Still Shooting
Member
I have been looking for a long time to get a barrel for my Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight 16 ga. I bought it in 1968, when I was in my early 20's, and it put a LOT of pheasant, grouse, woodcock, and duck on the table for the next 10 years. But from early on, I wanted a second barrel for it. When I bought it, my only choice was a 26" IMP CYL - nothing else in stock at my LGS. And for 10 years thereafter, not much spare cash to do anything about a barrel.
Given the changes in ownership, moves, etc. with Ithaca, when I started looking seriously, there was nothing out there, new or used.
In late December 2011, I happened to go to the new website -http://www.ithacagun.com/ - and they are offering 16 ga. barrels with Briley choke tubes! I emailed, and asked about drop-in compatibility (my shotgun is serial number compatible, from what I have read). In 3 days I had a nice response from the Service department telling me that the barrel is pretty much compatible, but should have some headspace adjustment. I was instructed to send in the shotgun, and Ithaca will adjust headspace on the new and original barrels at no charge - I was liking this already!
I shipped the gun, and 8 days later had a full estimate and a Sales Order to confirm. I had decided as long as the gun would be at Ithaca, I'd also like to have the receiver and mag tube re-blued. Barrel price is $225, comes with MOD choke tube. For another $51, I wanted FULL and IMP CYL choke tubes. I decided to stay with the 26" barrel, 'cause it has nice balance.
The total cost for all work will be $400. The gun should be done in 4-6 weeks, and I'll post when it comes back from them. So far, they've been great guys to deal with, and I think the price is reasonable.
Given the changes in ownership, moves, etc. with Ithaca, when I started looking seriously, there was nothing out there, new or used.
In late December 2011, I happened to go to the new website -http://www.ithacagun.com/ - and they are offering 16 ga. barrels with Briley choke tubes! I emailed, and asked about drop-in compatibility (my shotgun is serial number compatible, from what I have read). In 3 days I had a nice response from the Service department telling me that the barrel is pretty much compatible, but should have some headspace adjustment. I was instructed to send in the shotgun, and Ithaca will adjust headspace on the new and original barrels at no charge - I was liking this already!
I shipped the gun, and 8 days later had a full estimate and a Sales Order to confirm. I had decided as long as the gun would be at Ithaca, I'd also like to have the receiver and mag tube re-blued. Barrel price is $225, comes with MOD choke tube. For another $51, I wanted FULL and IMP CYL choke tubes. I decided to stay with the 26" barrel, 'cause it has nice balance.
The total cost for all work will be $400. The gun should be done in 4-6 weeks, and I'll post when it comes back from them. So far, they've been great guys to deal with, and I think the price is reasonable.
