Ithaca M37 Featherlite Question

[NewZealander]

Can anybody tell me if there is any substance to the rumours I have heard that Ithaca M37s (12g) made in the mid 70's are poorer quality compared to M37's of other vintages and if so why? The reason I ask is that I am thinking about buying one which is made in 1976 that has apparently fired less than a box of shells and is like new but I am reluctant to purchase if it is likely to give trouble. Any info appreciated.
Thanks
NZer

 

[Oldnamvet]

A friend of mine bought one about 8 years ago. I bought mine in 1961. Comparing them, the quality seems about the same. Both are very smooth in operation. Whether they had a "bad" period in the 70's I have no idea. But for some people, older always means better quality. In some respects, it is probably true. We have all seen craftmanship sacrificed in some area for productivity. Ithaca? You'll need more information than I have.

 

[Scoupe]

I've always heard the same. My M37 dates to around 1977. The wood was horrendous. The slots in the ringtail look like the blade should have been changed a couple months before they cut mine with it. The original stock broke at the wrist duck hunting one day and the pressed checkering was awful.

Mechanically, the gun functions great. I bought it only 6 or 7 years ago and the blue was a little thin then and dragging through the marshes haven't helped it, but I wouldn't go so far as to say the metal finish was ever sub-standard. It was certainly well polished before bluing and the internals don't exhibit poor or dull machining.

Other than the broken stock, it's been a gerat and reliable shotgun.

 

[Black_Talon]

Mid '70's was a tough time for Ithaca. Demand was outstripping production and they had to hire a lot of new (read: inexperienced) workers. Quality started to suffer a bit, but they still rarely turned out any real clinkers. It's pretty hard to screw up a M-37 so it mostly shows up as cosmetic issues. IMO, the best years for M-37's is from the mid 60's to the early 70's. Ithaca had a great crew during those years.

 

[NewZealander]

Thanks for the replies. If I get the gun I will post some pics.
NZer

 

[jbeltz7]

My first shotgun was a 37 purchased in 1975 and it has held-up very well even considering a 4' drop onto concrete. The stock and forearm were beautiful walnut, unfortunately the stock was damaged from the fall and had to be replaced.