Not so sure I agree with that approach, Eddie. I have 4 12 gauge L.C. Smiths, all graded and with ejectors and DT== Oldest is a 4E mfg. 1909, a pigeon grade made in 1911, a Ideal Longrange made in 1928, and a Ideal FWE made in 1945. I only shoot RST low velocity target loads in them- I have never shot a 3" or a steel load in my Longrange, nor do I ever plan too. The 4E is the main gun I use for SC's--28" Imp. Cyl & Mod. (sometimes the Pigeon, 28" Imp. Cyl. and Full) all have years of careful use, no cracks in the locks or grip areas-- If I were fortunate to own comparable London Bests-instead of these "Elsie"- I would also use RST exclusively in them as well. Pre-1913 Smiths have one other factor in their favor--Better American Walnut was available, once WW1 got rollin'-lotsa good crotch walnut in American timberlands got turned into rifle stocks and airplane propellers. RWTF
