Ithaca Model 49 Single Shot .22 Mag: A Blast from the Past

As I held the Ithaca Model 49 single shot .22 mag in my hands, I couldn't help but think about the good old days. The wood grain didn't look like walnut to me, but it didn't matter - this was a project gun, and I was excited to get my hands dirty. With newer products like Dura Coat on the market, I knew I could restore this beauty to its former glory.

The prices of these older guns are definitely conducive to projects, especially since they often come with chipped paint and worn-out finishes. The cast alloy frame and lever on the M-49 didn't always play nice with the old paint job, but that's what makes it a great candidate for renovation.

As an avid hunter, I've always been fascinated by Martini-style singles like this one. The idea of taking down farm yard varmints with precision and ease is exhilarating, and the Ithaca Model 49 delivers. Of course, I also considered shotguns - who wouldn't want to try their hand at something bigger than a .22 mag?

The M-49's are relatively rare these days, especially in good condition. I was thrilled to stumble upon this particular model on GunBroker.com and couldn't resist the urge to take it home.

As I looked over my new acquisition, memories flooded back of watching TV Westerns as a kid - Roy Rogers, Bonanza, The Rifleman, all featuring lever-action Winchester rifles. But what about single-shot firearms like the M-49? Why would anyone make a gun that looks like a repeater but isn't?

It's simple: the time period. In the early days of television Westerns, single shots were all the rage, and Ithaca was happy to oblige with their own take on the design. The Sears model, for example, didn't have the fake magazine tube and was proudly marked as 'Ted Williams.'

For a few years, Ithaca also produced a repeater version of this gun, but it's much rarer than the single-shot models. As someone who loves to reminisce about old times, it's wonderful to own a piece of history like the M-49.

In terms of performance, I've only had the chance to take it out for a spin on occasion. With open sights and my aging eyes, accuracy can be a bit hit-or-miss - but that doesn't detract from the overall experience. The M-49 is a blast to shoot, especially when you're taking aim at targets of opportunity down by the hill.

Looking back, I remember seeing these guns on display at Sears when I was just a teenager. Back then, they seemed like a luxury item, and $49.95 might as well have been a million dollars. Fast-forward to today, and I'm thrilled to own this piece of history. If you're an old gun enthusiast like me, or simply looking for a unique shooting experience, the Ithaca Model 49 single shot .22 mag is definitely worth considering.

Ithaca model 49 single shot 22 mag