I learn towards the Ithacas- like the LC Smiths, very many more made than the fine AH Fox guns- so the law of supply and demand works in your favor- I also agree with the other posters before me here- Smiths are prone to wood splitting in the locks and tangs, possibly more so in the post 1913 era- but not 100% on that- Between the two Ithaca series - the Flues 1905-1924 and then the NID- 1924-1948 (aprox) in the same configuration- gauge. stock, barrel length- the Flues will usually weigh a bit less- and if you use low pressure loads (under 1200 fps) a Flues will hold up just fine-

I have a lead on a Flues 12 field 28" M&F with double triggers, ejectors and original buttplate and capped pg stock-

I prefer my pre-1913 Elsies in 12- but I shoot light loads in them- It all depends on your wants and budget- I don't know enough about British or European doubles to comment here-

Last edited by Run With The Fox; 11/25/11 08:20 AM.
"The field is the touchstone of the man"..