Welcome, JW. This is a great place to learn. I've been hanging out here for longer than I care to remember, and still learn nearly every day.
Sounds like a nice "new" gun, the Ithaca. My suggestion is to buy a copy of Walter Snyder's book on Ithacas. It is the definitive work on the guns, is very readable and has lots of excellent photographs. Walt is a regular here, and will likely drop by with some info on your gun. If you could take some cell phone pics of the action and barrel flat's markings, we could help you post them here. You may be able to learn a good bit about it by doing so.
Best, Stan
