Posted on 09/03/2013 10:42:57 AM PDT by TurboZamboni
old western arms (Ithica) sidebyside shotgun question:
couldn't find any serial number or make/model.
20 gauge shells fit in it. any recommendations on lower power shells to start with ? if it works well and is reliable, will be looking to keep it bedside.
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use a 10 foot string 1st time
Black powder or smokeless?
Take it to a local gun shop for a safety inspection.
Be sure to check that barrel for any obstruction before test firing.
Pictures please.
With some good gun porn, you will get more responses.
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=263770
http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=251798
http://www.ithacagun.com/pdfs/serialnumbers.pdf
This should answer your questions.
Beat me by that much...
checked both.
it just has a single trigger,a forward/reverse push safety further back on the top tang and no external hammers.
will post pics later. (I got it cheap)
Go to Google and do a search.. Then click on ‘Images’ to find your exact model. Click on images to learn more about your particular model.
What kind of barrels does it have? (e.g., Damascus twist?). I would be very wary shooting something that old, without an inspection, and if it is “safe”, I would only use hand loaded shells (low charge).
GMTA to the second.
Make sure that it is not a Damascus barrel. It might just be a nail hanger, and that is okay too.
Wow!!
http://www.hpou.org/badgeandgun/index.cfm?fuseaction=view_news&NewsID=583
Ithica has been manufacturing shotguns since 1873. According to Flayderman’s guide. A search on smokeless powder says that it started about that time. The link above says that modern powders of moderate type will work just fine. (Not P+ or P++.)
Suggest you take the barrel off and examine the bottom or hidden parts for additional information. If the gun is not highly engraved it is most likely twentieth century. Also, examine the barrel to see if there appear to be thin or worn spots.
You might take it to an antique gun expert. Go to a local show and find the guy with shotguns. He’ll tell you what you have. He may even trade you a newer gun. But if it has been cut down it’s likely what they call “a wall hanger.”
The show will be your best bet.
Incidentally, I recommend a Judge beside the bed. Easier to swing and you have five shots. Mine is the regular pistol. The “magnum” fires the regular gauge shotgun shell.
http://www.taurususa.com/video-theJudge.cfm
Manufactured from 1929 to 1946, so they will be modern steel barrels.
{:0)
Just be careful even if it checks out good. I had an old Model 97 that I fired and the barrel ballooned up in the middle of it a while back, and that was with a Winchester paper cartridge that had to be 40 years old. Just glad I saw it before I put a second shot through it, I think the guy with the 10’ string has the right idea now...
Sounds like an old ‘varmit’ gun, squirrels, etc.
Check all over, inside and out for hairline cracks and fractures, since someone may have used ‘modern’ shells that are too powerful for its age. If you can get it to a gunsmith, they can tell more than I can. Be careful, above all..........
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