After lots of discussion and examining Ideals from different era's, I've concluded that the best workmanship comes on the guns built between the wars. That straddles the most significant grade/model name change that happened in 1930/1931.
That's not to say other guns weren't well made but I think pre 1907 guns are handicapped by the lunette trigger guards and the post war guns are a long slow slide in craftsmanship until the company ceased production and closed in 1985.
1907 through 1924 are 2R, 3R, 4R, 5R etc. The addition of E typically means ejectors. 6R and above are incredibly rare in NA although I was aware of one for sale 16 months ago. It may still be as I haven't seen it listed anywhere. I did handle the gun and while it had a couple minor issues, generally it was pretty good.
1924 through 1930 there are some slight differences but essentially similar.....wait till you find a gun you are interested in and then we can talk specifics.
Then in 1931 the designation changed to: 302, 308, 314, 320 and 326 with extractors while 332, 338, 344, 350, 362 and 368 where made with ejectors.
Ideals typically have a push-button forend release with ejectors and an odd, swiveling level on the bottom of the forend if extractors.
These designations lasted until the war.
Post war it changed again and on a cursory look seem similar, but they are all different numbers again.
What is consistent is that as the numbers get higher, so does the quality of the materials and the build.
Last edited by canvasback; 01/13/20 04:16 PM.
