doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com LC Smith Stock Cracking

As you all know, many Smith stocks have cracks behind the locks. I did a search here to see if it had been discussed but did not find anything. I've never had the locks off a Smith to see what it looks like so I'm curious as to why they appear? Also, does anyone have a repair for these or a method to prevent them from happening?

Thanks,
Bob

Hello Bob

http://www.lcsmith.org/faq/repaircracks.html

Mike

It is my opinion that, based on a lot of those types of breaks that I have seen, it is not really caused by recoil, but more likely bending stress on the stock. The cracks behind the locks usually continue down towards the frame and break loose the lower "fingers" of the stock. So, the crack will open up when the stock is flexed upwards.

Obviously the root issue is a lack of wood in the head of the stock. But I don't think that recoil is the sole cause of it.

IMO- fewer LC Smith pre-1913 stocks tend to have splits behind the locks or at the top tang areas, regardless of the gauge or grade- I have 5 12 gauge Smiths, 4 are pre-1913, one is a 1941 Ideal- 3 are ejector guns, 1 has Damascus barrels the rest Nitro proofed steel, 4 have DT, one has the HOT-- so there is a mix to compare with. I have acra-glass reinforced the lock and inner stock head areas, and I only shoot 1150 fps or lighter loads in them- and I shoot a lot- so far, so good-

I agree with RWTF about using Acra-glass on the inner stock head area. I use acra-glass gel and have had good results. I re-stocked a field grade years ago and have had zero problems. I also shoot light hand loads to ensure no problems.

Ron

Most people don't pay attention to the role the action screws play as recoil lugs. If the hand pin is loose or the hole has become oval. I also believe that pre-13 guns have less problem with cracks behind the locks, not sure if it was better wood or more attention paid to inletting. MKII

Most people don't pay attention to the role the action screws play as recoil lugs. If the hand pin is loose or the hole has become oval. I also believe that pre-13 guns have less problem with cracks behind the locks, not sure if it was better wood or more attention paid to inletting. MKII

Here's the link to DocDrew's FAQ on repairing cracks:

http://www.lcsmith.org/faq/repaircracks.html

RWTF's experience mirrors mine. I have 12 Elsies, all pre-13,all get used, and NONE have cracks or the beginning of same. I'm convinced that recoil from too-high pressure/too long shells start evident cracks, but I'm equally convinced that (let the flaming begin) improper gun storage gave birth to the condition of the head of the stock. When examining an Elsie for purchase The FIRST thing I look for is darkening at the head and fingers of the stock. The darkening tells me that oil seepage caused the discolation, and if one removes the sideplates one finds more oil there in what little wood there is. That wood is always "pithy" and takes the brunt of the recoil--- result-- cracks behind the locks.
The cure? Remove the oil and Acraglas the head, and STORE THE GUN MUZZLE DOWN !!
Tightness of action screws goes without saying-- just don't overdo it.

"the root issue is a lack of wood in the head of the stock"

Amen, and I am of the opinion that is where the cracks start, then extend and eventually become apparent at the apex of the lock. Please check the first 7 images here
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/17090409

and compare the wood area with these boxlock and sidelock stocks
http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/15127852