Ithaca 37 LOP measurement help requested

[Milkmaster]

I just acquired a 1962 model 37 and need help with the LOP measurment. As you can see in the picture, the LOP on my gun is 13 1/4" including the recoil pad, which is at least an inch too short for me. The history on this gun says a woman owned it, and I suspect she had the stock shortened. New model 37's come with a 14 1/4" LOP. I have no idea if the new gun measurement is the same as the older models.

Question.... Would someone with an older unaltered model 37 please measure the LOP and let me know the dimension?

Thanks

 

[Milkmaster]

Anyone?

 

[Leadhead]

Mines 14" with a slim plastic butt plate.

 

[justashooter in pa]

your LOP is correct for someone 5'8" or so, or someone wearing a heavy coat while shooting. shotguns with short LOP will tend to shoot left or low, and long LOP tend to shoot high or right. short is easier to compensate for.

if you don't like it i'll give you $25 for it.

 

[10X]

If it is too short for you and you wish to keep the stock add some spacer. I use plexiglas from some old boat windshields, desk chair mats or Home Depot.

A belt sander held in a workmate shapes the pieces and new recoil pad.

 

[Milkmaster]

I know the solution with adding a spacer etc. I just want to know what the original stock dimension was when this gun was new in 1962. That way I can determine if it has been shortened.

Thanks for answering my question Leadhead.

BTW..."justashooter in pa" $25 won't get much these days.

 

[snooperman]

I have 3 old Ihacas and they all measure 14" for LOP

That said, the new guns they are making are 14.25 " LOP and they will give you any LOP you want when you order your new gun. The new company is making fine guns once again and I have my eye on one of the new model 37 in 28 ga. The gun you have could have been made that way at the manufacturing site.

 

[Milkmaster]

Thanks Snooperman. That is what I wanted to know. This gun was sent to Simmons Gun Specialties at some time years ago and was customized. It has the Simmons rib on it and the top of the receiver was bead blasted to remove reflections. I bought it from a man who had owned it since 1970. I was told the original owner was a lady that used it for a clay sport gun. All indications are that was exactly how the gun was set up for her. It has the recoil pad you see in the picture even thought the LOP is only 13.25". I suspect the stock was shortened for her during the customization. I performed a complete disassembly to clean and inspect my purchase. I have to say I have never seen a model 37 circa 1962 in as good shape as this one. The internals are perfect and do not show hardly any wear at all. That means this one is a keeper for me. I am 6 feet with long arms. Rather than add another ugly spacer, I am contemplating buying a new nice furniture set for the gun. That will restore it to the full length stock and fit me just right.

I called Ithaca today, but everyone was so busy they did not have time to answer my question of if the new stocks will fit on the old guns. I am hopeful.