is it "shootable"?

[jackelope]

in my safe i have an old ithaca side by side 12 gauge shogun that i'd really like to shoot, maybe some grouse or just some clay targets for that matter. it is very old..i got it from my grandfather who owned it for a very long time...it's not damascus, but on the barrel is inscribed "smokeless powder only"
anybody want to say assuming the gun is in good working order wether it is safe to shoot modern ammo out of it? i have no immediate plans to shoot it and trust me i know there are lots of other variables to wether or not it is safe to shoot, i was just wondering about the ammo aspect of it more or less.

[bobcat]

Since all modern shotgun shells use smokeless powder, you should be ok to shoot it. You may want to have a gunsmith check the length of the chamber though, to be sure it is long enough to handle modern 2 3/4 inch shells. The older shotguns had a shorter chamber because the shells back then didn't have the same type of crimp. A modern 2 3/4 inch shell may fit in the chamber just fine, but when fired won't have room to open up and let the shot out, therefore causing excessive pressure.

[jackelope]

thanks Bob...kind of what i thought.
the gun will definitely be gone over before it gets shot.

[Alchase]

This is just me, If I received a side by side as old as you think, that still uses the term "smokeless powder", I would take it to someone who could appraise it. You might have something worth holding on to there.
Just an idea

[jackelope]

oh it's not going anywhre regardless of what it's worth...it's one of the treasures i got from my grandfather when he passed away.

[AL WORRELLS KID]

[quote author=jackelope  i have an old Ithaca side by side 12 gauge shogun that I'd really like to shoot, maybe some grouse or just some clay targets for that matter. it is very old..i got it from my grandfather who owned it for a very long time...it's not Damascus, but on the barrel is inscribed "smokeless powder only"
anybody want to say assuming the gun is in good working order whether it is safe to shoot modern ammo out of it?
[/quote]

jackelope, Did you ever get around to shooting your Grandfathers Old Side by Side?

[boneaddict]

@jackelope

[h2ofowlr]

in my safe i have an old ithaca side by side 12 gauge shogun that i'd really like to shoot, maybe some grouse or just some clay targets for that matter. it is very old..i got it from my grandfather who owned it for a very long time...it's not damascus, but on the barrel is inscribed "smokeless powder only"
anybody want to say assuming the gun is in good working order wether it is safe to shoot modern ammo out of it? i have no immediate plans to shoot it and trust me i know there are lots of other variables to wether or not it is safe to shoot, i was just wondering about the ammo aspect of it more or less.

Yes, you can shoot it.  Heavy Shot make some good "Classic Doubles" rounds for these guns.  I have a bunch of friends that still bring them out to the field for hunting.  Being smokeless, post black powder.  I still run lead through mine or as mentioned Classic Doubles where non-toxic shot is required.

[hunter399]

The first thing I would check is the lock up.
Most likely with different size shells.
Maybe get into shotgun reloading.
Or maybe figure out the length of shell it takes.
Then look at muzzle velocity of black powder loads at same length.
Try to find some smokeless rounds that run about the same.
I would use lead shot,non of that steel stuff.
Lead is more forgiving with high pressure.

Or find a lead sled and strap her in.
Or just fire that sucker after checking function.

I'm no expert,just suggestion that I can think of.

[jackelope]

Epic 16 year thread resurrection.

I've not shot it. Maybe one of these days.

[hunter399]

Epic 16 year thread resurrection.

I've not shot it. Maybe one of these days.

I didn't realize that...

This is what the master does.
Of course you would need 12 gauge.

[wadu1]

You can check the date of manufacture here, https://ithacagun.com/serial-numbers/
Old SxS can be fun, I've picked up 3 this year, 10ga two Parkers vintage 1909 and 1923 they all shoot well.

[Special T]

I have a 1919 LeFever blank that was assembled and sold when Ithica purchased it. It's a 12 gauge and I only shoot low base lead or lower velocity biz out of it. Very doable and I've killed pheasant and geese with it .

[scotsman]

Jackelope, I have just what you need…. Not too long ago a friend was cleaning out his dad’s garage and came across a genuine WWII ammo box. Inside said box is a nice selection of 12Ga Old school crimped paper and plastic shells. Several shot sizes all 2 1/2”.  They have been inside the sealed ammo  box, most likely since new so should shoot fine. If you want them I’ll give to you as thanks for your moderating duties. Located in Gig Harbor.

[AL WORRELLS KID]

hunter399, Thanks for sharing that video. Makes me want to find an Old Double Barrel and start reloading again. 

scotsman, What a rare gift! 
Now jackelope will have to give those Original Loads a shot (if Grandpa's gun is up to it.)