LC Smith, prime conservation candidate: Anvil 0128

This LC Smith is representative of many, many "priceless" pieces that will be coming available soon. You have ONE shot at conservation. Don't be the guy/gal that hoses this up. We have the technology.... NOT a tutorial...we show what you need to learn, not how to do . Cannot perform at this level? Do NOT attempt.
Support us: / anvil

[@ianpercy7464]

I don’t know if you’ve seen this Mark or tried it kzbin.info/www/bejne/bafXl4uwYpuabZosi=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?

[@roberthoward5641]

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

[@marknovak8255]

Ok, now I have seen it done. Standby for an update video showing this technique.

[@ianpercy7464]

@@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

[@ianpercy7464]

@@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

[@marknovak8255]

It WILL hose up the threads, personal experience. The punch is the way to go here.@@ianpercy7464

[@phileas007]

wow, an entire hour of watching Mark in his element. sign me up!

[@tjaxe]

Exactly what I thought when I saw the vid pop up!

[@classicmula]

I wish there was more!! I don’t understand how he doesn’t have more views.

[@alanrogs3990]

The best and most interesting gunsmith channel on youtube by far.

[@braxtonnelson5375]

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!

[@TuckerDale89]

I believe a huge amount of gun smithing is being able to hold your mouth just right to make small parts go in.

[@normmyers4337]

What a fabulous teacher !

[@m6jd]

We all do it. Would you trust a guy who doesn’t?

[@Masso1973]

Excellent work and explanations. I love that I’m not the only one who gets frustrated sometimes. Thank you

[@marknovak8255]

I get to charge for the frustration......!

[@k1j2f30]

Does that actually retire the frustration, or merely mask it?@@marknovak8255

[@saxdogg69]

Man these videos are so great, thank you for the effort in making them.

[@marknovak8255]

My pleasure

[@9mmARman]

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!

[@ergbudster3333]

This guy Mark is mechanically brilliant. It is a pleasure to watch the man work.

[@ergbudster3333]

And let me tell you, I enjoyed the hell out of this video.

[@earlearl8850]

I can not ever find the right words to appreciate all of what MR. NOVAK provides for us. A true education.

[@brucestewart5939]

Got no idea why I'm watching this but I could listen to this man's expert knowledge for hours.

[@resevsh]

Absolutely gorgeous craftsmanship with absolutely zero concern about serviceability

[@timelliott6036]

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…

[@franciscurran2515]

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!

[@billneedham3687]

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

[@lindanelson8400]

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.

[@chrisadams628]

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.

[@thunderzap2]

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!

[@jamesburnett7085]

I enjoy watching people who are good at what they do.

[@AbananaPEEl]

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.

[@wm12ga]

Sweet, time for another awesome video. Time to sit down and the bench and get some collators assembled. Cheers from WA state.

[@rotaman8555]

I learn something new with every video you make. I’m gaining decades of knowledge in minutes! Thank you for making these shows.

[@THE_YIGLER]

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...

[@marknovak8255]

Sad, but true. I'm trying to get out in front of the future problems with these videos

[@seawolfinternational5481]

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?

[@stevehicks8944]

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.

[@crankygunreviews]

Mark I love what your channel brings to the process on properly maintaining and preserving these vintage firearms. I love watching your work

[@MScholtz]

It's not patina, it's rust. - Mark Novak 2023.

[@keithkempenich6401]

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.

[@slowtwist]

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.

[@jeffthompson5840]

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

[@REXOB9]

Always a pleasure to watch your craftsmanship and listen to your explanations. Thanks.

[@BlackSoap361]

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.

[@duanesamuelson2256]

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.

[@ncb2734]

Your skills shine through as ever Mark.

[@markcandrl6039]

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 🤝

[@frankrodriguez9697]

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.

[@myfavoritemartian1]

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

[@brianleverock8078]

Always a pleasure watching you work Mark Novak. I learned a lot from watching your videos.

[@Siskiyous6]

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.

[@grahampalmer9337]

- And the 'intermission' whilst you did you best not to "wanker" the screw was classic.😅

[@haldavis6285]

Great video. My grandfather had a complete set of LC Smiths and a set of Parkers as well. Thanks for the memories

[@MrHappy-hs6sn]

Watching your channel helped me fix up my old discontinued muzzleloader. Thanks

[@jeremywilson4326]

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.

[@stuartlockwood9645]

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.

[@sportsman48]

Sweep before you start- ultra pro tip that any schmuck can do. Great advise for installing roll pins

[@user-td6yv6lr7p]

Never realised that a side by side involved such complex engineering, thanks so much Mark

[@Hjerte_Verke]

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.

[@CM-wo2jq]

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.

[@stevensysk7711]

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.

[@robertyoungman3175]

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.

[@craigkennedy6058]

Thank you. That was one complicated disassembly and reassembly. $300 is a deal. Always enjoy watching.

[@daisycamo]

I believe the 300 is an lc smith premium on top of his service fee

[@harleyturner7449]

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.

[@patrickjutras6134]

I truly love your videos mark. Please keep them coming!

[@karlpeterson9334]

Good test of barrel set soundness, wooden handle tap. Hadn't thought of that.

[@jeraldware1518]

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.

[@petelacey243]

Such a fiddly technical complex system. Nicely explained as usual. Thanks.

[@DavidvanNiekerk]

Very educational from a skilled master. Thank you

[@karlpeterson9334]

The mainspring reinstallation I did not know about. Good idea.

[@fredboat]

Thanks again for the show and humor. Enjoyed, Done a little of this over the years.

[@sdvc244]

Awesome job Mark, Thanks for your insight to Smith and all LC stuff... Cheers!

[@Bodhi1satva]

OMG! Thank you so much! I absolutely love these video’s! There is so much to envy here, least of which are the intermission breaks with the full auto stress reduction therapy!

[@Tunkkis]

Excellent presentation as always.

[@erikbrazzale6983]

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!

[@MultiVogon]

Thanks for making these videos, I appreciate how much effort goes into it. I find the subject fascinating. Also those of us that hung in there were rewarded with a little Papasha action 😀

[@scotttyner5375]

Thanks Mark for everything you do.

[@charlesmarino2027]

Neglect becomes a patina when it's everywhere. To answer your favorite question.

[@Onethirtytwo]

Just what I needed after I found myself looking at Parkers and L.C.'s on gunsinternational this morning. Thanks Mark!

[@pbp6741]

Lol.

[@vadenk4433]

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.

[@dannyw.814]

As always it has been my pleasure watching your work sir. I am sending you salutations the ARMY WAY. “AIRBORNE BROTHER”

[@beckdogg]

It's a pleasure to watch a master at his craft.

[@karlpeterson9334]

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.

[@texasjoe3261]

Excellent Presentation Mark ! You Are A True Craftsman ! Time Well Spent Learning The LC Smith Mechanicals.

[@user-bf5wx5ub8f]

Thank you for the video, my friends. You are definitely an expert and an artist.

[@perrypappous7617]

Wonderful video, Mark. I have always thought of Elsies as tragic beauties. It seems you agree. Thank you for the presentation. Perry

[@Rumblestrip]

Mark, thank you for sharing... You always show the most interesting things. Im still very glad i was able to send you my wifes Springfield Trapdoor.

[@silentseawolf]

Still the best channel on KZbin if you want to take care of blued steel and walnut!

[@bsenalaska]

Great craftsmanship 💯💪🏻

[@maw2044]

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.

[@marknovak8255]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4mzoaF4o6-CpNk this was my answer as to how.

[@owen368]

Never going to use this knowledge on a gun but the ideas are good to other bits of machinery many thanks for your efforts in making these videos. Hope all goes well from the cowed uk.

[@patrickduis]

Thanks Mark, nice video! I conserve many firearms in the 2 museums where I'm volunteer, and I -know- that some specimens can really be a pain putting together, but with persistance, and perseverance, you succeed and the next one you get: you -know- .

[@RobertTheViking88]

I’ve got a few old Remington doubles I am going to try your steel wool trick on the stocks. It really revives the wood nice without over doing it

[@nathangreer8219]

My L.C. Smith Field Grade has the proof marks of US Army ordinance. These were used to train bomber gunners in WW2

[@wittsullivan8130]

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.

[@JohnnyBallou]

Thanks4Great Lessons! Will review this when continuing to work on my double hammer LCSmith and the tougher project: a 12g.double hammer Bonehill!😊

[@allanbarber4038]

Awesome, as always! Thanks for the education.

[@BigT27295]

That is complicated. Hats off brother

[@ShootingHobby]

I had to take my LC Smith apart to clean it as it was gummed up to where it would not function properly. I too had to drill the small hole inside the stock and have help to reassemble it. I have always wondered what dark magic they used to assemble it originally. Thanks for the awesome video!!!

[@beezo2560]

Really fun to watch you transform that gun in front of our eyes. Thanks Mark

[@overheardatthepub1238]

The reassembly reminds me of when I was trying to reassemble a sear cage in a CZ clone (Jericho). And that was nowhere near as technically difficult as this. I was able to hobble through by manufacturing sacrificial pins out of bamboo skewers. But I did spend 45 minutes trying to get things done without taking the time to do them right. Ah, humanity.

[@jads9296]

Awesome watching this one Mark, as usual!😊

[@baronoflivonia.3512]

A pleasure to watch a True Craftsman and a Man after mine own heart.

[@Smallathe]

Fascinating video as always, well... wow, the mechanics... just thinking of milling/machining all these... that's a LOT of work. Absolutely a rabbit hole... :)

[@bluescatreimer]

Another enjoyable video Mark, thanks for sharing!

[@johnkilcer]

Those carding wheels fit nicely on my el cheepo bench grinder. Took the guard off, drill the hole out in the wood core and get a pair of fender washers. Worth every penny ive spent on it.

[@user-my5ul2kk2i]

LC has been one of my Favorites coming from Syracuse, NY. Buddy hunted with one over his Brittany along side of me and me with my Browning. A major regret in my life was passing on a Two gun boxed set when I moved to Annapolis in 1985 for $1200. 😢

[@EastBayFlipper]

Never ever put brake cleaner on anything hot (300⁰C) because the solvent is heat transformed into phosgene gas, a chemical warfare gas that will have emergency rooms recommendations to get your affairs in order😳 Word to the wise, it aint only dangerous because it can burn🔥 Really love the videos Mark

[@johnbuchanan4876]

Fascinating, i really enjoyed this.

[@milodelgobbo5020]

Excellent video !

[@bibbyman2]

I tinkered with old doubles. Repairing and restoring. Including L.C.Smith. I found a video that showed the rod pushing the top snap shaft over as you did.

[@disturbedmaynard3873]

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.

[@TheTarrMan]

Great job as always. Thanks for sharing.

[@silverbullet7434]

Its double gun I ever worked on was an lc Smith ideal grade. It had been worked on by the handy gun owner. I bought it to teach how not to do things to your gun.

[@voodish2]

They surely had fun designing that thing!