Need Info for Ithaca Shotgun

BlackGun

BlackGun

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I found this gun under the bed. It was my fathers and I think his before that. I can’t find gauge nor serial numbers. Only the manufacturer on each side and a dog. Gun is tight and good. How do I determine the year? The top of the barrel print says smokeless powder steel. @type44 if it’s worth anything you do restoration for individuals?



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If its a 12 ga and just a shooter, Id like to check it out. Im getting into cowboy shooting and needing a 12 ga . But it may have some sentimental value to you, being its your dads.
 
Sneakymedic said:
If its a 12 ga and just a shooter, Id like to check it out. Im getting into cowboy shooting and needing a 12 ga . But it may have some sentimental value to you, being its your dads.
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Thanks for inquiring. I’m not tied to many sentimental objects like most people but this one is an exception. It’s going to my son one day. He is big on family heirlooms, especially my stuff. He even tries to buy items before I sell them off but I don’t let him because nobody needs more than a couple sentimental items really. When I touched this gun I knew I couldn’t let it go regardless of value.
 
Awesome find! Definitely a keeper.

Have you broken it down, as in removed the forend, separated the bbls from the reciever? Ser# (if there is one) could be under there somewhere, maybe soe other proofmarks that would help ID the year & such.

Value: infinite.
 
Windini said:
Awesome find! Definitely a keeper.

Have you broken it down, as in removed the forend, separated the bbls from the reciever? Ser# (if there is one) could be under there somewhere, maybe soe other proofmarks that would help ID the year & such.

Value: infinite.
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I took your advise and found the serial number on the receiver under where you load the gun. Now to determine the time period.
 
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The serial seems to indicate it was made in 1924. 384367 and has 12 with an F above it. I assume that’s 12 gauge full choke in both barrels. The top of the barrel says smokeless powder. The question I have is can 2 3/4” shells of today be shot safely in the gun? Would #5 and higher shells be safe?
 
BlackGun said:
The serial seems to indicate it was made in 1924. 384367 and has 12 with an F above it. I assume that’s 12 gauge full choke in both barrels. The top of the barrel says smokeless powder. The question I have is can 2 3/4” shells of today be shot safely in the gun? Would #5 and higher shells be safe?
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Well, here is the thing... the barrels should be fine if it was made for smokeless powder.

But the question is are you looking at 2 1/2" chambers, or did this one come off the line with 2 3/4" chambers?

Now, if the gun is in as good condition as it seems, and is safe to shoot.... Id find some mini shells. Absolutely no chance of them being too long, and they arent as hot typically.

A gunsmith should be able to check the chamber length, and potentially even extend the chambers if the gun can handle it.

Either way, what a cool thing to have!
 
Joshua Desolo said:
Well, here is the thing... the barrels should be fine if it was made for smokeless powder.

But the question is are you looking at 2 1/2" chambers, or did this one come off the line with 2 3/4" chambers?

Now, if the gun is in as good condition as it seems, and is safe to shoot.... Id find some mini shells. Absolutely no chance of them being too long, and they arent as hot typically.

A gunsmith should be able to check the chamber length, and potentially even extend the chambers if the gun can handle it.

Either way, what a cool thing to have!
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Isn’t the chamber measurement length after the shell has been fired? So a shell is 2.5” before, 2.75” at the lip (not crimp).
 
BlackGun said:
Isn’t the chamber measurement length after the shell has been fired? So a shell is 2.5” before, 2.75” at the lip (not crimp).
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But there in lays the rub... ever see someone fire a 3in shell in a 2 3/4in only chamber? The shell fits....and it fires. Because it physically fits in the chamber....but once it is fired the shell attains its full length. Which means the extending casing then starts to impede the shot leaving the shell, as it isnt opening properly. High pressure city.

Something similar can happen with putting a 2 3/4" shell in a 2 1/2" chamber.
 
Joshua Desolo said:
But there in lays the rub... ever see someone fire a 3in shell in a 2 3/4in only chamber? The shell fits....and it fires. Because it physically fits in the chamber....but once it is fired the shell attains its full length. Which means the extending casing then starts to impede the shot leaving the shell, as it isnt opening properly. High pressure city.

Something similar can happen with putting a 2 3/4" shell in a 2 1/2" chamber.
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I can’t measure the forcing cone accurately. If I buy a gauge from Brownell will it tell me the gauge for this gun?
 
BlackGun said:
I can’t measure the forcing cone accurately. If I buy a gauge from Brownell will it tell me the gauge for this gun?
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I suppose if one can find a shotgun chamber gauge it should show you what gauge it is... but I doubt it would help with know what length it is, unless they have a mechanism to test that.... perhaps a gauge is setup for maximum, unfolded case length?
 
Joshua Desolo said:
I suppose if one can find a shotgun chamber gauge it should show you what gauge it is... but I doubt it would help with know what length it is, unless they have a mechanism to test that.... perhaps a gauge is setup for maximum, unfolded case length?
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Sorry meant to say length. A gauge tool looks to have markings at 2.75, 3”, and 3.5” from Brownell’s. I guess the question is will it present a no go on 2.5”?
 
BlackGun said:
Sorry meant to say length. A gauge tool looks to have markings at 2.75, 3”, and 3.5” from Brownell’s. I guess the question is will it present a no go on 2.5”?
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It may very well work.... had not used one before.
 
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...ber-gauges/shotgun-chamber-gauge-prod593.aspx
https://www.brownells.com/guntech/measuring-rechambering-shotgun-chambers/detail.htm?lid=17457
https://www.brownells.com/guntech/measuring-rechambering-shotgun-chambers/detail.htm?lid=17457

I also bought a hammer gun from maybe around 1880s from a member on CFF. I don’t know the shell length as well. He stated he shot it with bird shot. I never asked him about length of the shells. It very well may be even 2” and Damascus.
 
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BlackGun said:
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...ber-gauges/shotgun-chamber-gauge-prod593.aspx
https://www.brownells.com/guntech/measuring-rechambering-shotgun-chambers/detail.htm?lid=17457

I also bought a hammer gun from maybe around 1880s from a member on CFF. I don’t know the shell length as well. He stated he shot it with bird shot. I never asked him about length of the shells. It very well may be even 2” and Damascus.
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That looks like a handy tool, and from the info in the description sounds like what you would need to tell how long the chamber is.
 
BlackGun said:
https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...ber-gauges/shotgun-chamber-gauge-prod593.aspx
https://www.brownells.com/guntech/measuring-rechambering-shotgun-chambers/detail.htm?lid=17457

I also bought a hammer gun from maybe around 1880s from a member on CFF. I don’t know the shell length as well. He stated he shot it with bird shot. I never asked him about length of the shells. It very well may be even 2” and Damascus.
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That Brownell's description was a well-written pitch! A fun read.

Hope the tools help.
 
Not sure about your Manufacture date....My 20 Gauge is 257913 and is from 1931. Either way these old Ithacas are grand old guns.
 
BatteryOaksBilly said:
Not sure about your Manufacture date....My 20 Gauge is 257913 and is from 1931. Either way these old Ithacas are grand old guns.
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I looked back at the site posted and noticed six digit serial numbers existed in two tabs. How would I tell which category to use. Ex: Flues or Lefever Nitro.
 
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