Ithica NID 10 gauge 3 1/2"

[Researcher]

The Ithaca NID Magnum-Tens were built on a longer frame with an extension of the barrel lug through the bottom of the frame, and a larger diameter hinge-pin then the regular NID. All of the Magnum-Tens are in the 500000 to 501011 serial number range, and every one I've looked at is marked 3 1/2 inch chambers on the barrel flats.

FWIW -- The Chas. Askins/Elmer Keith original Magnum-Ten, serial number 500000 is coming up for auction in the March 2015 Julia's Auction. Of course it has the hideous Fred Shaw 1962 restock that Elmer had done and no longer looks like this --

[6pt-Sika]

So if it isn't marked as such on the barrel flats it's 99% that it isn't a magnum ?

[6pt-Sika]

That Askins gun would be okay to have ! Keith never carried much weight with me . When I was growing up I was more of the O'Conner school .

[6pt-Sika]

To be honest the reason I asked , Vintage Firearms in MI has a Grade 2 they say is the Magnum and the seriel number is 500,6xx but the barrel flats have no markings leading one to believe its a 3 1/2" gun .

[Bill Murphy]

The serial number and the frame style and measurements would be the final answer. The lack of chamber length markings could be an error at the factory.