I've been contemplating getting a Browning BSS to replace my Dad's Stevens SXS which I had fond memories with. However it seems from other posts, replacement parts for the BSS are almost non existant. In bullshitting with a neighbor, I just obtained a Sears & Roebuck, Ranger 20- gauge SXS in a trade. I was going to restore it and shoot as it is a good little gun with great balance and feel. I'm about to start throwing some Krol oil on the screw heads when I thought, I should probably do a little research on it beforehand. Turns out it's LC Smith made by Hunter Arms in 1936. They only made about 1300 and its got some value. Seems the .410 version is going over $5k. Needless to say, I didn't touch it and gave it back to the retired U.S. Marine from whence it came. He thought it was the Stevens version which may be in the $150 range. I actually watched a video on youtube regarding disassembly and restoration on a LC Smith. Definitely more to it than I imagined. I've restored a few rifles but the boxlock is not something for the inexperienced. It just goes to show there are diamonds in the rough out there.
If the gun was a boxlock made by Hunter Arms, good chance it was a Fulton. All the L.. Smiths I have seen are sidelocks. The Fulton's were considered a working mans gun but were very well made.
Big Max, you are correct it is a box lock. I transposed the names somewhat. I did a little digging beforehand in hopes to obtain a part schematic, and as usual, one path led to another. In so doing, I contacted the L.C. Smith website for information. They stated that this particular shotgun "was recorded in the Hunter Arm Company ledger as a 20 gauge Ranger with a 28-inch barrel. It was made for and shipped to Sears, Roebuck and Company. Hunter Arms was the company that manufactured L.C. Smith shotguns".
Very Nice that you returned it back to its owner. Honour and integrity. Less scrupulous humans would have been out there profiteering Good on you.
Did not know that Hunter Arms made shotguns for Sears. In later years. I think they used the tradename of J.C. Higgins but they were made by Hi Standard who built excellent firearms and built exceptionally nice .22 target pistols. Hunter Arms did built an L.C Smith single barrel trap gun that was a box lock. Don't worry, you will find another nice SxS. Nice ones came along every day. Just have to keep you eye open. About the time I think I have all the toys I need, I see a one. Always was a sucker for a nice double. The one I am holding with my grandson is a Beretta 12ga I came across at an estate sale. I don't think the gentleman ever shot it.
That Beretta sounds like a nice sxs. Actually I picked up a basket case JC Higgins Model 101.7, 20-gauge, which seems to be a Stevens 530 derivative with a 5100 action. It had the Tenite stock and full beavertail forearm. I replaced both with American walnut and a semi-beavertail. Didn't want to spend too much but it still ran me about $150 or so. Barrel had seen better days and had numerous rust spots and pits. After sanding for a couple days and getting nowhere, I ended up taking it to a guy that did some powder coating on a .22 for me in the past. I had him media blast the barrel, best $20, I ever spent! I used Birchwood Casey Super Blue which surprisingly resulted in a very even flat finish. As the receiver was originally case hardened but rusty, I ended up using the Super Blue and resulted in a very interesting Faux case hardening look. More copper than blue hues. Did a pure tung oil finish, which is still drying after a good month. If I can figure out how to post some photos, it would definitely help. I'll reread Rangers instructions. But I cant hold a candle to some of the work I've viewed on this site. Some real artisans out there..
Man that's sweet. I sure have a soft spot for ole SXS. Dual triggers to boot. You have done well. I promise not to spill the beans to the wife.
Thanks, learned more than a few things and from what I know now, would have done somethings differently. But that's the beauty of restorations. Had a 1967 Pontiac GTO. Some of the best memories I ever had was nothing but the weekend in the garage, a 12-pack, refurbishing parts or new installations....and of course, the Oldies station.
