Is Ithaca side by side serial number 236XXX in very good condition safe to shoot with modern ammo Gun is solid and appears to have had little use Dont know if it is solid steel barrel or wrapped steel?

Answer 1

Based on the serial number, you have a "Flues Model". According to the 2002 Standard Catalog of Firearms:

The Flues model Ithaca gun was built on a three piece lock mechanism invented and patented by Emil Flues. Introduced in 1908, it remained in production through 1926 when it was replaced by the Ithaca New Double. It was offered in gauges 10, 12, 16, 20, and 28, and enjoyed the longest production life of any Ithaca double gun. Several grades were offered beginning with the Field grade and ending with the Sousa Special. The Flues model had the same bolting system as used on the (earlier) Minier model. Any grade could have been ordered with automatic ejectors at extra cost. A single selective trigger made by the Infallible Trigger company was offered after 1914 and was the first single trigger offered from the company.

Qualities offered were: Field, 1, 1 Special, 1-1/2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and Sousa

NOTE: Add $200 for factory ordered single trigger, add $200 for automatic ejectors on grades lower than Grade 4. Small gauges command a price premium. A 20 gauge gun may command up to a 50% price premium; a 28 gauge field grade perhaps as much as 100%. The serial number range for the Flues is approximately 175, 000 to 399, 000. Expert appraisals are recommended on higher grade, small gauge models as they are seldom encountered.

Field grade

Exc V.G. Good Fair Poor

1000 600 300 150 100

Grade 1

1000 750 400 150 100

Grade 3

2000 1500 800 300 100

Grade 5

2500 2000 1500 500 200

Sousa

15000 10000 6000 3000 N/A That said, there was nothing in the writeup suggesting that this gun was made with Damascus barrels. It is recommended that you have the gun inspected by a reputable gunsmith however shooting the gun with low pressure ammunition should be perfectly safe.

Answer 2

It is generally safe to shoot modern ammunition with an Ithaca side by side shotgun in very good condition, especially if the gun appears to have had little use. However, it is important to have the gun inspected by a professional gunsmith to ensure that it is safe to shoot. Additionally, determining if the barrel is solid steel or wrapped steel is crucial in understanding the gun's capabilities and limitations with modern ammunition.