Results 1 to 6 of 6
Thread: An OLD Ithaca Shotgun
-
March 2nd, 2009, 09:37 PM #1
An OLD Ithaca Shotgun
Greetings All!
A little question for all you PAFOA folks....
I inherited an Ithaca double barreled shotgun from my grandfather. It is a side by side, damascus steel barreled, engraved model - serial #27184, which puts it's manufacture date at 1895. He took great care with the working order of his firearms, though not necessarily their cosmetics. That is to say the bores are like mirrors, but the wood is quite darkened, there are a few scratches in the stock otherwise OK.
Value is fairly irrelevant, I've never been offered more than it is worth -sentimentally- to me. The big question is: can this shotgun be used? Do they make low pressure or black powder shells for these old beauties? Or should I just live with this gun as nothing more than a period piece or mantel garnish?
I am very aware that using a modern shell would quite possibly blow the damascus, wrapped barrel into millions of slivers of shrapnel and would NEVER attempt such a thing.
Tom
-
March 4th, 2009, 08:01 AM #2
Re: An OLD Ithaca Shotgun
Sounds cool...how about some pics?
I just picked up an old double barrel myself and have questions about shooting it. Damascus barrels are a no no with modern high pressure shells, but I think you and I would be safe with black powder shells. They probably belch a lot of smoke and fire, but won't have the high pressure as the modern smokeless powder.
I'd like to shoot mine, but I don't want to loose any fingers or gain a nice damascus rash on my face! LOL
-
March 6th, 2009, 07:15 PM #3Grand Member
- Join Date
- Oct 2008
- Location
-
Sweet Valley,
Pennsylvania
(Luzerne County) - Age
- 77
- Posts
- 1,322
- Rep Power
- 1390885
Re: An OLD Ithaca Shotgun
Talking about shooting a Damascus barreled shotgun is frequently a way to start a long and heated discussion. I, for one, can't see letting a safe shootable firearm sit unused.
Have it checked by a competent gunsmith.
There are a couple of manufacturers who offer BP shotshells. Goex is one. Republic Metallic is another (http://www.republicmetallic.com/SHOTSHELLS.html).
A third alternative and easy to do is to buy some brass hulls and load your own.
Pete“Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.”Hemingway ...
-
March 7th, 2009, 08:32 AM #4
Re: An OLD Ithaca Shotgun
I have a 1919 Ithaca that I shoot. If you shoot yours you should get low pressure shells and make sure the length is correct. For example my 16Ga has 2 9/16 chambers.
RST shells, www.rstshells.com in upstate PA sell a wide variety of short length low pressure shells and they are very knowledgeable.
I am not sure you have a blackpowder gun post another question here or on the doublegunshop forum.
-
March 8th, 2009, 08:31 AM #5Grand Member
- Join Date
- Oct 2008
- Location
-
Sweet Valley,
Pennsylvania
(Luzerne County) - Age
- 77
- Posts
- 1,322
- Rep Power
- 1390885
Re: An OLD Ithaca Shotgun
RST's Falcon Lite shells may be just the ticket if the gun checks out. They are a class operation, not far from me near Fairmont Springs. (Cambra/Benton).
Pete“Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.”Hemingway ...
-
March 8th, 2009, 08:37 AM #6
Re: An OLD Ithaca Shotgun
Good Morning and Thanks for the responses... I think I'll be looking to a) find out the size of the chambers and b) get some low power shells! Like you said Pete, I really hate having a perfectly good gun sitting around, not getting used.
Similar Threads
-
Lefever Shotgun by Ithaca Arms Circa 1911-Anyone Familiar?
By Bladerunner in forum GeneralReplies: 15Last Post: November 23rd, 2009, 10:27 PM -
WTB: Ithaca 37 12 GA barrel
By Jrkotz in forum GeneralReplies: 1Last Post: September 30th, 2008, 02:46 PM -
WTB: ithaca shotgun for skeet
By chrisk123 in forum GeneralReplies: 0Last Post: January 22nd, 2008, 12:46 PM -
ithaca 37
By chrisk123 in forum GeneralReplies: 0Last Post: January 21st, 2008, 06:03 PM -
ITHACA
By AMBASSADOR in forum GeneralReplies: 1Last Post: October 31st, 2006, 01:06 AM
Bookmarks