Ohio Gun Collectors Show (July 16-18, 2010)

The LCSCA display of "Special 16 Gauge Smith Guns"  during the Ohio Gun Collectors Show held July 16-18, 2010 at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, OH was successful. The display, assembled and manned by Cliff White, Len Applegate, Larry Moore, Jim Stubbendieck and Frank Finch offered the visitors some rare 16 gauge guns in grades such as, Monogram, 4E, A1 (two Bbl set), Gladiator, hammer and hammerless Traps, Specialty, 1, 00, and Field. Thanks to Cliff, a rare 1908 Hunter Arms Poster and other advertising memorabilia was displayed. The Smith vs. Parker Hammer Gun and Challenge Cup Trophies and the NRA "Best Educational" Trophy won by LCSCA in 2010 were also displayed. Although the attendance was lower than usual (the economy?), many interested Smith enthusiasts stopped by to ask questions, give comments, and request serial number searches by Jim on their guns.

     EVENT PHOTOS

Great Northeast Side by Side Classic (June 4-6, 2010)

The event at Hausmann's Hidden Hollow Sporting Clays in Friendsville, PA. held June 4 to 6, 2010  had 20,000 targets thrown and around 190 shooters with many more visitors attending during the three day event which was held under sunny skies for the first two days then subjected to a terrible weather forecast for the third and final day. After brief showers on Sunday the day cleared for the "Main Event" but unfortunately due to the forecast, many shooters opted to remain at home. LCSCA's display consisted of various grades of sixteen gauge guns. The shooting events included the Main Event, RBL Challenge, BO-WHOOP Long Range Competition, Levefer/Smith/Parker Challenge and Hunter Clays by gauge and several other types of shooting events. Several members shot and won competition awards. Don Nickerson won top purse in the BO-WHOOP shooting his Smith but George Griscom won the trophy shooting a JUST PURCHASED Fox Sterlingworth. Rev. Charlie took 2nd Place in the Hunters 16 Ga. Class. Jim Stahl easily bested the Parker and Levefer 8 Ga. shooters with his 8 Ga. 2E Smith. 35 vendors and collecting groups participated. Visitors enjoyed looking at our display and the NRA "Best Educational Award" won for our club display of Adm . Peary's Quest for the North Pole at the 2010 NRA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Charlotte, NC. For a weekend of fun shooting, plan to be there next year.

     EVENT PHOTOS

L.C.Smith/California Side by Side Shoot (May 28-31, 2010)

The L. C. Smith/California Side by Side sponsored Statewide Shoot held May 28th -31st just outside Yosemite National Park in Coarsegold, California was a huge success for the L. C. Smith Collectors Association. The shoot was held at the Sun Mountain Gun Club which is probably the most beautiful, best managed club in California. All targets are shot on the honor system which gives the club a special feeling. Over twenty L. C. Smith members participated in the event displaying over sixty different Smith’s and shooting in all events. Smith’s literally dominated the event. Dr. Ron Gabriel donated twelve of his books “American and British .410 Shotguns” which were used to thank the organizers and new members. With this incentive eight new members were signed up. The club sponsored and awarded two L. C. Smith trophies. The Peoples Choice Award for the “Best Smith Gun on Display” went to member Jerry Mele and “High Overall Score Shot with a Smith Gun” in the shooting events went to Robert Szerwo. Congratulations to Jerry and Robert! Thank you to our members Robert Szerwo, Art Vella and Bob Devlin our L. C. Smith Collectors Association point people for managing an excellent event and to Jerry Kitto for being the overall organizer of the weekend event.

NRA Annual Convention (May 14-16, 2010)

The 139th NRA Annual Convention was held May 14th through the 16th, 2010 in
Charlotte, North Carolina.  The L.C. Smith Collectors Association had a
booth for the third year in a row.  This year's theme was centered around
Admiral Robert E. Peary's Grade 5E 12ga L.C. Smith and was titled "Quest for
the North Pole".  The exhibit drew quite a crowd on the Collector's Row of
the convention floor.  For the second time in three years, the L.C. Smith
Collectors Association was awarded the "Best Educational Exhibit" for the
Classic Arms Category by the National Rifle Association.  Admiral Peary's
5E, along with several artifacts were graciously contributed by LCSCA Board
Member Skip Dunlap.  The remainder of the display items were provided by
Frank and Mary Anne Finch and Chris Dunlap.  Frank Finch and Chris Dunlap
manned the booth during the three day event that drew over 70,000 visitors.
Mary Anne Finch's eye for details and previous judging experience, along
with her hard work during the planning and set-up phase ensured the success
of the club during the exhibit judging.  The LCSCA gained five new members
during the convention with many more hopeful recruits that promised to join
when they returned home.

     EVENT PHOTOS

Southern Side by Side (April 23-25, 2010)

L. C. Smith Dominates Challenge Cup Events- Again!

Team L.C. Smith swept the Challenge Cup Events at the Southern S X S Spring Classic on April 23-25, 2010. In the 7th Annual Challenge Cup, L.C.S.C.A. bested P.G.C.A by the score of 234 to 219 out of 300 birds shot. The following shooters represented L.C.S.C.A. in defending the Championship, ranked by Event 2 scores:

Joe Woolsey                            27
Rev. Charlie Brooks               26
Dan Christoffersen                 25
Mike Ferguson                        24
Don Shumaker                        24
Mike Harris                              23
Craig Bennett                          22
Ray Ward                                 22
Ben Wise                                 21
Tom Cutler                              20

The Top Gun was awarded for the highest combined score in Event 1 and 2 combined, regardless of team.  This was determined by a shoot-off by Mike Ferguson over Runner-Up Don Shumaker. Both men had identical scores in Event 1 (28) and Event 2 (24), and represented L.C.S.C.A. 3rd and 4th Place trophies were also determined by a 4-way shoot-off. Rev. Charlie Brooks took 3rd, and Carl Brandt took 4th.

In the concurrent events, 13 yr. old Edward Blake of Virginia qualified for the Parker team, and acquitted himself well in Event 2. He is our High Junior awardw inner for 2010. Sharon McPherson of North Carolina narrowly missed making the L.C. Smith Team with a qualifying score of 19, but still took the High Lady award.

In the Hammer Gun Challenge, L.C.S.C.A. successfully defended the Championship by a score of 210 to 204. Once again, the depth of our top 10 shooters prevented P.G.C.A. from wresting the honors. Our ten shooters were:

Milt Fitterman                         24
Kimball Ferguson                 23
Bob Fleming                           23
Michael White                         22
Ben Wise                                 21
George Griscom                    20
Mike Harris                             20
Frank Finch                            19
Tom Martin                             19
J. D. Shank                             19

Note that our Executive Director made the Hammer Gun Team this year!

We did let the Top Gun and Runner-Up awards get away in the Hammer Gun Event. John Truitt took Top Gun with 26 hits, and Mark Conrad, Team Captain for P.G.C.A., took Runner-Up.

L.C. Smith Exclusive Events

The Dreu Bowman Cup for the highest Smith Gun score in the 20 ga. American Classics event went to Dan Christoffersen with a scorching round of 48 X 50. The Capt. A. H. Bogardus Cup, for the highest Smith gun score in the Atkin, Grant & Lang Main Event goes to Grant Rosser. His score of 75 X 80 was also High Overall in the Main Event, which earned him the prestigious Ripon Cup.

A new award was introduced this year, sponsored by member James Fincannon. The inaugural Big Bore award went to the shooter with the highest Smith Gun score in the American Classics 10 ga. event. The prize included a full-size hand-painted Mallard sculpture, a flat of shells and gun sock. Dan Christoffersen took the prize with a score of 41 X 50.

Congratulations to our winners, and a special thanks to Anne Mitchell and Cheryl Stubbendieck for managing registration at our display table. We also extend our warmest wishes for a full and speedy recovery for Mary Ann Finch after shoulder surgery. Look for a detailed article and photos in the next issue of the Journal.

     EVENT PHOTOS

8th Annual Spring Shoot (March 22, 2010)

The Annual Spring Shoot and Sunday evening dinner were held this year seeing new faces and tremendous all around support.  The Carlisle Club gave great target presentations and again provided skillful workers.  Our attendance was again up with sixty plus folks coming from as far away as Indiana and North Carolina.  The Sunday evening dinner was attended by twenty-three friendly early arrivals that all received a surprise of a box of ammo donated by Morris Baker, owner of RST Ammunition Co.  He also donated ammo for the shoot.  His support and the support of others are what makes the shoot what it is and is appreciated.  This event has now expanded to the point that it now has shooting on Sunday and Monday with group meals with great fellowship.  Thank you to everyone for your attendance.  Charlie Brooks

     EVENT PHOTOS

Louisville Gun Show (February 20-21, 2010)

Our club designed and manned a two table display at the Louisville Gun Show held at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center on February 20-21, 2010 in Louisville, KY. The show continues to be a popular source for double gun acquisitions and sales. In addition to the 31 Smith guns on Cliff White's tables, there were at least two dozen other Smith guns for sale at the show. Several nice Smith guns "walked" into the show, including a Pigeon Grade 12 gauge. Our display consisted of a "full house" of Ideal Grade guns from 10 gauge through .410 and Trap Grade guns from 12 gauge through .410. Memorabilia included Smith gun posters, Smith trophies, Smith business card tray and fixtures from the Hunter Plant. The Challenge Cup and Hammer Gun Trophies were displayed with related Southern Side by Side pictures. Cliff White, Len Applegate and Frank Finch designed, supplied and manned the booth. The show is a must attend for double gun enthusiasts.

St. Hubertus Luncheon and Smith Display (January 26, 2010)

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association attended and presented an eleven high grade Smith gun table display at the Southern California International Order of St. Hubertus annual Sporting Arms & Art Luncheon on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at the California Club. The display located outside the doors to the luncheon and across from the hor d'oeuvre table was an excellent exhibitor location for our presentation of 12 & 20 gauge Deluxe, 12 & 20 gauge Premier, A 3,  A 2, A 1, Crown, etc guns. The accompanying Smith/Hunter Arms memorabilia enhanced the gun presentation. Many of the 100 attending St. Hubertus members enjoyed viewing, asking questions, and giving comments as well as sharing side by side experiences and enthusiasm at our exhibit. As "Thank You" to the St. Hubertus Order, LCSCA presented an annual membership, club pin and hat to Tom Foscue,  K .G. O. and Prior of the Southern California chapter.  

Tulsa Gun Show (November 14-15, 2009)

The later dates of November 14-15, 2009 for the Wanenamaker’s Tulsa Arms Show at the Expo Square on the Tulsa State Fair Grounds conflicted with the opening dates for hunting seasons in surrounding states which decreased the size of the crowd but not the enthusiasm of the attendees. The show is billed as the world’s largest gun show.  The building covers 11 acres, and it was filled to capacity sales and display tables.  The LCSCA exhibit of L.C. Smith shotguns from all eras of production drew a lot of visitors.  Shotguns were provided by Don Hosey, Brad Slone, and Jim Stubbendieck.  Individuals helping to answer visitor questions included Don and Jonathan Hosey, Carrie Elliott, Brad and Duane Slone, and Jim and Cheryl Stubbendieck.  A few of the visitors were Cliff White; Wes Dillon, James Julia Auctions; Jim Clark, Simmons Gun Repair (see the event photographs); David Kennedy, Oklahoma Historical Society and formerly Curator of the Cody Firearms Museum; and Steve Fjested, Blue Book of Gun Values.

Sixth Annual Turkey Shoot (October 31, 2009)

The Sixth Annual L.C. Smith Turkey Shoot held at the Prince Georges Trap and Skeet Center was very successful.  Fun and camaraderie were running rampant all day long.  We had twenty five eager shooters and several guests in attendance.  The overcast day and a few sprinkles discouraged some, but when every thing was said and done, the weather made little difference.    

We had a challenging course, but our hardy and skilled L. C. Smith shooters came through with excellent scores.  The event winners were:  Charles Brooks - Sporting Clays, Hammer Gun Skeet, and Doubles Skeet.  Charles almost had a clean sweep, but John Wiles took the Five Stand prize.  The High Overall Trophy Winner was Charles Brooks with 102 crushed targets out of 125 possibles.  That’s darn good shootin’, folks.  The three turkey winners were Charles Brooks, Jr., Anne Mauro, and Kimball Ferguson.  Congratulations to all of our fine L. C. Smith Shooters and to the turkey winners.  

This was my second year coordinating the Turkey Shoot.  Each year I strive to improve the product.  Already the guys are thinking of fun shooting games for next year event.  If any one has suggestions, please email me and I’ll pass along suggestions to the gaming committee…..that’s ‘gaming’, not gamey committee.  I know, I know, that’s a pretty lame joke.  Sporting clays and 5 Stand are staples of the Turkey Shoot.  We are considering interesting games, e.g. Chinese trap, Chinese wobble trap, Skee-Trap, and a bird flurry of some kind.   Yes, these are real shooting games, folks.  If enough guys get together with fine L. C. Smith shotguns and plenty of ammunition, you can bet that some kind of interesting shooting concoction will pop up.  Send those cards and letters and all suggestions will be considered for the Seventh L. C. Smith Turkey Shoot.  

I hesitate to start naming folks that make events like our Turkey Shoot a success, but thank yous have to go to all of our L. C. Smith brothers and sisters that participated.  Bob Trefry, our coffee and doughnut guru, Frank Finch for asking the right questions at the right time,  Jim Stubbendieck and the folks on our fantastic web page, the team at Prince Georges Trap and Skeet Center who make all the machines work when all the right buttons are pushed, and the Three Brothers caterers, who we never have to worry about showing up with all their delectable Italian goodies. 

The folks in our Club are very special.  These shotguns that we collect and shoot are valued companions.  They served are fore fathers and fore mothers well as they do us.  We thrived as a nation, partially due to these wonderful tools built by craftsman of yester-year.  So, let’s carry-on with their legacy and let’s use them to whup those Parker Boys next year at the Southern, the year after, and every year after that.   

Best to all, Roger Domer

Vintage Cup (September 24-27, 2009)

The Order Of Edwardian Gunners Vintage Cup was held at Pintail Point near Queenstown, Maryland, on the beautiful Eastern Shore. The LCSCA exhibit was a new design and concept. The new design was a free standing exhibit of pre 1913 L C Smith Guns of varying grades and gauges used for upland game bird hunting. Many of the shotguns on display were quite unique, with some one-of-a-kind guns being shown along with beautifully mounted game birds. Many of our visitors complemented us on our new display and expressed that they felt it was "the best at the Vintages." Many of our members enjoyed the different shooting events over the weekend. A special congratulations goes out to our new Life member Ms. Anne Mauro for her finishing Ladies Second in the main event. A special thank you is expressed to Chris Baumohl, SFC Chris Dunlap, Dick Miller, and Jent Mitchell for their hard work in helping to assemble and to take down the new exhibit, and to all the LCSCA members who contributed guns from their collections for the exhibit and those members who gave their time to man the new display.

     EVENT PHOTOS

Ohio Gun Collectors Show (July 18-19, 2009)

The OGCA Show was held July 18 and 19 at the Roberts Centre near Wilmington, Ohio. The exhibit featured "Father and Son" combinations of high grade L.C. Smith guns in 12 and 20 gauges. The combinations included; Monogram, A2, Eagle, Grade 5, and Grade 3 guns. Also, featured was a highly conditioned Syracuse Quality 4 and the L.C. Smith vs. Parker Challenge Cup and Hammer Gun Challenge Awards won by Team L.C. Smith at the Southern Side by Side Classic in April.  Cliff White displayed very rare Hunter Arms memorabilia including  a Hunter Arms First Place Prize NC Tobacco Jar. Bob Trefry, Larry Moore and other LCSCA members stopped by the exhibit. Many others visited the exhibit to share and to get answers about their L.C. Smith shotguns. The exhibit was designed by Frank Finch and Len Applegate with help, shotguns, and memorabilia from Cliff and Brenda White.

     EVENT PHOTOS

Great Northeast Side X Side Classic (June 5-7, 2009)

The L.C. Smith Collectors Association presented a display of early graded Baker, Syracuse, and Hunter hammer guns and pre-1913 twenty gauge guns at the Great Northeast Side X Side Classic June 5 to 7, 2009. The event, which drew around 1000 visitors during three days, was held under sunny skies at Hausmann's Hidden Hollow Sporting Clays in Friendsville, PA. The shooting events included the Main Event, RBL Challenge, BO-WHOOP Trophy Event, Hunter Clays by gauge, as well as other types of competition. Many vendors participated and offered guns and equipment for sale. Several nice L.C. Smiths changed hands among members in and around our booth. Our visitors enjoyed looking at the display and the NRA Award winning .410 two barrel set Skeet Special with its Research Letter and Silver "One of the Ten Best" awards from the recent NRA Phoenix Annual Meeting and Exhibition.

     EVENT PHOTOS