Great-Grandpop's Ithaca NID

[MrBorland]

I just inherited my great-grandfather's 12ga 28" Field-grade Ithaca double barrel shotgun. At first, I thought it to be a Flues, since it's a dead ringer for this one:

http://www.joesalter.com/detail.php?f_qryitem=2975

However, when I checked out the serial # (441XXX) on diamondgunsmithing.com (link below), I see the Flues serial #s only go to 398365 in 1926. Using the same site, the serial # does, however, correspond to a 1927 NID. Looks a lot like an NID as well. I read the NID replaced the Flues in 1926, so I'm going with an NID.

It needs a cleaning, but looks in good & original shape. For insurance purposes, I'm interested in a rough value. Cruising the web, I see anywhere from $500 to $1,000. Sound about right?

I also understand standard modern ammo ought not to be shot from at least the earlier Flues, as the pressure is too high - also true of the NID? One site states the metallurgy was relatively weak before 1926/27, suggesting the NID might be a stronger design. True? Or should I seek out some low pressure ammo?

Anything else you can tell me about this gun?

http://www.diamondgunsmithing.com/page5/page23/page23.html

 

[Gordon]

t would go up for sale here at $700-800, would sell for over $600 quickly. It IS stronger than a FLUES IMHO. It should be fine with non magnum non steel 2 3/4" shells.

 

[ArmedBear]

I have a similar gun, the Lefever Nitro Special, which is really an Ithaca product, designed and built after Lefever was bought out by Ithaca. It came out a few years before the NID, and is AFAIK the same basic design.

Mine's a 16 Gauge, built 1926. Works well with modern ammo, so far. As Gordon said, regular 2 3/4" lead loads should work.

I like it. If I were you, I wouldn't sell it.

 

[Srigs]

I have a 1930 Western Arms Corp (really Ithaca gun) and with normal steel like mine I can shoot any 2 3/4" load I want including buck and slugs without a problem.

Keep the gun because everybody needs a old SXS shotgun that will ALWAYS work when you need it. Besides it feels right in your hand and looks old school.

I grouse and pheasant hunting with it. My father-in-law used it for duck and geese as well.

 

[Dave McCracken]

The NID is a fine gun, and will handle modern lead 2 3/4" loads all day long.

As with ALL old shotguns, a checkover by a decent smith is mandatory.

Take care of it, your great grand children will thank you for it.

 

[ArmedBear]

First dove of my season fell to the Nitro Special the other day.

Those old guns still work.