doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Problems to look for in Ithaca (Flues/NID)?

I've recently begun my search for a shotgun that fits me. What I found is that some older SxS shotguns have a stock that actually fits! I'm a pretty tall guy, so this is tough. I was pleased to find some nice handling shotguns that actually kept my shoulders and neck somewhat comfortable (I'll have to add a longer butt pad). The problem is that they're old, have wear and tear, and most importantly....I dont know what problem areas to look at.

I'm leaning toward the Ithaca doubles right now, I think I handled a Flues model. It seemed simple, comfortable and priced right for a gun that will spend the remainder of its life in my hands hunting quail though rain, shine, dirt and dust. Not abused, but used.

Is there a sort of top 10 checklist to look for when checking out a new Ithaca Flues or NID? Also, where do most of you look for these guns, local shops or the usual internet sites?

Thanks for any help!

Take care,
Brad

Brad, just curious, why are you ruling out the E F Fluse Model? It's my favorite model and you can get lots of good prices on the Flues.

Tim

Not certain why these guns fit you so well--maybe lots of drop at heel? If so, there's going to be some lessening of that characteristic over the yrs. NIDs made in the thirties are relatively high and straight on the comb in my experience. The skinny on the Flues is that thin-sectionned action bars on small bores cracked under loads that other guns made before 1920 tolerated. I've never heard of a specific checklist for vetting Flues model; might be the checks that you make on any doublegun would be sufficient. I'm not sure how you spot incipient cracking but believe you would look closely at the root of the angle between standing breech and water table.

jack

Hi Tim,

I havent ruled anything out, I probably just dont know about the gun you're talking about. I'm an admitted "know nothing" on vintage guns...thats why I'm here asking you fine people!

What is an E F Fluse Model? I just typed it into google and came up short.

Brad

Hi Jack,

Thats kind of what I was thinking regarding the drop at heel. Not very knowledgeable in the fine art of shotgun fitting though, so it could be any number of things.

I believe the gentlemen who deisigned the fluse model had the first name Emil. As to your questions on the guns I would say you want barrels without dents or deep pitting, ribs between the barrels that appear solid, screw slots undamaged or turned vertical, bores bright and without pitting and chokes intact, unless your hunting grouse and woodcock, but the price should reflect the lost chokes. Wood should be without cracks, homemade art or damage from pcychosis. It should fit you properly, as you note, and the mechanicals should function. The main test for unseen trouble is the "ring test". Hang the barrels on your fingers by the hook and strike them with the plastic handle of a screw driver just enough to hear a bell like ring. If it is not there avoid the gun. Also take the forearm off and see if movement occurs when reverse pressure is put on the frame and barrels. A small amount can be easily fixed, but if there is alot you may want to pass unless the price is really good to you and you see more in the gun that you like. I am sure others here will think of something I didn't mention or correct any bemuddling I have conveyed. Also Flues models are frequently lighter in weight than NIDs, but a 12ga NID weighs around 7lbs which is a nice weight IMO.

When Googling Flues, it's often helpful to have the correct spelling. This link should help with some useful info:

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=4625&highlight=flues

A Flues Ithaca is far less likely to fit you (too much drop) than is an NID Ithaca, assuming you prefer a gun with relatively modern dimensions--although there are exceptions.

Ya sure, Larry? Seen a few longnecks with those Morgan pads offset low on a trapgun. Could it be possible that some of these fellows CAN'T prefer a high, straight stock? Course you can't be a bullethead and deal with the drop at face on these old residenters either, can you?

jack

The Flues action has a reputation of being prone to cracking. Ive only had two NID guns and both of them would open when fired, Macintosh said the early NID had that tendency, both of mine are early cocking indicator guns. I think the Remington 1894 is a lot of gun for the money and they can be had with steel barrels and ejectors pretty cheap if you watch gunbroker.