[db 183]

Hi everyone -

I am new to the forum. I just purchased an Ithica 37, used. It is in excellent condition. I plan to hunt upland birds, small game and ducks with it.

I was wondering if anyone could point me to a url or a person on this forum that could help me with the year of manufacture.

The serial number on the gun is 519557.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Black_Talon]

1953.

[Dave McCracken]

Kudoes, Black Talon. Your devotion to helping folks is exemplary....

[db 183]

Black_Talon -

Thanks for the quick reply. I couldn't wait until Monday to call the factory. You have just made my day. I was hoping it was an older model (pre-60's).

I was in the market for a new bird gun. With a shotgun, I hunt mountain quail, grouse, pheasants, ducks and rabbits.

I went to the local gun store and looked at the used guns he had. Most of them were not remarkable but one stood out to me.

It was an Ithica mod.37. - feather lite - 12gauge - vent rib - modified choke.

It is a classic model with wood stock and pump and two scenes engraved on the sides. One side is a duck pond with 3 ducks landing and the other is a dog chasing two upland birds.

It is in great shape. The wood is all original with no dings. The blueing is in good condition. A little wear but not much for being 54 years old. No rust, no pits.

He was asking $340.

I shopped around at several other gun stores and on line. After handling several shotguns (new and used) I couldn't get my mind off of the old-school classic look and feel of that Ithica.

Although New Remington 870's are on sale right now for $289 and New Benelli Super Novas at $299 I had to buy the classic gun.

I went back and made the purchase. I picked it up today. I can't wait to go hunting with it either.

I love classic firearms.

I hunt with my grandfather's 1917 Winchester .30-06 so this is the perfect companion to that.

Thanks again for the info.

[krimmie]

db...you are not alone in your love of "classic" guns. Although I have recently purchased an 870 and a Moss. 935 for duck hunting, when I go after dove or quail, I always reach for my mod.37 or mod.12...they just feel right for the occasion. Happy hunting!

[db 183]

One more question for all of you Ithica owners in the know...

Do I need to be concerned about shooting steel with this gun? I plan to use it for ducks as well as upland birds.

[J_L_A]

Hi. First timer here. Very interesting stuff! I do have a question. I have a model 37 with the numbers 371418XXX. Could you please tell me the year this was made and also can I get interchangable barrels for this? Thanks!

[Black_Talon]

One more question for all of you Ithica owners in the know...

Do I need to be concerned about shooting steel with this gun? I plan to use it for ducks as well as upland birds.

FWIW, I know nothing about steel shot, but a recent (March, I think) issue of the American Rifleman had an article about lead shot replacements, and, IIRC, they suggested bot using steel shot in any gun that was built prior to the early '80's.

[Black_Talon]

I have a model 37 with the numbers 371418XXX. Could you please tell me the year this was made and also can I get interchangable barrels for this?

Your gun was made in 1974, and it will work fine with any of the post-855,000 barrels.

[J_L_A]

Thank you !