Of the big 3 American makers — L.C. Smith, Parker Bros. & A.H. Fox– L.C. Smith is only one whose guns are still reasonably priced in 20 gauge.
This 20 gauge Ideal is coming up at Morphy Auctions in their June 10, 2017. From what I can see, it looks pretty original (except for the pad, of course). The stock has pretty decent dimensions, too, so most guys should be able to shoot it.
As a bonus, it comes in Brady leather case with accessories and the case’s original canvas cover. That alone is with $500-600.
Lot 925: (C) Cased L.C. Smith Ideal Grade 20 gauge Sidelock Shotgun: All serial numbers match. Brown blued London steel barrels with solid matte rib and single brass bead, breeches marked “L.C. SMITH Ideal GRADE/HUNTER ARMS CO. INC. M’F’R’S FULTON, N.Y. U.S.A.”. Casehardened sidelock actions engraved with ideal grade flowers on each side. Top of action, opener, bottom of action, and trigger guard bow engraved with sprigs of engraving. Both sideplates stamped “L.C. SMITH”. Features include: extractors, automatic thumb safeties, and double triggers. Plain walnut pistol grip buttstock with checkered wrist and red Pachmayr recoil pad. Checkered walnut splinter fore arm with ebony cap. Complete with leather case with protective snap on canvas cover. Partitioned interior lined with burgundy felt. Accessories include: English oiler, snap caps, and two piece cleaning rod. Excellent condition, barrels retain 70-80% original blue finish with some thinning on sides of breeches and muzzles. Some areas of wear with finish gone at breeches. Bores are excellent and shiny. Action is tight and retains approximately 60-70% original case colors, otherwise turn to silver. Trigger guard retains traces of blue finish. Stocks very good showing some wear and a few scattered marks from use. Case excellent with a few scuffs on corner of canvas cover. Manufacturer: L.C. Smith, Model: Ideal Grade, Serial Number: 144838, Caliber: , Barrel Length: 28″, FFL Status: Curio & Relic, Paperwork: , Blade Length: , Overall Length: , Gauge: 20, Chamber: 2 – 3/4″, Length of Pull: 14 – 3/4″, Drop at Comb: 1 – 9/16″, Drop at Heel: 2 – 1/2″, Internal Bore Diameter: Left – .615″, Right – .619″, Barrel Wall Thickness: Both – .046″, Choke: Both – Full, Weight: 6 lbs. – 11 oz.
