The firearm in question is a gas-operated, autoloading shotgun produced by the Ithaca Gun Company. Designated the “Model 51,” this particular design represents an effort to provide a reliable and relatively soft-recoiling option for hunters and sport shooters. Key features often include a steel receiver, a rotating bolt locking system, and a magazine tube beneath the barrel for ammunition storage.
Its historical significance stems from Ithaca’s established reputation in the firearms industry and their attempt to compete in the burgeoning semi-automatic shotgun market. Benefits of this type of firearm include its ability to cycle rounds quickly, allowing for faster follow-up shots compared to pump-action or break-action shotguns. This can be advantageous in hunting scenarios or competitive shooting events. The Model 51 was intended to offer a robust and dependable alternative within the semi-automatic shotgun category.