Where can you get a slide assembly part 5176000 for a 12 gauge Ithaca Model 51 Featherlight auto?

Answer 1

The slide has always been a weak point in the Model 51's system and unfortunately the part is no longer available as new. The good news is that the guys at Diamond Gun Smithing (Diamondgunsmithing.com) Ithaca NY may be able to weld it back into operating condition for you. Commonly, the slide breaks after the poly bumper located in the interior rear of the receiver has deteriorated and the slide has been banging into the receiver instead of the soft bumper for a while. Of importance also is the fact that the orginal factory installed recoil springs were of questionable quality to start with, a situation which allowed the slide to come back too fast causing the poly bumper to break apart prematurely. EVERY Model 51 out there could benefit with the installation of a fresh recoil spring of known quality and a new bumper. Heavily used guns should change out those parts every couple of years. Diamond can supply the spring and bumper.