L.C. Smith Hammerless Side-by-Side
Hunter Arms Company · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1890
Also known as: LC Smith, Elsie, Sweet Elsie
Overview
A break-action side-by-side shotgun built on a true sidelock action with the lockwork on detachable sideplates, almost always 12 gauge with double triggers, 28-30 inch barrels and walnut furniture. Made by Hunter Arms of Fulton, New York for six decades, the most common configuration is the Field grade with extractors and double triggers. It is the only major American hammerless sidelock double.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1194 mm (47.01") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Case Hardened |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action
- Safety mechanisms: Automatic Tang Safety
- Features: Side By Side, Hammerless Sidelock, Double Trigger, Automatic Ejectors, Double Cross Locking Rotary Bolt
Variants
- L.C. Smith Field Grade — Field Grade
- L.C. Smith Crown Grade — High Grade
- L.C. Smith Monogram Grade — High Grade
Production
Production years: 1890-1950
57,929 guns made under Marlin (1945-1950) plus 2,539 in the 1968-1971 revival; full Hunter Arms-era totals not published.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Lyman Cornelius Smith
Discontinued: 1950
Notes
Originated by Lyman Cornelius Smith in Syracuse NY (exposed-hammer guns from 1884); the hammerless sidelock action attributed to Alexander T. Brown. Manufacture taken over by Hunter Arms Company of Fulton NY around 1890, then by Marlin Firearms in November 1945 (renamed L.C. Smith Gun Co.); main production ended 1950 after a factory floor collapse, with a limited Marlin revival 1968-1971. Weight, overall length and barrel length are typical-range approximations for a 12-gauge field gun.
Background
America's only mass-produced hammerless sidelock double-gun - a sidelock built down to a working man's price during the 'Golden Age of Shotgunning.' L.C. Smith himself sold the company in 1888 to chase his other invention, the Smith typewriter.