Hi everyone,
Eurotrash here. Been lurking for 3 years, and finally have something to post.
I'm planning one doing something totally loathsome: chopping up a perfectly good Ithaca 37 12 gauge.
Before someone questions the legality (rather than questioning the morally reprehensible nature of chopping up an M37), it is legal to do here if done through the proper channels (and if minimum barrel length is at 30cm or overall length is 60cm).
Now, a few years ago our gunlaws were changed and a time of uncertainty followed. This caused a lot of people to sell their guns. A lot of pump action shotties were turned in at gun stores for next to nothing. I'm looking to get me a used Ithaca M37 smooth bore and turn it into something similar as to the shotgun pictured in the attachment. Exact barrel length is still unknown, as I will decide when I actually get it. I suspect it will be around 13 to 15 inch in barrel length?
I however have no extended knowledge of the Ithaca Model 37 line. Most of what I do know, I got from researching the design and from reading this forum. Now, I'm stuck with MANY questions, and I was hoping you guys could help me out.
1) Steel vs Lead: From when on are M37's safe to shoot with steel shot? (Not interested in current production models btw, only the 'oldschool' ones)
2) Slugs: Are there any kinds of slugs that should not be shot out of a smooth bore M37 with a chopped barrel (no choke)?
3) Wear: What areas of the shotgun should I check specifically for wear when picking the weapon to use in my project? I know the shell stop spring tends to weaken or foul and cause it to dump live rounds out of the mag tube when cycling the action. I also know of the drag marks on the magazine tube from the pump and how it can usually be fixed. What else is there that I should check?
4) Model: What specific models should I prefer for my modifications? I'm obviously going for smooth bore, non-ribbed, with classic pump (non-deerslayer), pref 3" chamber and I'd rather not use an M87. But more specifically, which models should I avoid, and which should I prefer if given the choice?
5) Measurements: I need to know the exact length from the front of the receiver to the front of the mag tube (including the fitment thingy on the barrel, basically the full length of the barrel in the picture attached, starting from the receiver). Can someone measure this for me?
6) Mini-shells: Do mini shells feed well in all M37's or is it a bit hit & miss? (just for fun, not really important at all)
Thanks for your input!
Eurotrash here. Been lurking for 3 years, and finally have something to post.
I'm planning one doing something totally loathsome: chopping up a perfectly good Ithaca 37 12 gauge.
Before someone questions the legality (rather than questioning the morally reprehensible nature of chopping up an M37), it is legal to do here if done through the proper channels (and if minimum barrel length is at 30cm or overall length is 60cm).
Now, a few years ago our gunlaws were changed and a time of uncertainty followed. This caused a lot of people to sell their guns. A lot of pump action shotties were turned in at gun stores for next to nothing. I'm looking to get me a used Ithaca M37 smooth bore and turn it into something similar as to the shotgun pictured in the attachment. Exact barrel length is still unknown, as I will decide when I actually get it. I suspect it will be around 13 to 15 inch in barrel length?
I however have no extended knowledge of the Ithaca Model 37 line. Most of what I do know, I got from researching the design and from reading this forum. Now, I'm stuck with MANY questions, and I was hoping you guys could help me out.
1) Steel vs Lead: From when on are M37's safe to shoot with steel shot? (Not interested in current production models btw, only the 'oldschool' ones)
2) Slugs: Are there any kinds of slugs that should not be shot out of a smooth bore M37 with a chopped barrel (no choke)?
3) Wear: What areas of the shotgun should I check specifically for wear when picking the weapon to use in my project? I know the shell stop spring tends to weaken or foul and cause it to dump live rounds out of the mag tube when cycling the action. I also know of the drag marks on the magazine tube from the pump and how it can usually be fixed. What else is there that I should check?
4) Model: What specific models should I prefer for my modifications? I'm obviously going for smooth bore, non-ribbed, with classic pump (non-deerslayer), pref 3" chamber and I'd rather not use an M87. But more specifically, which models should I avoid, and which should I prefer if given the choice?
5) Measurements: I need to know the exact length from the front of the receiver to the front of the mag tube (including the fitment thingy on the barrel, basically the full length of the barrel in the picture attached, starting from the receiver). Can someone measure this for me?
6) Mini-shells: Do mini shells feed well in all M37's or is it a bit hit & miss? (just for fun, not really important at all)
Thanks for your input!