Loose rib on an Ithaca

[Keavin Nelson]

I took my SKB Ithaca last week in case it rained (hate to carry my Parkers in the rain), and after the trip, noticed the top rib at the muzzle is loose back at least 8". As noted this is a SKB, but I have owned it for some 35+ years from new, and never been abused, so surprised to find this.

Now the question is, are they soldered on like the vintage guns. And next is, what is the finish on these gun barrels, since it has held up exceedingly well. I have worn through the bluing on the action, carrying enough but the barrels still look great!

I ask about the finish, since I don't think it is possible to resolder a rib, without messing up the barrell finish, or is it?

[Kensal Rise]

Mr. Nelson:
I'd send the barrels to Kirk Merrington:

Merringtongun.com


Kirk can sometimes re-attach a rib without a complete re-lay. But it takes an expert to evaluate your situation. In either case, there is no one in the US better to assess the job. And... some of the ribs on Japanese guns are brazed on. Kirk will know. He can also assist with refinish if necessary.

[Gunner]

I had a Trojan rib re-soldered without damage to the barrel finish. The smith wanted to refinish the barrels as he did not think it could be done without re-bluing also. I asked him to try and then we could evaluate after reattaching the barrels. Barrels had 98% original finish and I knew that he favored a high polish blue. Barrel blue was undamaged with this job.
Good Luck,
Erick

[B. Dudley]

^^ that is very hard to believe, but i suppose i must take your word for it.

[Keavin Nelson]

Thanks everyone, I know from some experience loose rib repair is challenging.

[Keavin Nelson]

As a note here, Kirk's email on his website is not correct, just spoke with him

correct email is Kirkmerr@yahoo.com

[Mark Beasland]

If loose rib is caused by internal corrosion from residual bluing salts or improper previous use of acid flux a full relay is usually in order. If the rib is loose from the joint failing and both sides still tinned a spot repair can be made usually with minimal blue discoloration.

As far as barrel finish goes SKBs are often said to have black chrome finish. I have slow rust blued many SKB sxs guns over the years and have never encountered black chrome. Maybe the chrome ones don't need refinishing???

[Keavin Nelson]

according to Kirk, he says it is black chrome, and considering the carry time on the gun, it is very durable. But it does not look like a blued finish, either rust or hot dip. We will try the spot repair. Thanks