I am refreshing a 10 Ga. Ideal grade LC Smith with the intentions of making it last another 100 years. Made in 1917, only 158 made. Also a bit unusual because it was configured to be a bit lighter and the chokes are improved mod and full, not full and fuller. These 10's were built with left over damascus barrels from pre-1913 models. I intend to take her duck hunting and not leave her in the closet.
It has definitely be used , but mechanically it is still tight. There was a lot of rust inside the action and I finally lost a mainspring. Cleaned it up nicely. if you guys have not used evapo-rust, you are missing out on a great product.
Now the question is, do I re-case it or not? I would like to, but here is the issue. There are small rust pits on the outside. If I polish out the action, I will loose the engraving, which is still in very good condition. I don't think I want to have the cut anneal, polished recut and cased. A bit too much for an Ideal grade. So what should I do?
I already re-did the barrels, trigger guard and stock.
Opinions wanted...
Thanks
Jerry
