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!

[@Colton1776]

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

[@bertroost1675]

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!

[@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!

[@earlearl8850]

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

[@davidstuck2866]

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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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…

[@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.

[@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

[@rotaman8555]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jamesburnett7085]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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

[@crankygunreviews]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@albertokri6119]

It is a great pleasure to watch your vídeos, and learn from your knowledge Mark, congratulations.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ThatPNWGuy2024]

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

[@sportsman48]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@indogrizz]

I used the hole through the wood on the first LC Smith that I reworked. I pulled my hair out till I drilled the small hoe in the wood for a punch. While doing this I kept thinking there was a better way. O came up with a drift sort of like a stock screw that would go through the hole in the bottom metal and screw into the lever post with a threaded end. With this method, you move the spring by pushing the bottom metal sideways and down into the inletted cutout. If you make the whole tool the diameter the same as the lever thread, you can move the lever shaft around to seat the shaft. If you make it the size of the bottom metal hole with a threaded end to fit the shaft, it will self align as the bottom metal is moved into place. Just another way that I have done it. I like your takedown and reassembly shows very much for their thorough descriptions and explanation for what you did and why you did it.

[@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.

[@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 🤝

[@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.

[@REXOB9]

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

[@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.

[@grahampalmer9337]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@MScholtz]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@perrypappous7617]

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

[@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

[@silentseawolf]

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

[@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!

[@MrHappy-hs6sn]

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

[@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.

[@dannyw.814]

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

[@nathangreer8219]

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

[@brianleverock8078]

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

[@charlesmarino2027]

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

[@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.

[@karlpeterson9334]

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

[@ShepFL002]

Nice video. I have a nice LC3E and a field grade hammer gun with a busted wrist. After watching I may let someone else disassemble the action. I am concerned about screwing up threads or breaking that spring. Have to know your limits. I would rather pay someone with experience vs making my hammer a wall hanger. Thanks for sharing.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 😀

[@DaveHuzarewicz]

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. 😢

[@GeorgeRumore]

Mark I love all your videos. This one brought back some painful memories. In 1958 at age 16 I bought an LC that had the muzzle blown open like a banana for $15. I cut the barrels at 21 inches resoldered the ribs (sort of) and jug choked them. Worked great but like the curious monkey I wondered how it worked inside so I took it apart. I don't remember how I got it back together but it took literally weeks of monkeying and I didn't drill any holes. I'd love to know how they did it at the factory. I never took another one apart.

[@jerrybaird2059]

I would love to see the factory drawings.

[@RealNickTheCoolest]

I'd bet gun jesus is a fan of Mark Novak. I always see talk of who the best guntuber is, but his name never gets mentioned. Learning techniques to fix things on the spot is crucial to self preservation and this channel showcases real world scenarios on fixing a broken gun with what you have.

[@DB-yj3qc]

He's sent a few to Mark for work fromwhatIhaveseenor heard. Mark R. Novak is the go-to with irreplaceable firearms.

[@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.

[@williamhewett1098]

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.

[@richardlincoln8438]

Sorry to learn that. My condolences.

[@joelmclamore1898]

What happened?😮

[@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.

[@haldavis6285]

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

[@twentypdrparrott694]

I have my great grandfather's LC Smith double barrel 12 gauge. He dogged this gun broke the stock and halfway carves a new one. Hammer spring on one side is broken and the locking mechanism was broken. It took a long time to find a replacement part for that. After he died my grandmother kept it in her barn where dirt dabbers made a home in both barrels. Needless to say it is as dangerous to the shooter as to the shootee. I keep it as I only have 2 things that were his. The gun and a retractable razor strap.

[@bishopcorva]

Love the cut away. "It took us 45 minutes of frustration and trying.'" Translates into: we were this close to setting the stock on ire and melting it all with a cutting torch alll while screaming every known and some as yet uninvented expletives. So instead of doing that, we got it done, smoked a cigar, had something to eat. Maybe shot a few things, then came back to pick the rest of the video up. But I swear if anyone out there says they can do this with their eyes closed and demonstrates it in person, I won't murder them and bury them in the backyard. Promise. Mark, we know what was said through tone and the breath pause before it's said. and you're right, something like that if I ever came my way, would be fairly well worth paying a competent individual to do. Because any monkey can swing a hammer, only a trained monkey can actually hit the nail.

[@patrickjutras6134]

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

[@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.

[@fredboat]

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

[@patrickcolahan7499]

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.

[@BloopTube]

Trickery is the only word to describe it, the older guys in any trade have some ridiculously useful tips hidden up there almost universally

[@baronoflivonia.3512]

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

[@karlpeterson9334]

Hand rubbing linseed oil is such a good feeling. On the exterior metal surfaces, I just use oil and steel wool.

[@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.

[@karlpeterson9334]

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

[@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!!!

[@texasjoe3261]

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

[@allanbarber4038]

Awesome, as always! Thanks for the education.

[@DavidvanNiekerk]

Very educational from a skilled master. Thank you

[@garywemmer9342]

This is a man that knows what he's doing! Heed his words! The subtitles of gunsmithing is

[@BigT27295]

That is complicated. Hats off brother

[@Ashcrash82]

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.

[@danielesilvaggi]

Love them old guns. My father in law has a gun similar and when I got divorced he had passed away a year later and I was hoping to get it but the ex gave it to her knew man. What a bummer. Thank you for this great video.

[@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- .

[@jads9296]

Awesome watching this one Mark, as usual!😊

[@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.

[@Tunkkis]

Excellent presentation as always.

[@mikeseigel6566]

WRT drilling the hole and using a pin, it’s not wrong if it works. Great job Mark

[@1gordon4u]

similar to the A. H. Fox, used to build them back in the days with CSMC. Nice job Mr. Novak

[@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