Ithaca Model 51 info please

[Mousegun]

My buddy sold me an Ithaca model 51 Featherlight semi-auto shotgun with 2 barrels.

I did some homework and know that this gun is not made any more but it is somewhat desired and the one I got was in very good condition. I took it completely apart before purchase and checked the guts which were perfect and appeared very unused. I then cleaned it completely and lubed the moving parts.

My question is this: It came with a modified choke ribbed barrel and a Dearslayer barrel. I suspect the Dearslayer is used with slugs but can it also be used with bird shot or regular shotgun shells also? Can anyone in the know about this gun confirm or deny the above info please.

 

[PA4476]

If the deer barrel is a smooth bore, and with it's age, I am sure it is smooth. You can shoot all the birdshot and buckshot through it you want.

 

[Youngster]

How tough is it to change out the barrel on these puppies? I have one but I don't know much about it and it just sits in my safe.

 

[Mousegun]

Thanks for the info PA 4476. The barrel is a smooth bore.

How tough is it to change out the barrel on these puppies? I have one but I don't know much about it and it just sits in my safe.

The first time I tried to change the barrel it was an adventure. The barrel went into the receiver 90% of the way but it didn't go that last 1/4 of an inch. This was with the charging lever pulled all the way back and everything in the locked back position.

By releasing it and letting the firing pin body go forward a bit, the barrel slipped into place nicely.

You first have to unscrew the large knob at the front of the wood hand stock, remove it, then remove the existing barrel and go from there.

 

[Youngster]

Hmm, I didn't realize the barrel just pulled free like that, of course my example was appearantly so gummed up in the junction area there was no indication that that it could!

Anyways these are nice guns but I'm not going to do much shooting with mine unless the new Ithaca puts them back into production, appearantly they are somewhat fragile and parts are hard to come by.