Marlin's new L.C. Smith double-barrels are quick-pointing, easy-handling bird guns.

Among many wingshooters the name L.C. Smith brings to mind the image of a classic double-barrel and plenty of corresponding upland hunting scenes--a gunner walking in on his English setter's point in the October grouse woods, for example, or a brace of quivering pointers locked down tight on a covey along a field edge in the Deep South.

L.C. Smith double-barrels have long been venerated as bird guns carried by discerning American sportsmen, and deservedly so. However, an original "Elsie" can significantly lighten a shooter's wallet these days, so the introduction of a new series of affordable L.C. Smith shotguns by Marlin Firearms (which now owns the L.C. Smith name) is certainly worth noting.

Four new double-barrels bearing the L.C. Smith designation--two side-by-sides and two over/unders, each in 12 and 20 gauges--will be available from Marlin in the first quarter of 2005. I recently had the opportunity to try out these guns on bobwhites and chukars at the Pierce Ranch (Karankawa Plains Outftting Company,

www.karankawa.com; 979/578-0100) near Houston, Texas, and I'd have to concur with the prediction made by one of my shooting partners: "They're going to sell a heckuva lot of these." The L.C. Smith doubles are, quite simply, quick-pointing, easy-handling bird guns--ideal for taking afield, in other words.

Marlin's four L.C. Smith shotguns feature checkered walnut pistol grip stocks with fluted combs, recoil pads and bead front sights. All four come with three choke tubes (improved cylinder, modified and full), selective single triggers and selective automatic ejectors. A safety lock is also included with each purchase.

Specifics are as follows: The 12-gauge side-by-side (Model LC12-DB) weighs approximately 61?4 pounds with a 26-inch barrel and an overall length of 43 inches. The 20-gauge side-by-side (Model LC20-DB) weighs six pounds and is also 43 inches long with a 26-inch barrel.

The 12-gauge over/under (Model LC12-OU) weighs approximately 71?4 pounds and has a 28-inch, ventilated rib barrel and an overall length of 45 inches. The 20-gauge (Model LC20-OU) weighs 63?4 pounds with a 26-inch ventilated rib barrel and an overall length of 43 inches.

For more information contact: Marlin Firearms, Dept. GD, 100 Kenna Dr. P.O. Box 248, North Haven, CT 06473-0905; (203) 239-5621;

www.marlinfirearms.com.