Ithaca Lewis Model

Ithaca Gun Company · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1904

Also known as: Ithaca Hammerless Lewis Model, Lewis Grade Ithaca

Overview

The Ithaca Lewis Model is a hammerless side-by-side double-barrel shotgun produced by the Ithaca Gun Company from 1904 to 1906. It was the first Ithaca advertised with a three-bolt locking system, using two separate cuts in the barrel extension together with an underbolt. Chambered most commonly in 12 gauge and also offered in 10 and 16 gauge, it featured double triggers, extractors, and was barreled with either Damascus twist or fluid-steel tubes as the company transitioned away from Damascus. Offered across a range of factory grades, it was replaced by the Manier Model in 1906.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3300 g (116.4 oz)
Overall Length1180 mm (46.46")
Barrel Length762 mm (30.00")
Action TypeBreak Action
Firing MechanismInternal Hammer
Trigger TypeDouble Trigger
Magazine Capacity2 rounds
Muzzle Velocity400 m/s (1312 fps)
Effective Range40 m (44 yd)
Barrel RiflingSmoothbore
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialDamascus Steel
Stock MaterialWalnut
FinishCase Hardened

Calibers

Features

Production

Production years: 1904-1906

Produced only for a few years before being superseded by the Manier Model in 1906

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Discontinued: 1906

Notes

Introduced at serial number 94,109. A short-lived transitional model between the earlier Crass Model and the later Manier Model, making surviving examples relatively uncommon collector's pieces.

Background

The Ithaca Gun Company was founded in 1880 in Ithaca, New York, to build shotguns based on W.H. Baker's designs. The Lewis Model appeared as Ithaca moved from external-hammer guns to hammerless designs, and its three-bolt lockup marked the first time the firm advertised such a system.