Ithaca Model 4E

he Ithaca Model 4E is a single barrel trap 12 gauge rifle. This is a classic American made long gun with a reputation for quality, durability, reliability and accuracy. This is why they’ve been an American mainstay for a century.
The Ithaca Model 4E gun goes back to 1916 if not earlier. The Knick version of the 4E, designed by Frank Knickerbocker, was manufactured in the 1920s through the 1980s. There is also a Flues model; that is a single barrel trap gun. The Knick model serial numbers start with the 400000 serial number in 1922. Production stopped in 1943 through 1945 due to World War 2. Production resumed with serial numbers up to 402797 for guns made in 1946. The last serial number for 1968 was 405456. In 1969, they shifted to a nine digit serial number, with the last serial number for that year being 240405489. There was no production in 1976 and 1978 of the Ithaca Model 4E.
The Flues single barrel trap gun was manufactured from 1914 through 1922. All of the Ithaca model 4E guns are single shot shotguns with a box-lock action. The Flues model serial numbers start with 246892 in 1914 up to 246895 in that year. The last Flues models of the Ithaca 4E had the serial number 344215.
The Ithaca Model 4E weighs roughly nine pounds. It has a two and three quarter inch chamber.
The Ithaca rifle usually has a recoil pad and recoil reducer. They have single triggers. They are usually fitted with two sight beads. Older deluxe versions of the gun even have ivory beads. It isn’t legal to have a new gun manufactured with ivory components, but antiques with ivory parts are legal to buy and sell in the United States.
These guns often have capped pistol grips, regularly of walnut wood, and full chokes. They often have blue finishes. They sometimes have Briley choke tubes. Many have checkered stocks. They have automatic ejectors. These guns use twelve gauge shells. The butt-plate is often adjustable. You can sometimes find them with a Fleur-de-Lis pistol grip.
Ithaca’s designs are similar to old Remington guns because the company tended to copy Remington’s designs as soon as the patent expired.
These guns routinely cost thousands of dollars each. The Ithaca Model 4E has historically been engraved, with the price rising with the artistry and degree of engraving. Starburst patterns and images of hunters are common. The price is higher for rarer models, older guns and those in better condition. The price goes down with the number of replacement parts. Pearl and ivory components increase the price of the gun.
Ithaca Model 4E guns that are more than fifty years old are considered antiques; they are still subject to state laws on FFL transfers in many states like New York and California. A C&R license is necessary in the state of California to receive an Ithaca Model 4E. Federal Firearms Licenses are required for interstate shipment of an Ithaca model 4E gun, where it is sent from dealer to dealer. Rules for the transfer of the gun depend on state laws, even for antiques, so research your local rules and regulations before buying an Ithaca Model 4E from another individual.