Ithaca 37 questions

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Ithaca 37 riot

I'm new to THR, found this thread and read it with some interest. I have a model 37 featherweight, 1951, and am going to the shop tomorrow to pick up a 37 riot. What shot would one recommend for the riot 37 for home defense purposes? And what shot would you recommend for general target shooting? (More for fun than for patterning.)


Thanks.
 
I just found this forum.

I have a Model 37 Featherlight 16 gauge. It was given to me by my dad on my 16th birthday. Can I get a birthdate on it? It's been in the safe for 30+ years. Time to find some 16 gauge shells and shoot it, eh? It was hard to find a gun a left handed kid could use back then.

371065538.
 
marine71,

The best all around shotgun defense round is #1 buck. It provides more pellets (16) about 90% the size of 00 buck (9 pellets), so the energy transferred to the target is about 30% greater than with 00 buck. It can be hard to find, but any decent police supply store should have some in stock.
 
Serial # for 37

Black Talon, if you don't mind:

M 37 Serial # 371516138

Can you tell me the date of birth for it? Thanks.
 
Hi, I just purchased a 16 gauge 37R.I don't know anything about this gun, the pin on the forearm cap do you just push it out and twist the cap or what, mine is very tight and I don't want to break something. A second question, I only see 1 set of numbers and it is on bottom of barrel near receiver. Should there be a serial number on the receiver somewhere? Could somebody tell me DOB for 762XX. Thanks Mac
 
the pin on the forearm cap do you just push it out and twist the cap or what, mine is very tight and I don't want to break something.
Click to expand...

Yes, push the pin out, and turn the cap clockwise (when looking from the muzzle end). You'll actually be screwing the cap in but that's how M37's work. After you screw it in far enough it will clear the protrusion on the barrel lug and you will be able to turn the bbl 90° counter-clockwise (while looking from the muzzle end) and pull it straight off the receiver.

A second question, I only see 1 set of numbers and it is on bottom of barrel near receiver. Should there be a serial number on the receiver somewhere?
Click to expand...

Yes, it's on the front of the receiver, on the right-hand side. Should match the number on the bbl, except for the extra digit on the bbl sequence, which denotes the choke.

Could somebody tell me DOB for 762XX.
Click to expand...

I suspect that your "762xx" should actually be written as "762x-x" which would make your M37 a 1938 vintage gun.
 
Thanks Black Talon, I left the site and figured the cap out. I cleaned her up some, you sure this is a 1938 model? The forearm wood is excellent, this gun wasn't used much I suspect. Checked the serial numbers on receiver and barrel and they match. Kind of funny I always liked the 37's but don't use a shotgun much. Mostly pistol and rifle. I may have to try out my 5 month old grandson's "new" gun out at the trap or sporting clays. I'd hate to have to get him some other brand cause I like it too much. Black Talon, I take it you are the guru for the 37's. Thanks for the info. Mac P.S. The serial number is a 5 digit number 762XX. Is it still a 1938 specimen. I know it is pre 55 by the pin on the forearm cap.
 
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Black Talon, let me thank you on behalf of the board. You're putting in some time and effort for a bunch of us.

Thanks!!....
 
Model 37 20ga birthday?

I'm new to this forum. So thanks in advance to everyone. I have a M37 20ga serial # 964741 can anyone help me with the mfg date?
 
to Marine71

Home defence? Winchester Super X, 2 3/4" 00 Buck, 12 pellets. Surprisingly wide spread, even out of my 28-inch barrel. The other 2 3/4" loads, both 00 and 000, cluster too tightly, which isn't what you want in close quarters. You might even want to go with a smaller shot size, but your best bet is to play around, see what works. Patterns are fun, after all!
 
DOB M37 in Ottawa, Ontario

Hi All,

It's my first post on this great site. I just bought an Ithaca model 37 Featherlight in 12ga for $200CAN. I really like the feel of this shotgun although the barrel seems a bit long at 30". It has light engravings on each side of the reciever which is nice. the left side features ducks flying over a pond. The right side has a dog flushing 2 pheasants. It's serial # is 623185. The barrel also has a -4 after the serial #. Is it possible to buy extra barrels for this gun? I like the way the barrel is easily removed for cleaning & inspection. Is there anything I need to know about this shotgun? Thanks for your help.

George
 
it's serial # is 623185. The barrel also has a -4 after the serial #. Is it possible to buy extra barrels for this gun?
Click to expand...

Your gun was built in 1956 and left the factory with a full choked barrel (that's what the "-4" after the serial number means). Any extra bbl would need to be professionally fitted by a gunsmith as this earlier gun was made before Ithaca redesigned their system to use interchangeable barrels.

Is there anything I need to know about this shotgun?
Click to expand...

I wouldn't shoot steel shot in it.
 
Thanks Black_Talon

Thanks for the info. This site is lucky to have you! I'm surprised the gun is that old as it looks in real good shape. What is the issue with steel shot? Does it cause more wear? & what would be the alternative. Lead in NOT allowed in Canada for migratory bird, & I hoped to use the gun for ducks & geese. Lead is O.K for Upland game here.

Regards,

George
 
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