New guy here – Ithaca questions.

J

JJK

Inactive
Hi guys – First off – Great forum! – A nice place to visit. This is my first post.

Today I bought this old Ithaca SxS – the serial number is 441xxx. A few web searches indicate that the gun was made in 1926?! – The dealer had it listed as a grade 4E – He had no other info. My questions:
Is this what is known as an Ithaca NID? Or is it something else? Were they really made from 1925 to 1948? If the gun is actually almost 80 years old is it safe to use standard off the shelf lead loads? Or Kent matrix where lead is not legal – The gun appears to be in very good condition. I’m assuming it must have been refinished at some point. I plan on using the gun for shooting Pheasants.
This would certainly be the oldest gun I have ever used for hunting. Do any of you guys use these old guns for hunting? – I really didn’t have a clue when I bought it that it was 80 years old – as per usual I do all my research after I make the purchase! I am salesman’s dream.

Thanks!
http://home.comcast.net/~jjkern/gread4e1.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~jjkern/grade4e2.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~jjkern/grade4e3.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~jjkern/grade4e4.jpg


JJK
 
WOW!! That is one sa-weet SxS!! I would be ecstatic just to own it...being able to shoot it would be nice, too.
 
Nice shotgun. I'm no Ithaca expert but it looks like a NID to me. A coupla things...

Like ALL old shotguns, it should be gone over by a qualified smith before firing. Shotguns and grenades have similar working pressures.

It may be cursed by The Demon Of Short Chambers, being made for the old 2 9/16" shell. Again, a smith can determine this.

The pad is not factory installed. This may lower the collector value a bit, though it does increase comfort.

If it is chambered for the modern 2 3/4" shells, it will work very well for pheasant and other upland game. If not, Polywad, Gamebore etc have the 2 1/2" loads for sale.

IMO, this will serve you well as an upland shotgun with lead loads. I'd be hesitant to shoot any non tox loads through it other than bismuth.

Enjoy....
 
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