doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Why so little buzz about Ithaca NIDs?

I like the looks of the gun, but have no knowledge about it. It seems to be a dependable design and decent handling, but it's not a hot topic like a Fox, Lefever or obviously, a Parker. I know there's no NID porno-book with with the subtitle World's Finest Shotgun or America's Best Shotgun, but is just a lack of literature or is it not up to snuff mechanically/handling/other?

Because they look funny?

Cursed with "butt ugly" appelation (as in BUNID) by the late Mr. Ruppel. Not really uglier than the Flues model but engraving is really a bit better on the Flues IMO. Strange cocking indys on the NID for first couple of years. Folks were crazy about the ICD/Lamboy recreation; don't know why they aren't goofy about the originals. Every time someone asks about a servicable double for little money here, the NID comes up as a good choice.

jack

The world is upside down sometimes. I have watched NIDs sell for less than Nitros on the auction sites. The NID is a strong modern design with shootable demensions. The Nitro was a cheaper double that should not be confused with either a real side plate Lefever or the NID.

I picked up a 20 gauge NID "star" grade this week for $650.00. Nice shape, 90% blue, 50% case color, 28" barrels, far better than a sub $1,000.00 gun and it was a small bore. I would buy them all week long for that money. Ithacas are the last American vlaue that I see in decent numbers for a fairly low price. Unless it is a 28 or .410 they just do not sell for too much money. Same gun in 12 are often seen in the $500.00 range and I try to pick them up when I see them.

Remember a few years ago when every German guilde gun was $400-600? Now you have to add a one in front of that price. NIDs will be a gun to go up in value soon, unless I miss my best guess. Shooters are being used up and the pool we have to draw from is getting smaller every day. As the game hunting goes down due to decreased chances and demand and interest in old guns increases as it is doing right now these type of guns will be great for informal clay target shooting. Kind of like cowboy action shooters for the wing shooter.

I'd expect the NIDs to pick-up steam, now that we all have our Sterlingworths behind the kitchen door and a chikin dinner on the table.
All makes and grades have their moments, guess it's time for the beefy built Ithicas to shine.

2600$ Sterlingworth is a great buy. After all, it's really an XE for casual Friday. Oh my! I always run with the sheep but thank my stars I get winded after a while.

jack

Uh, exactly what part of a Lefever sidelock is real, KY Jon?

Since the rest of the world seems to believe it is a boxlock. Which, they are, actually.

It is no more a real "sidelock" then a Tobin-less, maybe since a Tobin has sears on it's sideplates, but, little else. Don't get me wrong, I like a Lefever. But, a sidelock it isn't.

Best,
Ted

Ted, I called it a side plate not a side lock. And it is just that a side plated gun. Just as a Fox is not a Fox model B so a nitro is not a proper Lefever.

You called it a "real" sideplate gun!

It just struck me a bit like a blonde starlet calling her implants "real silicone", if you get my drift. No offense intended!

While Uncle Dan didn't really have anything to do with the Nitros, you 'gotta admit, a Nitro might be the king of American using guns, and I've seen a few that looked like they had served in several wars, and were still ready for a day in the field. Uncle Dan didn't have anything to do with the DS guns, and we still consider them Lefevers. Tough as they are, I don't have a lot of trouble thinking of Nitros as a good gun, alongside their Western Arms Long Range brothers, and association with the Lefever name.

Getting hung up on a name might cause one to miss the fact that the guns are best judged in use.

Back to the topic, NIDs are really ugly, useless guns, and I don't think ANYONE should consider buying any more, no sir. They need to be kept cheap, because they are so useless, especially the small bore guns, in high condition. So, don't buy any. Not until I get mine.
Best,
Ted

I got mine and want more. And I mean NIDs not blonde with implants. I assume that is what you meant by your last line.

By the way the proper term is "genuine silicone implants" as in accept no cheaper ones. They are hard, round, covered by a scar and ugly up close. Kind of like some people view of NIDs. There that should keep the price down for a while. Oh yeah, the 28s are hard to find shells for, the 16 is dead, the 20 is too light and the .410 is a boys toy. There, that should depress all small bore sales for a few months.