I don’t know if you’ve seen this Mark or tried it th-cam.com/video/7vtfXz-6g78/w-d-xo.htmlsi=vyz6d_IDp_UUzvIJ but he goes into the trigger plate refit at 22.30 in your view is it a good idea or is it asking for more problems if you really wreck the thread?
@@marknovak8255 Hopefully it actually works and wasn’t just a weak spring allowing it to move easily, either way it will be another video from you to look forward to
@@roberthoward5641 I was thinking similar but maybe tool steel or even the end of a punch threaded at the correct length so it screws down and you have an area to lever against. That’s only possible though if it sits in a way that you can thread the bar in straight and not at an angle and end up destroying the internal threads
This episode took me back almost 50 years to me as a teenager using my grandfather's old L. C. Smith 20 ga. double-barrel to go dove hunting. My dad had used the same gun when he was a teenager, and managed to plug the barrels while climbing over a fence (classic bad-news scenario). Of course when he fired the gun it damaged the ends of the barrels, and a "gunsmith" ended up cutting the barrels down to 18 and a half inches and replacing the bead sight. It wasn't really a dove gun anymore, but it was a hell of a quail gun! Also, with no recoil pad it was one of the hardest kicking shotguns I've ever shot! I used to keep a folded up towel under my hunting jacket to give my poor shoulder some relief! A friend of mine saw the towel one day, and he gave me some grief about "a little old 20 gauge" being too much gun for a big old boy like me. I told him to go ahead and shoot it, and he would see why I had the towel. He was using a new Remington 1100, so he thought he would just hold the L. C. Smith like a pistol with one hand and fire it off. I laughed my ass off when it almost took his arm off! He handed it back with new respect in his eyes. Then I showed him my bruised shoulder. He never made fun of me again!
You are an artist, sir. I was given 17 long guns that were found in an old barn that nobody had been in for at least 50 years. Being in New England you can imagine the conditions. But after many hours of cleaning with 0000 steel wool, oil and boiled linseed oil, I have two of them cleaned up and looking great. Thank you for your videos. I'm sure you've saved more old guns than you know!
I must thank you! I have been trying to fix my A H Fox Sterlingworth 12 gauge Model 1911 for several weeks now because the lever would not lock in the open position on breaking the action. I had removed the base plate and screws trying to see the problem. You made a point of starting the disassembly by cleaning the area under your work bench in case a part were to fall on the floor. That made me look at the area under my bench and I found the missing plunger that held the rotating lock open and hence the lever. The plunger had fallen out of the action after I removed the screw and I didn’t notice. Thanks for the common sense solution!
Always a pleasure to see your skills on display… I think often of who showed you and passed on the “tricks” of the trade. Thank you for sharing with us…
Mark, I thoroughly enjoy all of your videos. In many ways you remind me of my late father. He was many things combined in one person. He was a classicly trained concert organist, an electrician, a skilled machinist, and he owned an electric motor sales and repair shop. As a kid in the early 60's my greatest joy was going to the shop and "helping" dad. He taught me a little bit about everything, how to read a slide rule, micrometer caliper etc, and he would give me little jobs like turning the commutator of an electric motor on the lathe, then filing the slots smooth for the brushes to make proper contact, etc. In this video you were talking about not forcing something. That immediately reminded me of a task he'd given me taking something apart, I was having trouble so I implemented use of a technical alignment tool, (a hammer) oh boy did I catch heck when he heard that hammer. His words are still crystal clear all these years later. "Someone put that together without forcing it, you shouldn't have to force it to come apart". I learned to ask for instruction or help rather than proceed to the next larger hammer.
One of these with a cracked stock was the first gunsmithing project I tried after watching this show a few years ago. You make it look a lot easier than I do!
I wish the gunsmith who conserved my great grandfather's LC Smith watched your videos. I looked for that shotgun for 10 years, found it, and didn't trust myself to do the work. Took it to him and he told me that barrels shouldn't ring and that that was a myth. Should have heeded that red flag and left. Unfortunately I didn't and he pulled 2 dents out of the barrels with a hammer that's face wasn't polished. I'd rather have the dents in it with how bad he marred it up...
I have a old Baldwin Damascus 12 gage that muzzle of one tobe is corroded and the sear is gone on one hammer and almost on the other. Is it worth restoring?
If's there's something I've learned in life; Is that you can take anything apart, but the crucial part is that you have to know how to put it back together.
I've put mine together twice without drilling a hole, but my last attempt was 10-14 years ago and the Smith is still in the shop in parts. I think I'll get her down and try to put her back together. When I got her the stock in the pistol grip area was broke in half. The previous owner use some type of glue, short nails, wrapped it with brass sheeting, and screwed it all together and shot it that way so much the heads were almost gone on some of the screws, at least the slots were almost gone. I took it apart, cleaned everything up, used epoxy, put her back together and she worked great until my son and his buddy dropped so high brass into her and pulled both barrels at the same time, the wood broke again, but not in the same place as before. I fixed the wood but trying to get that spring back in almost made me lose my religion or I broke or lost a part, it's been too long and I don't remember. Anyway after watching this I think it's time to get her down and put her together again.
Mark, YOU SIR, are a true craftsman. Great job! I don't know much about any shotgun, other than how to operate them. Watching this just reinforces that other than basic maintenance, I should NOT work on one. As Clint Eastwood said in one of his movies. A man has to know his limitations. And that, is beyond my capabilities.
I did a very similar job on an Ithaca sxs from the 1920s that I was gifted, thanks to some of the things I learned watching your videos. Gave that old gun new life and was pleased to harvest some ruffed grouse with it last fall. I did have to find a professional to reinstall the hammers and mainsprings, though, those were a real bear and I wasn't equipped for the job.
Complex engineering all before the computer age. Most every gun nowadays is over simplified and made to be as cheap as possible, unless it is of course a fine firearm.
Own an LC Smith that was originally purchased by my great-great grandfather. It has had thousands of twelve gauge shells fired through it since 1894. The only thing to have broken on it are the external hammers and the firing pins. My dad retired it in the late 1970s when the perils of firing smokeless shells through Damascus barrels became evident.
Thanks for the video. I have my grandfather's 12 gauge 32 inch full and full. It needs a little attention before I pass it on to my cousin's grandson. Now I know how to do it. I traded a 20 gauge 26 inch skeet and skeet in 1973, because of a minor problem. I know, I still regret that one.
Well I sat thu the whole thing, I have an opinion. You have the hands of a surgeon , the patients of a saint and a genuine honesty that is impressive. Thank you sir.
mr mark thankyou so much for your gunsmith knowledge you share with us just starting out i enjoy watching and learning from a awesome southern man that likes to share his skill thankyou again
I have a Florida Import double barrel 12 gauge. It's old , I don't know how old. It works like it should . The stock is cracked . It looks like someone used it to beat a bear to death. But I drilled some holes , put some screws in and tightened it up. It works and I'm happy with it. Thanks man.
Outstanding video. I have a LC Smith Field grade 16 gauge. It was purchased by my Grandfather in 1914. It is my favorite grouse gun. I will not attempt what your video shows. I lack both skill and confidence. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Mark, 😊 a nice sympathetic spruce up for the old gun, you did a great job and it looks very good now, and not just a wall hanger. Thanks for the video, stay safe, best wishe's to you and your's, Stuart UK.
For corroded screws an impact driver works well (the kind you hit with a hammer, not air or electric) they are inexpensive and you can grind the bits for sizing. The strike breaks the corrosion. The force is directed through the bottom of the screws recess and the design helps prevent cam out. You can also get the same effect by tapping the handle of the driver when its set in the screw.
I have my grandfather's LC Smith trap grade that he ordered and passed away before it came in I have it and the original box of shells that came with it. it's a 1937 made by Hunter arms and it's in perfect shape. It is a beautiful shotgun
A master at his craft…..the stogie in the background lends a powerful old world credibility to your work sir. I have done this work to all my SxS’s but wish you were overseeing my handiwork. Well done 🤝
Elsie is built good enough not to worry about worn out parts too much. I've had 4 total and still have one, a 10 gauge, that is a fancy wall hanger because Damascus Barrels.
A carding wheel is a small price to pay even to do one arm. I now chuck it into a drill press. Following your cautionary notes I have done a few 22's and single shot shotguns to learn how to do this. The results are always very satisfying.
I own several LC Smith’s and I love them. Larry potter field of midway has a video showing a different way of getting that lever over to put the trigger plate in.
My great grandfather bought three of them from a door to door saleman. He bought himself a double 12 with hammers, he bought my granfather a 12 gauge hammerless, and my great aunt a .410 double (I can't remember if it had hammers or not). Then his brother down the road bought two from the same guy; one for himself and a 16 gauge double hammerless for my 3rd cousin. My grandfather kept his under his truck seat when farming in case he ran up on some game, a snake, or a coyote. My dad kept it on his tractor for the same reason. I used it to hunt a few times. Goofing around, I lost the safety tangs, but we never trusted the safety. It's still tight with some original blue on it.
Wonder what trickery the original assembler used to align those parts without a hole? The engineering that goes into so many of these old guns never ceases to amaze me. Thanks for sharing.
My grandfather had an Elsie. I inherited it and then it was stolen out of my house. I now have 3 and yes putting the stock back on is a pita. But I love to use them on upland bird hunts. Another great video!
Is the floor is swept, turn all lights off and lay a flashlight on the floor. That light will cause a shadow to be cast along the floor making finding the part easier.
I've got an old 16 gauge SxS that we believe is over 100 years old that needs some lovin'. The only identifier on it is it has RANGER stamped on the side and what appears to be a serial number. It currently is chillin' in the safe and someday when I have time, I will get to it.
A half hour is usually enough.. I sometimes put in a bit of washing soda (sodium carbonate) if there is a lot of mung/dead oil/spider cr@p present and follow with a rinse in clean water@@smalltownrifleman
I had one that I had a gunsmith repair for me. Made sure to have him leave the dark oil stains around the grip and forend. Also had him clean up the peening near the hinge where the barrels had been dropped open over and over.
Picking up an J.P. Clabourgh & Bros 10g SxS, Both external hammers are missing and its going to be a learning experiance to fit the new ones. Any tips Mr. Novak?
A few years ago i had a heart transplant, i had collected dbl barrels for many years i had 45 shotguns. 6 months in the hospital, came home to find they were all gone,,still love them.
Thank you very much for showing all these steps again. While its mostly all repeated info, it bears repeating, and the tidbits of info that arn't being repeated are always good additions.
My brother happened to be in the right place at the right time and now has an older version of this gun. His LC is an external hammer sxs in 12 ga, and near as I can tell was made ~1898. And believe it or not, the (twist welded) barrels ring true. It would be prime for this conservation treatment as well, but I doubt that it is in the cards right now. He has been able to buy low pressure shells for it but still only shoots it sparingly.
Man would I like to be younger and apprentice under you. You explain things better that the gunsmith I did work with, back too many years ago. Be good to yourself, and may you be going on as long as the body will cooperate.
I have a wood question. When you rub the stock down with the Danish oil. Do you rub anything into the inlets? Or is the machine oil already in an old stock have a chemical reaction to the Danish oil.
Danish oil brushed on all wood everywhere. 20 minutes later, wipe off all loose oil. Let it set for a few hours, buffing with a clean rag. Don't sweat any reactions
WOW! Awesome video! Your work is top shelf. That shotgun looks ready to hit the field again. I'd love to bring you my P.O. Ackley (actual) made .270 for some freshening up. Ackley built the rifle for my wife's grandfather at his shop in S.L. City. It even has his original Ackley branded 3x9 scope. Best wishes, Mark. You're one of the last true professionals.
I have my dad's 16 LC Smith and I bought then sold a 12 ga. LC - I want to kick myself for selling it. Was in perfect shape. Stocks are very fragile as are the firing pins.
Whats the deal about L.C.Smiths? Looks like a completely normal side by side to me perhaps even a bit sub-par. No special wood. No special mechanisms or metal treatments. Dont people have anything better to collect in the States?
I like the idea of great ingenuity, skilled handwork and expensive materials and hundreds of hours making a gun as expensive as it is. This is just the most bland and boring standard shotgun there is.
People are irrational. There are folks that pay six figure sums (or more) for old Ferraris that literally have less horsepower than a new Honda Civic without any of the reliability. 😂
L C Smiths are extreme tight almost always. Won't close on a cigarette paper. And excellent field guns. I love the safe like sound as they close. Not even a Model 21 closes this well.
@@rocksandoil2241 Actually had to take out my Sauer Drilling and check if it closes on a paper. It does not. Its over seventy years old. Its got three barrels, 2x 12/70 and 1x 7x65R that all shoot exactly together. Hand engraved. Set trigger. Suhl claw mount, hand filed to abolute perfect fitment. Beautiful oiled Walnut with handcut checkering. Its just not even a comparison yet one of them sells for about 10 times as much as the other.
The gun was originally assembled without the hole, and the only way I can think of that they could have done it is to use a guiding pin that screws into that pivot and allows you to push it over while the plate gets lowered down. Still a scary thing to do on an old gun.
i have seen a few old LC Smiths in my favorite gun store from time to time. i even picked a couple of them up and considered buying them. before watching this video, i had no idea how fragile they are. needless to say, i do not own one. who in your opinion, makes the most durable side by side?
My interest in firearms is limited to early to mid 20th century military specimens, so why am I watching Mark service a double-barreled shotgun?, anyone familiar with Mark's videos knows the answer.
So, this video begs the question, which old double-barrel is the easiest to work on? Or, rather which one has the “best” engineering? Thanks again Mark!
You really can't. You have to buy another gun and try to have them fitted to the old gun. Every once in a while a pair of in the white barrels show up, but they still have to be fitted by a expert.
It would be informative to know what the liquid you use when boiling; you’ve probably mentioned it before and I just missed it. I would never attempt to do what you do but seeing how it’s done is very enjoyable and satisfying, the way people stop at construction sites to observe the workings.
almost as good as your Salt Marsh video! 🤣 In all seriousness, I enjoy watching you work on this old stuff, but all of my doubles (SxS & O/U) are of very recent manufacture with box locks, coil springs (except for an SKB 200 HR) and stock thru-bolts. Shotguns have improved significantly over the decades!
![กี่หมื่นฟ้า | Your Sky Series EP.1 [1/4]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vLGjxFL6U_I/mqdefault.jpg)
I don’t know if you’ve seen this Mark or tried it th-cam.com/video/7vtfXz-6g78/w-d-xo.htmlsi=vyz6d_IDp_UUzvIJ but he goes into the trigger plate refit at 22.30 in your view is it a good idea or is it asking for more problems if you really wreck the thread?
I was wondering if you could use a throw away screw in place of the punch and push on that so the threads would not be damaged in the screw hole
Ok, now I have seen it done. Standby for an update video showing this technique.
@@marknovak8255 Hopefully it actually works and wasn’t just a weak spring allowing it to move easily, either way it will be another video from you to look forward to
@@roberthoward5641 I was thinking similar but maybe tool steel or even the end of a punch threaded at the correct length so it screws down and you have an area to lever against. That’s only possible though if it sits in a way that you can thread the bar in straight and not at an angle and end up destroying the internal threads
It WILL hose up the threads, personal experience. The punch is the way to go here.@@ianpercy7464
wow, an entire hour of watching Mark in his element. sign me up!
Exactly what I thought when I saw the vid pop up!
I wish there was more!! I don’t understand how he doesn’t have more views.
This episode took me back almost 50 years to me as a teenager using my grandfather's old L. C. Smith 20 ga. double-barrel to go dove hunting. My dad had used the same gun when he was a teenager, and managed to plug the barrels while climbing over a fence (classic bad-news scenario). Of course when he fired the gun it damaged the ends of the barrels, and a "gunsmith" ended up cutting the barrels down to 18 and a half inches and replacing the bead sight. It wasn't really a dove gun anymore, but it was a hell of a quail gun! Also, with no recoil pad it was one of the hardest kicking shotguns I've ever shot! I used to keep a folded up towel under my hunting jacket to give my poor shoulder some relief! A friend of mine saw the towel one day, and he gave me some grief about "a little old 20 gauge" being too much gun for a big old boy like me. I told him to go ahead and shoot it, and he would see why I had the towel. He was using a new Remington 1100, so he thought he would just hold the L. C. Smith like a pistol with one hand and fire it off. I laughed my ass off when it almost took his arm off! He handed it back with new respect in his eyes. Then I showed him my bruised shoulder. He never made fun of me again!
Absolutely gorgeous craftsmanship with absolutely zero concern about serviceability
You are an artist, sir.
I was given 17 long guns that were found in an old barn that nobody had been in for at least 50 years. Being in New England you can imagine the conditions. But after many hours of cleaning with 0000 steel wool, oil and boiled linseed oil, I have two of them cleaned up and looking great.
Thank you for your videos. I'm sure you've saved more old guns than you know!
I believe a huge amount of gun smithing is being able to hold your mouth just right to make small parts go in.
What a fabulous teacher !
We all do it. Would you trust a guy who doesn’t?
I can not ever find the right words to appreciate all of what MR. NOVAK provides for us. A true education.
This guy Mark is mechanically brilliant. It is a pleasure to watch the man work.
And let me tell you, I enjoyed the hell out of this video.
Excellent work and explanations. I love that I’m not the only one who gets frustrated sometimes. Thank you
I get to charge for the frustration......!
Does that actually retire the frustration, or merely mask it?@@marknovak8255
Got no idea why I'm watching this but I could listen to this man's expert knowledge for hours.
I must thank you! I have been trying to fix my A H Fox Sterlingworth 12 gauge Model 1911 for several weeks now because the lever would not lock in the open position on breaking the action. I had removed the base plate and screws trying to see the problem. You made a point of starting the disassembly by cleaning the area under your work bench in case a part were to fall on the floor. That made me look at the area under my bench and I found the missing plunger that held the rotating lock open and hence the lever. The plunger had fallen out of the action after I removed the screw and I didn’t notice. Thanks for the common sense solution!
Always a pleasure to see your skills on display… I think often of who showed you and passed on the “tricks” of the trade. Thank you for sharing with us…
Mark, I thoroughly enjoy all of your videos. In many ways you remind me of my late father. He was many things combined in one person. He was a classicly trained concert organist, an electrician, a skilled machinist, and he owned an electric motor sales and repair shop. As a kid in the early 60's my greatest joy was going to the shop and "helping" dad. He taught me a little bit about everything, how to read a slide rule, micrometer caliper etc, and he would give me little jobs like turning the commutator of an electric motor on the lathe, then filing the slots smooth for the brushes to make proper contact, etc. In this video you were talking about not forcing something. That immediately reminded me of a task he'd given me taking something apart, I was having trouble so I implemented use of a technical alignment tool, (a hammer) oh boy did I catch heck when he heard that hammer. His words are still crystal clear all these years later. "Someone put that together without forcing it, you shouldn't have to force it to come apart". I learned to ask for instruction or help rather than proceed to the next larger hammer.
I learn something new with every video you make. I’m gaining decades of knowledge in minutes! Thank you for making these shows.
One of these with a cracked stock was the first gunsmithing project I tried after watching this show a few years ago. You make it look a lot easier than I do!
I wish the gunsmith who conserved my great grandfather's LC Smith watched your videos. I looked for that shotgun for 10 years, found it, and didn't trust myself to do the work. Took it to him and he told me that barrels shouldn't ring and that that was a myth. Should have heeded that red flag and left. Unfortunately I didn't and he pulled 2 dents out of the barrels with a hammer that's face wasn't polished. I'd rather have the dents in it with how bad he marred it up...
Sad, but true. I'm trying to get out in front of the future problems with these videos
I have a old Baldwin Damascus 12 gage that muzzle of one tobe is corroded and the sear is gone on one hammer and almost on the other. Is it worth restoring?
If's there's something I've learned in life; Is that you can take anything apart, but the crucial part is that you have to know how to put it back together.
I've put mine together twice without drilling a hole, but my last attempt was 10-14 years ago and the Smith is still in the shop in parts. I think I'll get her down and try to put her back together. When I got her the stock in the pistol grip area was broke in half. The previous owner use some type of glue, short nails, wrapped it with brass sheeting, and screwed it all together and shot it that way so much the heads were almost gone on some of the screws, at least the slots were almost gone. I took it apart, cleaned everything up, used epoxy, put her back together and she worked great until my son and his buddy dropped so high brass into her and pulled both barrels at the same time, the wood broke again, but not in the same place as before. I fixed the wood but trying to get that spring back in almost made me lose my religion or I broke or lost a part, it's been too long and I don't remember. Anyway after watching this I think it's time to get her down and put her together again.
th-cam.com/video/UXPpnBnJOnw/w-d-xo.html this was my answer as to how.
Mark, YOU SIR, are a true craftsman. Great job! I don't know much about any shotgun, other than how to operate them. Watching this just reinforces that other than basic maintenance, I should NOT work on one. As Clint Eastwood said in one of his movies. A man has to know his limitations. And that, is beyond my capabilities.
It's not patina, it's rust. - Mark Novak 2023.
I did a very similar job on an Ithaca sxs from the 1920s that I was gifted, thanks to some of the things I learned watching your videos. Gave that old gun new life and was pleased to harvest some ruffed grouse with it last fall. I did have to find a professional to reinstall the hammers and mainsprings, though, those were a real bear and I wasn't equipped for the job.
Never realised that a side by side involved such complex engineering, thanks so much Mark
Complex engineering all before the computer age. Most every gun nowadays is over simplified and made to be as cheap as possible, unless it is of course a fine firearm.
Own an LC Smith that was originally purchased by my great-great grandfather. It has had thousands of twelve gauge shells fired through it since 1894. The only thing to have broken on it are the external hammers and the firing pins. My dad retired it in the late 1970s when the perils of firing smokeless shells through Damascus barrels became evident.
I enjoy watching people who are good at what they do.
Thanks for the video. I have my grandfather's 12 gauge 32 inch full and full. It needs a little attention before I pass it on to my cousin's grandson. Now I know how to do it. I traded a 20 gauge 26 inch skeet and skeet in 1973, because of a minor problem. I know, I still regret that one.
Mark: You never fail to make me smile. As I got older and gained knowledge, I realized just how much I didn't know. Dean from Arizona
Well I sat thu the whole thing, I have an opinion. You have the hands of a surgeon , the patients of a saint and a genuine honesty that is impressive. Thank you sir.
Always a pleasure to watch your craftsmanship and listen to your explanations. Thanks.
Sweet, time for another awesome video. Time to sit down and the bench and get some collators assembled. Cheers from WA state.
Your skills shine through as ever Mark.
mr mark thankyou so much for your gunsmith knowledge you share with us just starting out i enjoy watching and learning from a awesome southern man that likes to share his skill thankyou again
I have a Florida Import double barrel 12 gauge. It's old , I don't know how old. It works like it should . The stock is cracked . It looks like someone used it to beat a bear to death. But I drilled some holes , put some screws in and tightened it up. It works and I'm happy with it. Thanks man.
Mark I love what your channel brings to the process on properly maintaining and preserving these vintage firearms. I love watching your work
Outstanding video. I have a LC Smith Field grade 16 gauge. It was purchased by my Grandfather in 1914. It is my favorite grouse gun. I will not attempt what your video shows. I lack both skill and confidence. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Mark, 😊 a nice sympathetic spruce up for the old gun, you did a great job and it looks very good now, and not just a wall hanger. Thanks for the video, stay safe, best wishe's to you and your's, Stuart UK.
For corroded screws an impact driver works well (the kind you hit with a hammer, not air or electric) they are inexpensive and you can grind the bits for sizing. The strike breaks the corrosion. The force is directed through the bottom of the screws recess and the design helps prevent cam out.
You can also get the same effect by tapping the handle of the driver when its set in the screw.
I have my grandfather's LC Smith trap grade that he ordered and passed away before it came in I have it and the original box of shells that came with it. it's a 1937 made by Hunter arms and it's in perfect shape. It is a beautiful shotgun
A master at his craft…..the stogie in the background lends a powerful old world credibility to your work sir.
I have done this work to all my SxS’s but wish you were overseeing my handiwork.
Well done 🤝
Elsie is built good enough not to worry about worn out parts too much. I've had 4 total and still have one, a 10 gauge, that is a fancy wall hanger because Damascus Barrels.
Sweep before you start- ultra pro tip that any schmuck can do. Great advise for installing roll pins
A carding wheel is a small price to pay even to do one arm. I now chuck it into a drill press. Following your cautionary notes I have done a few 22's and single shot shotguns to learn how to do this. The results are always very satisfying.
Watching your channel helped me fix up my old discontinued muzzleloader. Thanks
It is a great pleasure to watch your vídeos, and learn from your knowledge Mark, congratulations.
Thank you. That was one complicated disassembly and reassembly. $300 is a deal. Always enjoy watching.
I believe the 300 is an lc smith premium on top of his service fee
Always a pleasure watching you work Mark Novak. I learned a lot from watching your videos.
I own several LC Smith’s and I love them. Larry potter field of midway has a video showing a different way of getting that lever over to put the trigger plate in.
Great video. My grandfather had a complete set of LC Smiths and a set of Parkers as well. Thanks for the memories
My great grandfather bought three of them from a door to door saleman. He bought himself a double 12 with hammers, he bought my granfather a 12 gauge hammerless, and my great aunt a .410 double (I can't remember if it had hammers or not). Then his brother down the road bought two from the same guy; one for himself and a 16 gauge double hammerless for my 3rd cousin. My grandfather kept his under his truck seat when farming in case he ran up on some game, a snake, or a coyote. My dad kept it on his tractor for the same reason. I used it to hunt a few times. Goofing around, I lost the safety tangs, but we never trusted the safety. It's still tight with some original blue on it.
Wonder what trickery the original assembler used to align those parts without a hole? The engineering that goes into so many of these old guns never ceases to amaze me. Thanks for sharing.
Neglect becomes a patina when it's everywhere. To answer your favorite question.
My grandfather had an Elsie. I inherited it and then it was stolen out of my house. I now have 3 and yes putting the stock back on is a pita. But I love to use them on upland bird hunts. Another great video!
Is the floor is swept, turn all lights off and lay a flashlight on the floor. That light will cause a shadow to be cast along the floor making finding the part easier.
- And the 'intermission' whilst you did you best not to "wanker" the screw was classic.😅
Just what I needed after I found myself looking at Parkers and L.C.'s on gunsinternational this morning. Thanks Mark!
Lol.
If you think elsies are bad Parker's are a whole different can of worms. But I love em all especially Fox, Ithaca, LC, & Parker.
Algorithm engagement comment
I've got an old 16 gauge SxS that we believe is over 100 years old that needs some lovin'. The only identifier on it is it has RANGER stamped on the side and what appears to be a serial number. It currently is chillin' in the safe and someday when I have time, I will get to it.
👍🏻
What is in your conservation pot? What do you boil the parts in?
Just water.
@@bartonharley13 just boiling water? For how long?
A half hour is usually enough.. I sometimes put in a bit of washing soda (sodium carbonate) if there is a lot of mung/dead oil/spider cr@p present and follow with a rinse in clean water@@smalltownrifleman
@@felixthecat265 thank you. I’ll have to try that.
I love these videos!
Great vdo i have one no stock barrel in rough shape you no anyone or you that can bring barrel back to life
I had one that I had a gunsmith repair for me. Made sure to have him leave the dark oil stains around the grip and forend. Also had him clean up the peening near the hinge where the barrels had been dropped open over and over.
54:06 Thank you! I think we were all making the same face as Mark after that...
As always it has been my pleasure watching your work sir.
I am sending you salutations the ARMY WAY. “AIRBORNE BROTHER”
Wonderful video, Mark. I have always thought of Elsies as tragic beauties. It seems you agree. Thank you for the presentation. Perry
IV8888 mentioned you working on an L C Smith side by side. I am curious if this is it.
Picking up an J.P. Clabourgh & Bros 10g SxS, Both external hammers are missing and its going to be a learning experiance to fit the new ones. Any tips Mr. Novak?
Grab some metal, some tools and start making mistakes...!
Well done sir
thanks mister
Still the best channel on TH-cam if you want to take care of blued steel and walnut!
A few years ago i had a heart transplant, i had collected dbl barrels for many years i had 45 shotguns. 6 months in the hospital, came home to find they were all gone,,still love them.
Sorry to learn that. My condolences.
What happened?😮
Mark, ever worked on AKs ? Some of them are old, rare, and valuable, I’d just love to see your craft applied to them!
Thank you very much for showing all these steps again. While its mostly all repeated info, it bears repeating, and the tidbits of info that arn't being repeated are always good additions.
My brother happened to be in the right place at the right time and now has an older version of this gun. His LC is an external hammer sxs in 12 ga, and near as I can tell was made ~1898. And believe it or not, the (twist welded) barrels ring true. It would be prime for this conservation treatment as well, but I doubt that it is in the cards right now. He has been able to buy low pressure shells for it but still only shoots it sparingly.
Invest in a gun sock.
And use a CLP like #ballistol ❤
Maverick 88 is the king of the blue collar shotty.🙏
Man would I like to be younger and apprentice under you. You explain things better that the gunsmith I did work with, back too many years ago. Be good to yourself, and may you be going on as long as the body will cooperate.
7:18 Mark you forgot to mention the smoking Cigar !
The best and most interesting gunsmith channel on youtube by far.
I have a wood question. When you rub the stock down with the Danish oil. Do you rub anything into the inlets? Or is the machine oil already in an old stock have a chemical reaction to the Danish oil.
Danish oil brushed on all wood everywhere. 20 minutes later, wipe off all loose oil. Let it set for a few hours, buffing with a clean rag. Don't sweat any reactions
WOW! Awesome video! Your work is top shelf. That shotgun looks ready to hit the field again. I'd love to bring you my P.O. Ackley (actual) made .270 for some freshening up. Ackley built the rifle for my wife's grandfather at his shop in S.L. City. It even has his original Ackley branded 3x9 scope.
Best wishes, Mark. You're one of the last true professionals.
Mark... im guessing the solder used was 50/50?? Would the newer 95/5 solders work? Or are the melting Temps too high?
50 50.leaded. lead free is usless
@@marknovak8255 is it because it's too brittle??
Yes
Good content. Thank you, Mr. Novak.
I have a 12 gage side by side from the 20s. Had no idea they were that complicated to repair.
Mine still works and looks like new. Thanks for the vid.
I have my dad's 16 LC Smith and I bought then sold a 12 ga. LC - I want to kick myself for selling it. Was in perfect shape. Stocks are very fragile as are the firing pins.
A pleasure to watch a True Craftsman and a Man after mine own heart.
Whats the deal about L.C.Smiths? Looks like a completely normal side by side to me perhaps even a bit sub-par. No special wood. No special mechanisms or metal treatments. Dont people have anything better to collect in the States?
I like the idea of great ingenuity, skilled handwork and expensive materials and hundreds of hours making a gun as expensive as it is. This is just the most bland and boring standard shotgun there is.
People are irrational. There are folks that pay six figure sums (or more) for old Ferraris that literally have less horsepower than a new Honda Civic without any of the reliability. 😂
L C Smiths are extreme tight almost always. Won't close on a cigarette paper. And excellent field guns. I love the safe like sound as they close. Not even a Model 21 closes this well.
your a brit arent you
@@rocksandoil2241 Actually had to take out my Sauer Drilling and check if it closes on a paper. It does not. Its over seventy years old. Its got three barrels, 2x 12/70 and 1x 7x65R that all shoot exactly together. Hand engraved. Set trigger. Suhl claw mount, hand filed to abolute perfect fitment. Beautiful oiled Walnut with handcut checkering. Its just not even a comparison yet one of them sells for about 10 times as much as the other.
The gun was originally assembled without the hole, and the only way I can think of that they could have done it is to use a guiding pin that screws into that pivot and allows you to push it over while the plate gets lowered down. Still a scary thing to do on an old gun.
i have seen a few old LC Smiths in my favorite gun store from time to time. i even picked a couple of them up and considered buying them. before watching this video, i had no idea how fragile they are. needless to say, i do not own one. who in your opinion, makes the most durable side by side?
Modern? CZ. The old Fox guns were very durable. Ithaca made some exceptional side by sides.
Ithaca NID & Winchester model 21 are by far the strongest of the American designs.
My interest in firearms is limited to early to mid 20th century military specimens, so why am I watching Mark service a double-barreled shotgun?, anyone familiar with Mark's videos knows the answer.
So, this video begs the question, which old double-barrel is the easiest to work on? Or, rather which one has the “best” engineering? Thanks again Mark!
Where can a person find replacement barrels for an L.C.Smith double barrel?
You really can't. You have to buy another gun and try to have them fitted to the old gun. Every once in a while a pair of in the white barrels show up, but they still have to be fitted by a expert.
What type of Cigar is that? I watch other gun restoration videos and their all butchers. You do the best work!
I guess you are gonna need to have a shop tools and chemicals reference video
Thank You
Thank you Mark!
A rust bucket? I’ve seen my share of rust buckets, and this isn’t even close.
It would be informative to know what the liquid you use when boiling; you’ve probably mentioned it before and I just missed it. I would never attempt to do what you do but seeing how it’s done is very enjoyable and satisfying, the way people stop at construction sites to observe the workings.
It's just distilled water
DiHydrogen monoxide, straight from the tap.......
I have an Ithaca-Baker from 1885 that needs this same treatment.
Great job as always. Thanks for sharing.
Great video as always
almost as good as your Salt Marsh video! 🤣 In all seriousness, I enjoy watching you work on this old stuff, but all of my doubles (SxS & O/U) are of very recent manufacture with box locks, coil springs (except for an SKB 200 HR) and stock thru-bolts. Shotguns have improved significantly over the decades!