doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com ithaca crass

My local shop has one in reasonably good shape considering it's age. I can't explain it but for some reason I keep going back to it. Probably because it's the only one I've ever seen. The damascas barrels are putting me off. Could it be shot safely with light smokeless loads or should I stick to black powder? I haven't measured the chambers yet. I need to recheck the bores as well. I looked at several guns that day and can't exactly remember condition.

I have a friend I hunt with, he occasionally shoots his crass, he buys the 2 1/2 low pressure shells, and it works fine. He did have the stock redone to fit him, because those old guns have a ton of drop....

There is a very beautiful graded Ithaca Crass on Gunbroker at this time. Has the added attraction of being valuable enuf not to present the shooting temptation. However, back to your question, "smokeless" is just that but "light" can mean several things. 7/8oz zipping up the pipe ahead of gas pressurized at 9000psi wouldn't be "light" enuf. There was a commercial loading with peak pressure listed at 5000psi mentioned on this board last week and reloaders have access to published loads with pressure below 5k. Just as there is an argument that damascus should be shot solely with bp because customarily used in the heyday of these guns, there is also a contemporary argument that only pressure matters and that the nature of the propellant/explosive which generates it is irrelevent. I have shot damascus guns with smokeless loads but not with bp which I suppose suggests that some of us weren't present at the creation of a hidebound tradition. Whatever the pros and cons of smokeless vs. black, the barrels are a more or less closed and pressurized vessel until the charge leaves the muzzle. As with any pressurized vessel, condition (wall thickness, local or general oxidation, and mods such as misguided chamber lengthening) is everything so you'd want to know the condition of barrels before buying with the intent to use. Black powder does not have the talismanic power to prevent guns from blowing up.

jack

hello Doubleguy-Welcome to the Board.

I heartily second Brother Jack. Your Crass was intended to shoot the then-standard American 12g load at about 9000-9800 psi or so. It doesnt now, nor did it back then, matter how you generate the pressure, either black or smokeless will work just fine, as long as the gun is sound, and you stay in appropriate service pressure ranges.

Some people feel like the super-low pressure 5000 psi loads are the way to go, but these sometimes do not light correctly under low temperatures. I would suggest that you use loads that are in the 8000 psi or so range, and be very careful about using heavyweight shot loads unless you confirm the stock is sound, not oil soaked, and capable of withstanding the pounding. It is likely best to pass on shot payloads of more than 1-1/16 of an oz.

Enjoy your Ithaca.

Regards

GKT

Have made the purchase yet. Went back for another look. I believe it's a 2E. It's a bit loose with the forarm off but not with the forearm on. Break open lever still at center. 32" barrels. No rust externally on barrels and still showing good damascus color. Original but plate. I'm still a bit apprehensive.
Several more examinations will be necessary. Advice?