C. Smith Field Grade 12 Gauge side-by-side shotgun
Built by Hunter Arms in Fulton, New York, this Field Grade is a hammerless sidelock break-action with double triggers and a tang safety. The sideplates are roll-stamped "L.C. SMITH" in ovals, and the water table is grade-marked "FIELD," aligning with the early 1913-era configuration.
The 26-inch Armor Steel barrels carry a solid matted rib with a single front bead. The right barrel rib is marked "L.C. SMITH field GRADE," while the left barrel rib reads "HUNTER ARMS CO. M'F'R'S FULTON, N.Y." Patent date stamps "PAT'D OCT. 5, 86" and "PAT'D JULY 13, 86" appear on the barrel lump, highlighting the design lineage.
Capacity is 2 rounds.
Stocked in walnut, it has a half-pistol grip, a checkered wrist, a splinter forend, and a hard rubber buttplate with horizontal grooves secured by two screws. Length of pull measures 14.0 inches, offering traditional Field Grade dimensions.
Sighting is straightforward with a single front bead set on the solid matted rib. This configuration reflects the Field Grade's practical sporting intent during the period and pairs cleanly with the action's double-trigger layout.