Funny to see someone else's first gun was an Ithaca 66. Mine was also, but it was 12 gauge. Thing kicked like a mule. A friend of my dad's gave it to me. My stepfather laughed at me saying it kicked so hard, until he shot it and nearly ended up on the ground.
The next Christmas my stepfather gave me a shiny new Rem 870 Wingmaster in 20 gauge and I have the Ithaca away to my BIL. My son is still using the Wingmaster.