Ithaca 37 barrel fitting

[rbernie]

I've heard said that the older Ithaca 37's had to have replacement barrels fitting to the action. What specifically needed to be done to fit a replacement barrel?

 

[phaeton7919]

Ithaca Model 37 in 12 Ga.after serial no. 850,000 usually do not require any
fitting of new barrels

 

[gunplumber]

Old and new style bbls will not swap. There is a distinct number that is related by Ithica and good luck getting the old style from the factory. I was told I bought the last one several years ago for a 16 ga. Others may be available but I wouldn't bet on it.

 

[rbernie]

Old style barrels and receivers are readily available used. The question is how to fit one to t'other.

 

[250-3000]

I sent a 20 gauge back to the factory ~30 yrs ago to have a different barrel fitted, looked like they took an existing barrel and un-sweated the lug that the forend cap engages and moved it around the barrel until the head space?? was correct.

 

[rbernie]

Interesting - thanks.

 

[stan rose]

What is the serial number range of your shot gun?

 

[rbernie]

From memory - it's a nine digit number that starts with 377.

 

[PreMod70]

The early 37's do not have an interrupter thread so the barrel on the early models can be installed with a thread widths headspace or two causing catastrophic failure. The later models have an interrupter thread so that one has to install the barrel fully into the action for a correct headspace. There was a fellow that took 37 barrels, welded them up and recut the threads. I don't if he is still doing this or not, I don't recall his name.