Are Ithaca shotguns worth it?

[Fiv3r]

I can't say if a new Ithaca is worth the premium over a Remington or Mossie. However, my next new pump gun is probably going to be a new production Ithaca...if I ever need to purchase another.

I have an old DSPS that I purchased from a good friend who purchases it from a police auction back in the early 90's. The gun is probably 40 years old. There is an undeniable fit and finish to the 37 that I didn't have on any of the 870s. The balance and the smooth action makes the old Warhorse feel like a weapon designed to be carried and swung into action with great confidence.

I have absolutely nothing against the 870 or 500 series. I think they are fine guns. Is the 37 worth nearly twice as much on a quantifiable level? I don't think so. However, there is just something about feel of the Ithaca that speaks to me. Then again, I have room in my stable for ALL types of firearms

 

[CajunBass]

What makes the Ithaca worth the extra $350+. I just can't see what it is.

Seems to me you've already made up your mind, so for you, it's probably not.

 

[natman]

Actually the original post was about Ithaca shotguns are they worth it?

And not Mossberg safety's

Ithaca's are made of steel not aluminum and plastic. They cost more because they take more machining to make.
Tooling for aluminum lasts longer than tooling used on steel. A machined trigger group costs more than a injection moulded plastic trigger group.

Parts machined vs stamped parts cost more.

Yes I think a Ithaca is worth it

One of my favorite guns is my 1956 20ga corn cob Featherweight. I agree completely that the quality of an Ithaca is much better than a Mossberg and if the OP were starting from scratch and wanted to know which to buy for a field gun that was going to be in constant use, I'd probably be arguing for the Ithaca for the same reasons you mention.

But he's not. He already owns a Mossberg, shoots it regularly and is used to its operation. That factor alone settles it for me. I can't see spending the extra money so he can have an HD gun that is going to sit unused for years, will be confiscated and kept in evidence if it ever is used and will operated differently than what he's used to using when reflexive operation is crucial.

Now I suppose one could make a case for the OP getting two Ithacas, one for field and one for HD, but that might be beyond the budget.

 

[gunnerh]

My 1st repeater shotgun was a used Ithaca 37 20 ga. My mom had to buy it with my paper route money,I was 12. I am 66 now and still take bird hunting. When J.M. Browning designed the 37 it came out 1st in 20, then 16, then 12. During my 2nd tour in Viet Nam I was issued a 12 ga with a 20" barrel, I was a happy camper. Never a hiccup with any of the 6 37 I used in over 50 years of service.
Mossburg makes a very good shotgun at a good price. The 37 has a solid feel and a soul that I love.

 

[jaguarxk120]

Natman if the OP gets a Ithaca it won't be long before he buys a second Ithaca and the Mossberg is shifted to loaner status.

 

[PabloJ]

There an Ithaca 37 Home Defense model at my LGS going for about $650. Nice, solid, holds 6 (I think).

But right next to it is a suped-up Mossberg 500 that holds 9 shells. The price is $420.

I've shot my Mossy 500 plenty, and it's been flat out reliable. So I ask, is the Ithaca worth it at $650? Or would I be throwing money away based upon the "idea" of having something cool?

Having been developed from the Remington 17 Ithaca is modified John Browning design. Worst quality Ithaca far superior product then a Mossberg or BPS repeating shotgun.

 

[VA27]

After 50+ years of shotguns, I'm just totally mystified how anyone can "Fumble" a cross-bolt safety?

It's easy enough IF you've been carrying an 870 or a 37 for 30+ years and then pick up a Mossberg with a tang safety and try to run it fast AND safe. It would work the same going from an 870/37 to a 1200...or going from a Mossberg to an Ithaca. The safety is NOT where your training/experience has taught you.

You need more training with your shotgun, or any gun.

rc

That was my meaning. He has a Mossberg. Going to an Ithaca might cause him to be looking for the safety on the hump when it's behind the trigger. Not an issue when it's a duck getting away. More of an issue when repelling boarders.

(I see a few understood my meaning, sorry for the confusion, I guess my communication skills need work)