Our own Ken61 did the barrel black, and while he strives for perfection (and, a 1000 grit finish) I asked him to go no more than 320-400, as I suspect that is what would have been done at Ithaca. Comments further than that I can't speak to, but, he might.
I've got the perfect Darne, Lloyd-it just happens to be a 12 that fits a lefty. The best and cheapest ammunition is the stuff I already own.
Tom,
I'm never more than a few hours from a sandwich break while grouse hunting. I haven't hunted a full 8 hour shift in many a moon. I think the Ithaca weighs something like 6 lbs, 4 ozs, it was actually less than a 20 gauge Nitro a gent at my local club brought one day when I had mine along. It isn't too heavy for any day afield I'll be involved with.
Some are heavier, some are lighter. So it goes.
Best,
Ted
