Question

[Angel Cruz]

I have an Ithaca Flues model with extractors. What would make it hard to open once I fire both barrels? Most of the time is real hard to open, other times not so much. Again, this only happens after I fire the gun, the rest of the time it works fine.
Thanks in advance.
Angel…

[Steve Huffman]

Do you have the same problem on empty chambers if not I would say its the shells sticking in the chambers

[Mike Koneski]

Shell heads expanding and sticking or firing pin(s) hanging up in primers

[J. Scott Hanes]

Steel heads on shotshells are prone to sticking in the chamber. Unless you are using Remington STS or Winchester AA shells, which are actual brass, you could have the problem. The steel heads expand and do not contract quickly if at all. Some brands have a brass plating that looks like brass but is not. Make sure the chambers are as clean as you can but that won't stop the sticking totally.

[Daryl Corona]

Firing pins.

[Bill Jolliff]

I have an Ithaca Flues model with extractors. What would make it hard to open once I fire both barrels? Most of the time is real hard to open, other times not so much. Again, this only happens after I fire the gun, the rest of the time it works fine.
Thanks in advance.
Angel…

Not mentioned, but anytime you fire the gun on an empty chamber or live or fired shell, you have to compress and cock each dropped hammer spring which requires more effort. Just a thought.

[Angel Cruz]

Thanks for you help guys. I'm using Cheddite hulls and it only happens with the Ithaca, no problem with the Parker. Just hoping it's not something mechanical.

[Garry L Gordon]

I agree with Daryl. I’ve had firing pins stick in primers causing tough opening. It’s mentioned in some of the literature as I recall.

[Angel Cruz]

Okay so that's not too bad. I can deal with stuck firing pins.

[Milt Fitterman]

I agree with Daryl. Stuck firing pins usually means they are too long. Measure them. If they are more than .055" they are too long.

[Brian Dudley]

Is it doing it with different shells? Or always the same shell?
Check the primers for drag marks first.

[Angel Cruz]

Yes Brian, I use the same hulls all the time. I just looked at fired hulls and you are right, there are drag marks on all of the primers.
Mystery solved, thank you all.