Ok - First things first - The gun is a Western Arms. Although made by Ithaca , it is not an Ithaca, but rather a bottom - of-the -line "price point" gun for those who didnt have the coin or inclination to buy an Ithaca Lefever. That is not to say that it is not a " good and serviceable " arm, ( to quote Whitneys catalogue describing his price point guns) but don't muddy the waters.
Unless the gun is practically perfect, it has little collectors value, although I have seen astronomical prices set as reserves at auction recently. This leaves the issue to one of utility. If you are shooting informal clays and upland game with it, then by all means make the chokes fit your use. That being said, do pattern the gun with your favorite loads and see what percentage you are getting. You might also try patterns with cheap soft shot loads as well. If the patterns you get are too tight for your use, then send the gun to Mike Orlen and get the tubes opened. Never look back and have fun.
As an aside, I have had Orlen open chokes for me - his work is outstanding, turn-around fast, prices fair.
Regards
GKT
