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Forums10
Topics39,501
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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,158 Likes: 114
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,158 Likes: 114 |
saw one today, but unusual, as it has two sets of same serial numbered barrels- 30" M&F, and 26" cyl and imp. cyl. Both barrel sets fit 100% to receiver and lock up and mechanical function is fine- How many hardware store double guns made before WW2 had a extra fitting set of barrels? RWTF
"The field is the touchstone of the man"..
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,893 Likes: 651
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,893 Likes: 651 |
During the Depression you could find and get just about anything if you asked and were willing to pay for it. Based on serial numbers some years sales were very thin and I am sure if you wrote Ithaca, for a special request, they would gladly give you a price and meet your needs.
Even earlier I have seen Lefever with 10 and 12 barrels which were fit to the same gun when made. Several mid to high grade but one was an E grade which at the time was to lowest grade. But they were real Lefevers, not the Nitro Special namesake.
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,226 Likes: 3
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,226 Likes: 3 |
During the Depression not many people had the coin loose to special order anything, and most of those who did were on the wealthy end to start with and NOT ordering Nitro Specials. So I'd say if the set was ordered then, it's unusual. If it was before 1928 or after 1938, not so much.
During the Depression many guns ordered in the late '20s never got picked up by "suddenly poor" customers and languished on gunshop racks until the shop went belly-up or the economy started to come back in the late '30s. My uncle came into San Pedro CA off a Standard Oil tanker with a small wad in 1938 and bought a brand new 16 guage Ithaca NID ejector double that had been ordered in 1929 and a First Model Colt Woodsman that had been sitting there for years too. Cash was King! Or Emperor. Or President-for-Life!
He was working for Standard in Honolulu on Dec. 7, 1941, and packed that .22 around until ordered back to CA in late 1942. (JIN "Special Naval Landing" troops beware!!!!!).
Last edited by Mike A.; 04/15/16 02:09 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,405
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,405 |
A Nitro Special is not exactly a "hardware store" gun. As they were directly sold by ithaca and marked with their name. They are more an "economy" gun.
I see no reason why one could not be ordered with a second set of barrels or returned later on for a second set.
B.Dudley
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,696 Likes: 226
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5,696 Likes: 226 |
I do have a Nitro with 2 sets of serial numbered barrels for my 12 gauge  Mike
Last edited by skeettx; 04/15/16 07:41 PM.
USAF RET 1971-95 ![[Linked Image from jpgbox.com]](http://www.jpgbox.com/jpg/57865_80x60.jpg)
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,158 Likes: 114
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,158 Likes: 114 |
Like a NID- but without the dropped forged receiver and the "snake titties" for cocking indicators??
"The field is the touchstone of the man"..
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 12,743 |
The Nitro Special does have a drop forged receiver, the Western Arms is near identical but with a Malleable Iron receiver. What they both have is a plain wedge top bolt rather than the rotary bolt of the NID.
Miller/TN
I Didn't Say Everything I Said, Yogi Berra
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,158 Likes: 114
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,158 Likes: 114 |
Yeah, you are right- this Nitro looked like a drop forged receiver, as the Ithaca NID has- but the top bolting is somewhat different. OK- as I am a "babe in the woods" on Ithaca/LeFever side-by-sides: for the same money, and about identical "wear with care" condition- which of these two is the better buy- (1) The afore mentioned Nitro Special with 2 serial number matched barrel sets- or a earlier NID 12 28 M&F std one barrel set- both guns have DT and EXT- 14" LOP- 2.45" DAC-- original black buttplates and uncut barrels free of dings--? Thanks for your input. RWTF
Last edited by Run With The Fox; 04/16/16 07:37 AM.
"The field is the touchstone of the man"..
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,021
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,021 |
I would take the NID without hesitation. Better gun, fit and finish and a better lock up with its rotary top bolt.
I still can't believe how good NID are and how cheap they sell for.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,720 Likes: 1357
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,720 Likes: 1357 |
Either design is great for a gun that will spend more time in the field, and less time in the gun room. Form follows function.
Best,
Ted
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