Can someone id ithaca m37 manuf. Date?

[docsgun]

Picked up a 20 Gauge Model 37 Featherweight in great condition at Cabella's last weekend. Usually, there is a bunch of junk on the racks, but that day my luck turned. Picked it off the rack and couldn't beleive it was actually there. The dude behind me was watching me and followed me for a while in the store to see if I was giong to put it back. Also, received a few envious stares and acknowledgment of the peice. Figure its from about 1966 with a s/n # 929038. Got home and called my buddy who recently aquired a 20 gauge from his fatherinlaw. After a few minutes of talking we realized he had the same gun with a s/n # 532461-4.
If Black Talon is still about or if anyone can confirm the date check on both guns, I would appreciate it.
Can't wait to get out and fire it.
Anyone know what size buck is best and attainable for self defence? The best I found is #2.

 

[mp510]

The only readily available factory loaded buckshot that I've seen for 20 gauge is 3-Buck.

 

[AndyJ]

Early '66 on yours. Your buddies is '53

 

[docsgun]

Thanks to the all knowing world of gunheads

Thank you very much for your quick and informative responses. I'm sending the info to my friend (a once Oregon beer drinking hippie before the threat of ecomomic spawned zombies) the info and I'm sure he will ask his father in law the history of his newly aquired m37.
Unforntunately, I haven't been able to find anything in a 20 ga. lower then a #3 for a 2 3/4 shell. I realize only so many larger size shot can fit in a 2 3/4" shell but, I have some Federal Premium 3" # 1 shot in steel for my newer gun and it seems possible. Any thoughts?

 

[docsgun]

another Ithaca

Been contacted by another Ithaca fan with a 12 gauge Model 37 Featherweight, modified with S/N 423337. Can you please ID the Manufacture date? Thank you.

 

[AndyJ]

1952

 

[docsgun]

Thank you

Thank you.

 

[Milkmaster]

Another 37 S/N ID please

Saw one today that called to me from days of old. The blueing was at least 90%. The wood needed a little attention If I buy it. The only draw back was a poly choke on it. The firing range had it and more long guns offered on the wall for a family who was selling guns after the death of the owner. The asking price was $325.

The S/N was 508945-1 on the barrel. My thanks if anyone can tell me the year of manufacture please.

 

[AndyJ]

Early '53

 

[mio]

00 buck in 20ga is normal here its the 0 buck thats hard to find.

i dont have a recomendation since i think #4 shot or lower is a wash at 20ft. just my .02

 

[Sam1911]

Saw one today that called to me from days of old. The blueing was at least 90%. The wood needed a little attention If I buy it. The only draw back was a poly choke on it. The firing range had it and more long guns offered on the wall for a family who was selling guns after the death of the owner. The asking price was $325.

Hmmm... seems a little high. I've just been looking through all my local shops until I found one I liked. I got a beautiful one (12 ga., made in 1959, modified, great wood, great bluing, clean screws, no rust) for $299, with no haggling.

I've seen one in the condition you're describing -- with the polychoke -- for $149 one week at Gander Mountain -- who aren't known for being cheap, usually. (And it was $199 the next week...strange.)

-Sam