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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10 |
New here. Just wondering about something. I recently picked up a 1927 12ga Nitro Special. It's in great shape. A very small amount of the case colors remain but it's tight and all original. My question is: Are there any troubles associated with this make of gun? Any weak links or characteristics I should be looking for? I don't intend to use this for gathering dust. Once I pattern it and get used to the incredible drop that the stock has, it will see plenty of use.
Thanks.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,403 Likes: 17
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,403 Likes: 17 |
The Ithaca advertising said 'Who ever saw a broken Lefever (Nitro Special)and that has proven to be pretty much the case.
Use it in good health!
Walter c. Snyder
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,405
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,405 |
The Nitro Special is a good budget gun that is well built and of a simple reliable design.
The only real common issue with them as with just about any Ithaca Double can be broken firing pins. And from a service standpoint, the Nitro Special hammers are a pain to remove and install.
You will be happy with the service the gun will give you.
B.Dudley
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10 |
Thanks!
Should I baby this with lighter loads or just use the regular 1-1/4oz Super X that I put through my Remington auto? It's going to be used for pheasant mainly.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,021
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,021 |
I don't baby mine and had it for 30 some years but I don't run a stream of brutal loads through it either.
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10 |
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743 |
As I recall the Nitro Special, even though built under the Lefever Arms Co name as an economy gun was Ithaca's first gun built to handle the then new Super X loads. Their more expensive Flues model Ithaca was not up to snuff for them. It would soon be replaced by the NID model which was much stronger.
Miller/TN
I Didn't Say Everything I Said, Yogi Berra
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,405
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,405 |
Any 2-3/4" she'll would be fine for the Nitro Special.
One other thing to pay attention to is make sure the draw bolt holding the stock on is Tight. If this looses up and the stock is allowed to wiggle up and down, you get broken off wood.
B.Dudley
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,135 Likes: 125
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,135 Likes: 125 |
last nitros were made prior to ww2. wood is now in excess of 75 years old...old wood is more fragile than new wood...suggest you keep your loads light and your screws tight...
keep it simple and keep it safe...
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10
Boxlock
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OP
Boxlock
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10 |
I appreciate all the advice.
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