1914 Ithaca SxS

[smokeyandthebandit05]

I came into owning an Ithaca SxS from a friend who needed money. I paid $150 for something I basically knew nothing about but Ive always wanted a side by side and figured why not. After some research it turns out that it was made in 1914!!! Its in decent shape, the ingraving of the dog is all there, there is hardly much rust and the stock is not bad for being 96 years old.


Now here is the serious question. Should I have it restored or leave it how it is? Ive found a good website where restorations are made by a guy who was the head gunsmith at Ithaca for 28 years


http://ithacagunrepair.com/SR/SR.html


I'll post some pics tomorrow morning

 

[bushmaster1313]

I would not restore it, but I would have Les at Diamond or Frank at Sycamore Hill Designs check it out for function and safety.

Also, the barrels might not be safe for modern shells and you want an expert to tell you what you can safely use.

 

[smokeyandthebandit05]

I would go to Diamond first because it is closer to where I live and they have some reasonable prices on their website. I have been reading around and have found that some people say its ok to use low brass target loads while others say they were only designed for black powder.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Ithacas before the New Ithaca Double model intro'd in 1926 had chambers shorter than we use now, though this may have been lengthened. Or Not.

I've heard Ithaca itself did this on guns returned for repair as a matter of course.

Some short shells made for older guns are around. Polywad, for instance makes some including spreaders.

Do get an informed opinion from a smith before firing Shot One, please.

If it's safe,enjoy. Every old Ithaca I've had the privilege of shooting pointed well and busted things nicely. They look good also....

 

[smokeyandthebandit05]

So Ive been looking around the internet and cant find a whole lot pertaining to this SxS. I have looked at Polywad and like that I see with the ammo. Are there any other companies that make the 2 1/2" shells? Im also still on the fence on what I should do to it.

 

[oneounceload]

RST is the other major player here; there are some others imported that will fill the bill

http://www.rstshells.com/rst_classic_shotshells_shotshells.htm