More than likely your new gun has 2 9/16" chambers, given the date of manufacture. Check the bottom of the barrels for a chamber length marking. If it doesn't say 2 3/4" then it is the standard 2 9/16" of that time. For a using gun, I would have the chambers lengthened so that I wouldn't have to buy the more expensive 2 9/16" shells.
Chamber length was not marked as standard on L.C. Smith barrel flats until Marlin bought the company in 1945.........."except the 3" long range 12 bore and .410's".....
The chamber length for 16 gauge L.C. Smiths were shown as 2 9/16" until the Marlin purchase in 1945, however, beginning about 1929 a field grade 16 new in the box (serial # FW 124,318) inspected had 2 3/4" factory chambers and the specifications label on the box was so marked....so the Hunter Arms Factory did produce small bore 2 3/4" chambers prior to the early 1940's......
Common sense dictates that with any vintage gun purchase, the owner should measure the chambers for verification.....
If serious shooters will reload, 2 1/2" 16's cost the same as 2 3/4 inch.....all components are readily available....To butcher any vintage chambers in the quest of "ammo cheapness" is sad indeed IMO....
