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Badger Arms · July 22, 2000, 03:43 PM

I am an unfailingly devoted Ithaca Fan. I will say that it has features that make it a bit difficult for some situations which I'll explain here.

1) There is no "loading port" as on your 870 style guns. By that, I mean you have to load the shells into the magazine and then cycle them into the chamber. This means Trap and Skeet involve a few more steps and a little more forethought.

2) The DSII will lower the hammer on a chambered round when you hold the trigger down while cycling the gun. On older guns, it will discharge if pressure is kept on the trigger while cycling. IMHO, this is a virtue for a self-defense gun with proper training. The DSII requires that you remove your finger from the trigger before cycling or you might not get that follow-up shot.

3) Being a lightweight gun, it kicks harder.

That having been said, the vrirtues of the gun are tremendous. Because the barrel is fixed and free-floated, you get excellent accuracy. The solid receiver is weatherproof and great for lefties as it ejects downwards. I'd love a stainless steel version myself.

July 22, 2000, 03:43 PM	#3
Badger Arms Senior Member Join Date: July 2, 2000 Location: Harnett County, NC Posts: 1,700	I am an unfailingly devoted Ithaca Fan. I will say that it has features that make it a bit difficult for some situations which I'll explain here. 1) There is no "loading port" as on your 870 style guns. By that, I mean you have to load the shells into the magazine and then cycle them into the chamber. This means Trap and Skeet involve a few more steps and a little more forethought. 2) The DSII will lower the hammer on a chambered round when you hold the trigger down while cycling the gun. On older guns, it will discharge if pressure is kept on the trigger while cycling. IMHO, this is a virtue for a self-defense gun with proper training. The DSII requires that you remove your finger from the trigger before cycling or you might not get that follow-up shot. 3) Being a lightweight gun, it kicks harder. That having been said, the vrirtues of the gun are tremendous. Because the barrel is fixed and free-floated, you get excellent accuracy. The solid receiver is weatherproof and great for lefties as it ejects downwards. I'd love a stainless steel version myself.