I have a chance to pick up a late 1940's Ithaca NID. I am not sure of the grade but it has more engraving than the field grades I have seen but the receiver is blued, not case colored. The tang screw is missing and there is a small dent in the left barrel about 10 inches from the muzzle. I am not a smith and do not know if this can be repaired. I can get the gun for $250.00. Is it worth it or just a piece of crap? Thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by Homebrew:
I have a chance to pick up a late 1940's Ithaca NID. I am not sure of the grade but it has more engraving than the field grades I have seen but the receiver is blued, not case colored. The tang screw is missing and there is a small dent in the left barrel about 10 inches from the muzzle. I am not a smith and do not know if this can be repaired. I can get the gun for $250.00. Is it worth it or just a piece of crap? Thanks.

I can't answer all your questions but I know a good shotgun smith can probably iron out the dent in the barrel. A friend of mine had this done several years ago. A bulge is also repairable in most cases, but takes more time and skill.

Roi

Ithaca NIDs are good quality guns. $250 is a very low price for one. If it has been refinished as you seem to indicate, collector value is reduced, but it could be a very good shooter. Does it fit you? Do you like it? If you like it and it fits you, the flaws you mention can be fixed. Try to get it to a gunsmith for a checkup before you decide whether to buy it or not. The low price could reflect problems you haven't discovered, or it could be a great buy.

Homebrew:

I posted a reply to your same question on the "Bird Shooters" thread so I won't repeat it here. I would suggest that you walk very carefully. Uplander has said it well. "The low price could suggest problems you haven't discovered or it could be a great buy". In my own opinion, it might be a great "buy" as a collector's item. Personally, I rather doubt it. (As I said, Ithaca DBs were just not all that great in their day - and I'm old enough to remember them. If you had a LeFevre or an L.C. Smith, I would perk up and listen) Certainly as a shooting DB, in the condition you describe, I wouldn't touch it at any price. Just my thoughts.