[crewzer]

I am considering converting my Ithaca 37 Ultra Featherweight 20 guage into self defense shotgun. I am trying to keep the weight down as low as I can keep it. I would be putting a 18 1/2" barrel and the synthetic furniture. Does anyone have any experience doing this? Pro's and Con's of using the 20 guage for self defense?

[Badger Arms]

Well, you'd be better off buying a 12ga and using lighter loads. Nothing wrong with the 20ga as a self-defense gun though. Any gunsmith will cut, crown, and replace the bead unless you have a Vent Rib barrel. You are unlikely to save much more weight as the gun is already really light.

[crewzer]

I have no problem using a full size gun. My main battle shotgun is a fully dressed Mossberg 590A1 and Spas 12. I am just looking to lighten the load. To be able to take with on a road trip, etc

[106rr]

One of my friends in the Santa Cruz mountains had his Ithaca shortened for home defense. It is light, handy, and short. The 20 gauge buckshot rounds are harder to find and expensive. They are #3 buck. Any family member can fire it easily. His has no front sight at all -- I would usea bead.

[Dave McCracken]

The 20 gauge will work for S/D. The 37 makes a fine S/D shotgun, but...

Good S/D shotguns are neither rare nor expensive.

If you can track down one of the 20 gauge Deerslayer barrels with rifle style sights, you can have your 37 as it is presently AND a S/D setup of great utility.

Downside of the 20 gauge for "Serious" work is the lack of proper ammo. Little buck is around except for #3 and some #2, relatively few slugs.

One caveat,many folks find heavy loads in light 20s punishing.

In your shoes, I'd leave that jewel as is and look around for a beater 37, 500 or 1300 for a lightweight bringalong.

[Lone Star]

I think Dave is right: that Ithaca sounds too nice to butcher. Just buy an M870 Remington, maybe in the Express form, with synthetic stock.

Lone Star