Make: L.C. Smith
Model: Field Grade Featherweight
Serial Number: 50573 (matching numbered parts)
Year of Manufacture: 1949 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: 20 Gauge, 2.75" chambers
Action Type: Top break, side by side, non-selective double triggers, and extractor, auto safety
Choke Constrictions: Left: .025", Right: .020", Both Fixed
Barrel Length: 28"
Sights/Optics: There is a brass bead atop the raised matted rib.
Weight: 6 lb., 7.9 oz.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The refinished furniture is checkered walnut with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and a serrated synthetic buttplate. The furniture only shows a few minor pressure dings and drag lines. The checkering is well defined. The wood has no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14.25" and 13.25" from the fronts of the triggers to the back of the buttplate. The drop at comb is about 1.375" and the drop at the heel is about 2.25". The buttplate has only light handling wear. Overall, the furniture rates in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued & case colored
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bores are mostly bright with light streaking. There are some very faint spots of surface oxidation in the right bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bores rate 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The barrel set shows some minor scratches and thinning on the sides of the barrels. The receiver case color shows some thinning and minor edge wear. There is some resin on the upper tang and left side of the receiver from when the stock was refinished. The action shows light operational wear. The screw heads show little to no tooling and retain turnable slots. The markings are clear and complete. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrels lock to the receiver with no play. The safety engages automatically when the barrel set is opened. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The L.C. Smith Field Grade was introduced in 1912 and remained in production through 1950, serving as the company’s plainly finished but mechanically traditional sidelock sporting grade. Featherweight-frame guns had been offered since 1908, and the Field Grade was available in 12, 16, and 20 Gauge as well as .410 later in production. The L.C. Smith Collectors Association records total Field Grade production at 199,384 guns, including 30,924 in 20 Gauge. Marlin purchased the company in 1945 and organized the L.C. Smith Gun Company as a subsidiary to continue production at Fulton, New York. This matching-numbered Field Grade Featherweight is configured with 28" barrels, 2.75" chambers, double triggers, extractors, automatic safety, and fixed choke constrictions measuring .025" in the left barrel and .020" in the right.
This shotgun retains about 80% of its original metal finish. The barrels show minor scratches and thinning along their sides, while the receiver retains substantial case color with thinning, minor edge wear, and light operational wear. Some resin is present on the upper tang and left side of the receiver from refinishing of the stock. The refinished checkered walnut furniture remains in Fine condition with only a few minor pressure dings and drag lines, well-defined checkering, and no chips or cracks. The bores are mostly bright with light streaking and a few very faint spots of surface oxidation in the right bore, rating 9/10. The barrels lock tightly to the receiver with no play, the automatic safety functions correctly, and the action operates properly. Overall, this late-production 20 Gauge L.C. Smith Field Grade Featherweight remains in Very Good Plus condition and represents an attractive example from the final years of Fulton production. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!
