Need help with Ithaca model 51

[riflefan]

I have an ithaca model 51 featherlight. My problem is it doesn't feed new shells and the action bar has cracked twice. Any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[reckless carolinian]

ithacagun.com has the old IPB (illustrated parts breakdown). Sounds like there is at least two problems. Will the action move if you pull the charging handle? (After ensuring the gun is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction.)

 

[riflefan]

Yes, the gun will chamber and fire if you pull charging handle. The latest fracture was discovered after a session of shooting. The gun reloads sometimes and sometimes doesn't. All of the other parts seem to be ok when examined. I'm stumped.

 

[oletymer]

If you are talking about the plate the bolt assy rides on that is the main weak point in the gun. After mine broke the second time I took the part to a machine shop and had one made out of stainless steel plate. It has not been a problem since.

 

[riflefan]

Thanks oletymer, that plate has broken twice now in different spots. I know a weler who is awesome with a TIG and can fix it but I figure it will break again. I like the iea of having a higher quality one machined. But still at a loss about the feed issue. I am curious as too whether a different load in the shell would help.

 

[One_Jackal]

You got the shotgun to shoot it and have fun. Not being able to shoot cheap ammo is not fun. I would take the gun to a reputable gunsmith for repairs or take it to a gun show to sell it to someone I will never see again.

 

[riflefan]

The gun show idea starting to creep up the list of "next steps to take". I will definitely repair the action bar first though. I am going to invest in exactly one box of better ammo and give it a chance. Then bye-bye if it doesn't perform.

 

[Youngster]

The guns are long out of production and breakage issues are common, it might be best to set it aside and go with some other design.

 

[Virginian]

And you now know why these guns did not stay in production.