Ithaca Model 49 Serial Number Lookup Portable
A: No. It is a single-shot falling-block with a non-functional lever. Do not try to load multiple rounds.
If you cannot find a serial number, the rifle may have been manufactured before the Gun Control Act of 1968 , as earlier models (around 1962) often did not have them. Dating Your Ithaca Model 49
The Ithaca Model 49 is a popular portable shotgun that has been a favorite among outdoorsmen, hunters, and sport shooters for decades. With its reliable performance, durability, and versatility, it's no wonder why many people are interested in owning and collecting this firearm. However, one of the biggest challenges that Ithaca Model 49 owners and collectors face is finding information about their shotgun's production date, specifications, and history. This is where the Ithaca Model 49 serial number lookup comes in.
A concise guide for researching serial numbers of the Ithaca Model 49 shotgun (portable reference). Covers known production ranges, resources for lookup, verification tips, and a sample lookup workflow. ithaca model 49 serial number lookup portable
Since exact dates are impossible to pinpoint, collectors use known design changes and material variations to estimate a rifle's age. The following table outlines the key production eras and their associated features:
The rifle was so successful in its first year that approximately 31,000 units were sold. Following the single-shot Model 49, Ithaca introduced the from 1965 to 1971, an actual repeater with a functional tube magazine. However, the 49R was plagued with problems and was discontinued, leading to the Model 72 (1973-78), a completely different gun that paved the way for the modern Henry Repeating Arms Company.
Performing a is the most common way to date a firearm. However, the process for the Ithaca Model 49 is different from most guns and requires some historical context. If you cannot find a serial number, the
Its charm isn't just in its function as a plinker, but in its story as a bridge between the golden age of Western TV shows and a turning point in American firearms legislation. Consider sharing your findings in the forums you used to research—you might just help the next collector solve their own puzzle.
The Ithaca Model 49 is a pump-action shotgun that was produced by the Ithaca Gun Company from 1961 to 1979. During its production run, over 250,000 Model 49 shotguns were manufactured, making it one of the most popular firearms of its kind. The Model 49 is known for its ruggedness, reliability, and affordability, which made it a favorite among hunters, sport shooters, and law enforcement agencies.
: Rifles produced after 1968 feature serial numbers that can range from 6 to 9 digits in length. Determining Manufacture Date While a complete year-by-year public table for However, one of the biggest challenges that Ithaca
The receiver is made from a lightweight zinc-aluminum alloy. Check the serial number area carefully—because this metal is softer than steel, heavy scratches, DIY refinishing, or over-tightened frame screws can sometimes obscure the stamped numbers.
The production timeline is heavily segmented by the specific variant or "grade" of the rifle. Identifying the variant helps confirm whether a serial number lookup aligns with historical catalog records. The Ithaca Model 49 – A Western-Inspired Classic!
A repeating version with a functional tube magazine. Model 49 Magnum: Chambered specifically for .22 WMR.
A true repeating rifle utilizing a tube magazine rather than the standard dropping-block single-shot action.
Chambered specifically for .22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire). These often have a separate "M" suffix or prefix in the serialization records.
