Recently picked up a 1915 vintage LC Smith in 12ga that had been restored many years ago, and is in excellent condition.... I can see where stock was refinished, and a few hairline cracks fixed with expoxy etc. The barrels are in excellent condition, and the action is very tight, with lever still to right, etc. It's got auto ejectors, which is sort of rare on a field grade I hear.
I have bought some 1oz 2/34 DE loads for it, which should be sufficiently low recoil enough to safely shoot in the gun. I feel good using these for most smaller birds, rabbits, etc.
If I wanted to hunt pheasants with the gun, any recommendations on shells? Maybe look at RST? On the LC Smith collectors FAQ, it said try to keep pressure below 8500 psi.
Anyone using a gun like this for pheasants?
I also have a 1927 Vintage NID that is in almost new un-altered condition. It's my understanding that the NID's can take a little more punishment..... Maybe I just use the Elsie onsmaller birds, and the NID on pheasants.