Ghost Ring Set for Ithaca?

[TIZWIN]

Hey all--I'm hoping to put a set of ghost ring sights on my Ithaca 37. This old warhorse is not as popular as it used to be. At one time I believe that both the NYPD and the LAPD issued it. But times have changed, probably becuase of the aggressive marketing by Remington within the LEO community.

I've always loved the 37, primarily because I'm a lefty, and also the old school look it has, and the fun, but impractical, feature of "slam fire."

I bought mine back in 1984, and since then I've added a sidesaddle--the rare left-handed version--and a Choate stock. An amateur gunsmith fitted a lefty safety for me. All these years I've pined for ghost ring sights.

It appears that maybe the Mossberg sights, available separately, may fit. I determine this by noting that the XS brand ghost ring sights use the same model for both the Ithaca and the Mossie.

Anyone able to confirm the compatiblity? Any advice or suggestions?

 

[TIZWIN]

BTTT to add pictures of the sights I'm referring to.






They do look like a real STRAC set-up. Anyone use these sights, on any scattergun?

 

[Fumbler]

Is your ithaca reciever drilled and tapped?
If so, measure the distance between the centers of the holes.

I'll measure between the holes of my Mossberg ghost ring rear sight.
That will at least tell you if the holes will line up. They probably use the same screws.

Don't forget, you'll have to silver solder on the front sight.

 

[takhtakaal]

If you find anything out, let me know. And do you have a model no. and maker on the sidesaddle?

 

[Robert Hairless]

Tizwin, you also might want to call Brownells tech support (1-800-741-0015) and ask.

 

[TIZWIN]

Hello Fumbler...I appreciate your offer, but my receiver isn't D&T. If the sights match the curve on the top of the frame, then a gunsmith will mount them for me.

takhtakaal, I'm afraid that the lefty sidesaddle is no longer made. I bought it in the early 90's, and I'm glad I didn't hesitate, because they were rare birds even then. I have seen right-handed ones on that auction site. But, as I noted in my OP, the Ithaca just isn't as popular as it used to be, and accessories are almost non-existent.

On the advice of others here, I'm planning to have mine converted to eight-shot (7+1) by Les of Diamond Gunsmithing. To do that, he has to cut the barrel lug off of a 20" five shot barrel, and solder it back on at the muzzle. Eight shot barrels are tough to find. However, I can find an eight shot mag tube, and spring. Mounting those on the original receiver is relatively simple.

Then my 37 will truly live up to its nickname, "STRAC."

 

[Black_Talon]

Eight shot barrels are tough to find.

e-gunparts.com has hard chrome 8-shot bead-sighted M37 barrels for around $100. This would probably be way cheaper than having Les cobble up a 5-shot barrel.

 

[KarbineKrazy]

lol, going through a lot of trouble to update you ithaca! That's okay, I have some ithacas as well and I love mine! Wouldn't trade them for anything...

I have thought about converting to an 8 shot as well, seen those barrels a few years back, might have to procur one now.... BTW, do you have a source for 8 round mag tubes? or are you going to fab one up?

Brownells list a rear sight compatible to the Ithaca, I'll see if I still have my catalog...

 

[Rumble]

TIZWIN, I have the Mossberg ghost rings on my Mossberg 500 (20" barrel).

My experience with them has been mixed so far, but since I'm new to using GR sights, take it for what it's worth:

1. The elevation adjustment knob is incredibly hard to turn. I have to lift up on the sight slightly to change elevation (this may be normal, again, I'm new to them).

2. The front sight worked loose from recoil after only a few shots; that I think is just a bad silver-solder job from the gunsmith. Field expedient loctite is holding it down now. Just make sure it's on there firm when you get it installed!

3. I had to rack the elevation all the way to the top to get the shotgun to even hit paper at 50 yards, but I believe that's largely due to inexperience with shotguns and with GR sights. So that's more of a gripe than an issue with the sights.

On the upside, they seem tough, and the front sight is very easy to see and the sight picture is clear. If they fit, I'm sure they'd be a good choice.