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Jul 28th, 2025
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 43 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 43 Likes: 1 |
I want to get an Ithaca Hammer gun. I want one I can shoot on occasion, just at clay's. Just a few rounds a year.
Now, the questions. If I found an early Crass era Hammer gun, with Damascus barrels, what shells would it take? 2", 2 1/2"? Would it be black powder? Could I use shells like the Polywad Vintager, or RST? Of course, this is assuming the gun is in good condition. I'm thinking 12 gauge.
Any comments would be appreciated.
Any Hammer guns for sale would be nice also.
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,854 Likes: 118
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,854 Likes: 118 |
Hammer guns have taken an interest in the last few years, and more sporting events are hosting shoots using them.
I shoot early L.C. Smith's from around 1898 to 1908 hammer guns. I have earlier ones, but some are 10 gauge and very heavy. Most have Damascus barrels, that meaning Stub Twist and Good Damascus, some have Royal Steel which is a fluid steel barrel. At the time, Royal Steel was the cheapest barrels offered, then Best English Stub Twist and then Good Damascus.
I reload my own and use light charges staying under 7,000 psi and around 1200 fps.
Both of the companies mentioned carry light loads, RST carries a good line of shells for vintage guns in both 2 ", 2 1/2" and 2 3/4".
I am not sure what Ithaca's chambers were then, but L.C. Smith's were 23/4".
It is best in no matter what make you get to have the barrels wall thickness measured. Many of these bores have/had pits in them from not being cleaned after shooting due to the corrosive primers back then, and some people have to hone them out, causing the wall thickness to become dangerous to shoot. You should have a minimum of .025 wall thickness where your hand will be on the for-end.
David
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 333 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 333 Likes: 1 |
I have an Ithaca NIG Quality X with steel barrels I am planning to sell. Let me know if you are interested and I will send you a description and pictures. Rick 717 776-5996 or. Ithacarick@aol.com
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 43 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 43 Likes: 1 |
If the gun I am looking at is from the same era as the ones you shoot, 1900 give or take, I have 2 questions. Could have, or did it shoot black powder at that time, and if it did, is it okay to use todays shells, if gun is good, and I use light loads?
Thank you Dave and Rick for responding.
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 188
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 188 |
I have an Ithaca hammergun. It is roll stamped "New Ithaca Gun" on each side of the frame. It is marked "Nitro Powder Steel" on the rib and the chambers measure 2.75". By the serial number, it was made in 1902. Barrels are 30" mod & full. It is a very plain gun. I used it for cowboy action shooting for a short time until I got a CZ hammergun with short barrels. I couldn't bring myself to shorten the barrels because it had survived over 100 years without modification.
RB
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