As a long time admirer of the L. C. Smith shotguns, and of the opinion that they were America's finest scattergun, I finally came into the oppurtunity to buy one. I am currently evaluating it. I am sold on it, and as soon as I get ahold of my friend letting me evaluate, I will buy it. Having only looked before, and never shot one, the first shot was filled with excitement. Sweet Elsie did not disappoint at all. The gun is a well used (but tightly locking) Field grade made in 1928 according to the serial number. It is a double trigger non-ejector 12 gauge. It has 28" barrels and I am unsure what the chokes are. In the next few days I plan on having it choke gauged to find out. There is no question in my mind that it will make a spectacular upland bird gun.

My first question is regarding the safety. I am used to the normal two position safety of "fire" fully forward and "safe" at the back, but this has a third safety notch back from "safe" that seems to fire as well. What is the use of this third position?

The second question is regarding loadings in it. I've only shot #7 low wall Winchester "Game Loads" (2 3/4") through it, and it loves them. Would it be ok to shoot high brass 2 3/4" loads through it? Also out of curiosity, I would like to see how it handles a slug. Would it be safe to shoot a slug from it, and if so what are the various member's recommendations for a smoothbore slug/ball?

Here is a picture of it...