L.C. Smith Eagle Grade
Hunter Arms Company · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1913
Also known as: L.C. Smith Eagle, LC Smith Eagle Grade
Overview
The L.C. Smith Eagle Grade is a break-action side-by-side double-barrel shotgun built on the L.C. Smith true sidelock hammerless action. Introduced in 1913 as a new mid-to-high tier of ornamentation, it carries relief engraving of a ring-necked pheasant on the left lockplate and a duck in flight on the right, a frosted and scroll-engraved frame, and a spread-winged eagle on the top lever. Offered in 10, 12, 16 and 20 gauge with double triggers and walnut furniture, it could be optioned with the Hunter One-Trigger and automatic ejectors. It was manufactured by the Hunter Arms Company of Fulton, New York.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2950 g (104.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1143 mm (45.00") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 381 m/s (1250 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2030 J (1497 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Case Hardened |
Calibers
- 16 Gauge · primary — also known as 16 ga, 16 bore, 16/70
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action
- Safety mechanisms: Automatic Tang Safety
- Features: Side By Side, Hammerless Sidelock, Double Trigger, Hand Engraved Receiver, Pheasant And Duck Lockplate Engraving, Double Cross Locking Rotary Bolt, Optional Hunter One Trigger, Optional Automatic Ejectors
Service history
Operators
- American sport shooters and upland hunters
Production
Production years: 1913-1950
Eagle Grade was produced by Hunter Arms Company from 1913 until Marlin acquired L.C. Smith assets in 1945; total L.C. Smith production ceased in 1950 when the Fulton factory closed.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Alexander T. Brown
Discontinued: 1950
Notes
One of ten named L.C. Smith grades (Field, Ideal, Olympic, Trap, Specialty, Eagle, Crown, Monogram, Premier, De Luxe) after the 1913 grading revision. Base list price in 1913 was $115; the Hunter One-Trigger added $25 and automatic ejectors $11. Higher grades used premium Nitro and Royal Steel barrels rather than the Field Grade's Armour Steel.
Background
The L.C. Smith hammerless sidelock traces to Lyman Cornelius Smith, who owned the firm only from 1880 to 1888 before selling to John Hunter, Sr., whose Hunter Arms Company carried the L.C. Smith name to fame. L.C. Smith was the first American maker to offer automatic ejectors on a shotgun (1892).