It was based on the 1915 design of the Remington Model 17 by John Browning, which also had additional elements added by John Pederson. Ithaca Gun Company designer Harry Howland had his prototype shotgun ready to go by 1933. That is because no one has had his design patents mimicked more than the great and iconic John Browning. Now, something tells us that even if you have just a small amount of gun knowledge, and were allowed three guesses to figure out who designed the Remington 17 shotgun, you would probably get it right. In true Ithaca fashion, they began looking into the Remington Model 17 design as the basis for their own pump-action platform. Both Winchester and Remington were finding success with their pump-action shotguns and as the 1920s were coming to a close, Ithaca recognized the need to be more competitive. However, advancements in shotgun actions began to change what sporting consumers were looking for. Again the quality of their gun showed, and they enjoyed several years of successful shotgun sales. The Ithaca Flues would go on to become the best selling American double barrel of all time.Įight years later Ithaca would incorporate with the LeFever Arms Company of Syracuse, New York, and began manufacturing the LeFever Sidelock Shotgun that was first designed by Daniel Myron “Uncle Dan” LeFever. They would slightly modify the design, which allowed them to mass-produce the shotgun, and then launched it to the public in 1908. The patent for this gun was first granted to Emil Flues in 1895 and was then purchased by Ithaca in 1907.

The first gun to truly showcase the quality in their work was the Ithaca Flues break-action double barrel shotgun. The company wasted no time building a reputation as a quality firearm manufacturer, and they did so by following a pattern of redesigning, or perfecting guns patented by other builders. Subscribe now or renew your subscription.The Ithaca Gun Company was first founded by Leroy Smith and William Henry Baker in 1883. Back issues are available.ĭon’t miss a single issue. A repeater, the Model 49R, was also offered as well as a WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) version, the 49M. A faux loading tube is attached under the 18-inch barrel in the case of the single-shot version.

Its lever action was intended to give a Western flavor and indeed its profile is reminiscent of a weapon the Duke might have carried, although, in his big hands it would have looked like a toy since it is much more diminutive than the Model 92 Winchesters he usually favored in the movies. Produced from 1961 to 1976 (some sources list 1979) this little rifle was plainly aimed at the boy’s market. One of the most interesting products from Ithaca is the M49. The Ithaca Gun company has transferred ownership several times and is still in business at its present site in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Some of the company’s more famous patrons were Annie Oakley and John Phillip Sousa.ĭuring World War Two, Ithaca made guns for the American military, including the M1911 pistol and M3 “Grease Gun.” The Model 37 shotgun was the standard for some police departments, including Los Angeles and New York. In 1916 the LeFever Gun Company was incorporated with Ithaca.

Established in Ithaca, New York (hence the name) the company first produced shotguns. This Western-themed rimfire was popular in the 1960s and may be encountered today.Īlthough the Ithaca Gun Company is best known for its production of the iconic Model 37 shotgun, many other guns were produced over its long history dating back to the 1880s.

Ithaca model 49 parts list