Ithaca Model 37 20 gauge

[M1key]

I met someone today who has a model 37 20 gauge w/26 inch barrel made in the 60's he would consider selling. I asked if it was the Featherlight model he said he didn't think so. I haven't seen it and don't know the condition or what he would be asking for it. When did Ithaca first change to an aluminum receiver? Was it in 1971? The info I am finding says they can come in either steel or aluminum.

Thanks

M

 

[NCEric]

The ultra featherweight model has an alloy receiver. I think these were added to the lineup in 1978 and have an ULT in the serial number.

 

[DocRock]

Plain Jane Featherweights have steel receivers.

 

[Grizzly2]

Mine was made either late 50s or very early 60s. It came with a plain modified 25" barrel in 20 gauge. The adds list even the vent ribs as 25" in 20 back then. I wish I'd hung on to it now.

 

[78tsubaki]

If the price and condition is right you should seriously consider this purchase.
You may have to pay a small premium for a 20 gauge.
The steel receiver featherweights swing and point very well.

 

[bannockburn]

M1key

I started out hunting back in my teens with a borrowed 20 gauge Ithaca Model 37. It had a plain 26" barrel with what we thought was a Modified choke (at least that's what we figured because it shot such tight patterns)! Even with a steel receiver the Model 37 was nice and light to carry, easy to swing onto target, and that action was the smoothest pump I have ever used!

 

[Kingcreek]

My 37 featherweight delux is early 1970s with a steel receiver. Deluxe had a vent rib and some receiver scroll work hunting scenes and nicer wood.
They shoot great and carry easily for miles. I shot at least a truckload of Nebraska ringnecks with it. Still enjoy shooting it but it seems to kick back at me a little harder than it used to.
One of the best upland guns ever made.

 

[entropy]

Get it! You'll kick yourself later if you don't. If you don't want it, give me his contact info......

 

[Speedo66]

The barrels on earlier 37's were not interchangeable, you might want to check when they made the change if the choke is not to your liking.

The original factory could fit a new barrel, don't know about the current owners.

 

[Milkmaster]

This should tell you what year it was made.

 

[shooter1niner]

Ithaca M 37, my favorite shotgun...

 

[78tsubaki]

Me too...
Only problem is they have a tendency to multiply.
JMB knew a thing or two.

 

[Speedo66]

From a little research, it looks like serial numbers after 855,000 have interchangeable barrels.

 

[FL-NC]

I have a 37 in 12 gauge, and a Remington 17 in 20 gauge (the gun the 37 is based on). Both excellent bird guns. Best trombone guns made, IMO.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I'd say, if the price is even remotely right, get either.

I sold my Ultra Featherlight 20 and kept the steel Featherlight 20 for a couple of reasons.

I didn't like how the aluminum receiver was aging on the edges and found the *engraving* to be a bit cut-rate looking.

I also like the centralized-mass feeling of the steel Featherlight though most of that mighta just been in my head.

If you get to see the gun - if I recall correctly - the Ultras serial number started with a *UL* or *ULT*


Todd.

 

[9x56MS]

My first shotgun was an Ithica model 66 20gauge single shot. Killed a lot of rabbits and squirrels with it. For my 16th birthday Dad bought me a 20 gauge Ithica deerslayer with 26 inch barrel. Killed my first buck with it and learned how to hold and shoot a gun and deal with recoil. It was also pure magic on grouse and timberdoodles. They are a fast handling accurate slug gun. Wish I still had it.