Ithaca Model 51
Ithaca Gun Company · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1970
Also known as: Ithaca 51, Ithaca Model 51 Featherlight
Overview
The Ithaca Model 51 is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun produced by the Ithaca Gun Company of Ithaca, New York, from 1970 to 1987. Designed by James Tollinger, it used a self-compensating gas system housed around the magazine tube that cycled a wide range of loads while reducing felt recoil. Built on a lightweight alloy receiver and chambered for 2 3/4-inch and later 3-inch magnum shells, it was offered in 12 and 20 gauge across field, trap, skeet, Magnum, and Deerslayer configurations, with the Featherlight being the best-known field grade.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3175 g (112.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1232 mm (48.50") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 4 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Crossbolt Safety
- Features: Gas Operated Action, Ventilated Rib, Tubular Magazine, Lightweight Alloy Receiver, Reduced Recoil
Variants
- Ithaca Model 51 Featherlight - Lightweight
- Ithaca Model 51 Magnum - Magnum Chamber
- Ithaca Model 51 Deerslayer - Slug Barrel
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport and hunting market · adopted 1970
Production
Production years: 1970-1987
Civilian sporting shotgun; offered in 12 and 20 gauge in field, trap, skeet, Magnum, and Deerslayer grades.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: James Tollinger
Discontinued: 1987
Notes
The gas system was built around the magazine tube, a design noted for soft recoil and reliability. Twenty-gauge models appeared by 1975; Magnum and Deerslayer (rifled-sight slug) models were added in 1973. Production ended in 1987 when Ithaca first ceased operations.
Background
Marketed as a soft-shooting alternative to the heavier autoloaders of its day, the Model 51 became a popular waterfowl and upland gun. Its gas system wrapped around the magazine tube gave it a reputation for taming the recoil of heavy 12-gauge loads.