L.C. Smith Specialty Grade

NOTE: this is an example of a previous customer restoration, and therefore the firearm is not for sale. Please browse the showroom for our current selection of restored, pre-owned and refinished firearms that are for sale, as well as other collections. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to be among the first to learn about new additions to our website.

L.C. Smith Specialty Grade: A Masterpiece of American Shotgun Craftsmanship

Among the great American side-by-side shotguns, the L.C. Smith Specialty Grade holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and shooters alike. Introduced in 1913, this finely embellished shotgun offered sportsmen an elegant yet highly functional firearm that exemplified the best of L.C. Smith’s craftsmanship. With its hand-engraved game scenes, premium American walnut stock, and superb balance, the Specialty Grade was designed for the discerning shooter who appreciated both artistry and performance.

Unlike the boxlock designs of competitors such as Parker and Fox, L.C. Smith remained true to its side-lock action, a hallmark of fine double guns. The Specialty Grade sat comfortably in the company’s lineup as a mid-to-upper-tier offering, providing an elevated level of engraving and wood quality without reaching the more ornate embellishments of the Crown Grade. The result was a shotgun that struck a balance between refined beauty and practical use—a working gun with the soul of a collector’s piece.

The example we are proud to present this month is a 20-gauge Specialty Grade built in 1913, the very first year of this grade’s production. This rare and desirable specimen features 30-inch fluid steel barrels, an uncommon and highly sought-after configuration in this gauge. The longer barrels lend themselves to smooth swing dynamics, making this an ideal shotgun for both sporting clays and classic upland pursuits. Whether taking on high-flying pheasants or testing one’s mettle on the trap field, this Specialty Grade embodies the effortless handling for which L.C. Smith shotguns are known.

Every detail of this restoration has been executed with the utmost care, honoring the legacy of its original craftsmen. As with all L.C. Smith shotguns, the Specialty Grade’s reputation for durability and shooting comfort is well earned. The mechanics of this example remain as precise as ever, with crisp trigger pulls, well-timed ejectors, and a solid, tight lock-up. Whether admired in a collection or carried afield, this shotgun represents one of the finest expressions of American double-gun heritage.

We thank the owner of this fine L.C. Smith Specialty Grade. It was a pleasure to restore it back to its original beauty.