I posed this topic in the Slug Shooters part of the forum but got no bites. For you Ithaca guys, I have an Ithaca model 51 with a slug barrel that is quite fussy on what slugs it will reliably cycle. It will not cycle factory slugs in the neighborhood of 1600 fps. I have dabbled in reloading but would like to find a way to shoot factory slugs. The model 51 barrels have two gas ports that bleed gas to a small piston under the barrel which in turns cycles the bolt. I noticed that on the 30" magnum barrel, for the same gun, (will handle 3" shells) only has one of the two ports open. The guns cycles perfectly with field loads. The slug barrel has both ports open. I am wondering if I plug one of the ports on the slug barrel if it would cycle the higher velocity slugs? I am assuming that with both ports currently open, the higher velocity loads are cycling the bolt too fast and turning the gun into a single shot. Thoughts?

This could actually have something to do with the older action spring. Probably too short causing this problem. Kind of hard to explain the way I type. Call me at number below.

Les Hovencamp
Diamond Gunsmithing
607-273-4510

Possibly even the carrier. A lot to do with timing there
LES

Les, I just saw your reply. I previously installed an action spring that I got from you. I also have a question for you regarding the trigger pull on my 51. I will call you.