Ithaca Model 37 Deer Slayer Police Special

[Sapper771]

While cruising around my local gun shop, I stumbled upon this little beauty.




It had not been placed on the rack for sale yet. I was informed that the shotgun had been used in a suicide it needed to be disinfected. Deciding not to lay hands on it, I added some things up and guessed that it was a model 87.

Not really knowing that much about the Ithaca shotguns, I started researching them. I found that the general consensus on the Ithaca line of shotguns was positive. More positive on the Model 37 than the 87, but still positive never the less. I do remember reading about the Ithaca being used in Vietnam and it had a good reputation for being reliable in that environment.

I told them that I was interested in buying it when it became available. The price I received was stellar, on the condition that I would be responsible for the decontamination. I agreed and I became the owner of what I thought was a Model 87.

When I got home I put on some rubber gloves and started inspecting the shotgun. This is when I discovered that I had a Model 37 , not an 87. This made me even happier. The Ithaca is more complex when it comes to detail stripping. This isnt an issue though, as long as you keep up with the little screws and pay attention to how everything fits together.

To make an already long story short. After disinfecting it, I cleaned her up with some CLP and lubed with Militec. I love the Pacmayr furniture and big brass bead front sight. The action is smooth and it ejects shells with authority. The long mag tube hold seven 2.75" shells. The barrel doesn't rate it for 3" shells. No worries, dont really need 'em.



I got back online and looked up the serial number. One list showed this Ithaca made in 1975. The other list from Ithaca showed it made in 1976. I had read that in 1975 Ithaca put a disconnect in their actions to keep them from slam firing. This wasn't a major thing for me, but it would have been nice to play with. I decided to test my Ithaca to see if it would slam fire. I took a primed empty shot shell and loaded it in the magazine. I dry fired the shotgun, held the trigger down, and racked the primed shell in. It slam fired! I was ecstatic to say the least.

While I was cleaning the magazine tube, I noticed some writing on the exterior of the tube. Electro penciled on the tube, underneath the forearm, was a combination of three letters and 8 numbers.
I was thinking that the police may have coded it for evidence or the owner was marking his property with his/her Drivers license number.

One thing that I have not figured out yet is whether or not this model 37 is stainless or nickle plated. I havent found any info online yet. The inside of the receiver has some heavy machine marks. It almost makes me think that it is stainless. There is only one rust spot on the exterior of the barrel. That spot looks like something abrasive was used on it (seen in above pic).

Another thing that hit me. If Ithaca did put the disconnectors in the shotguns starting in 1975 and my Ithaca being a 75'-76' production that can slam fire, makes me think that it may have been police issued. Or, maybe it just slipped through the cracks as a early 75' gun made from leftover parts from '74.Maybe some of our members can help me with these issues.

Overall, I am very pleased with this Ithaca. It shoots great. The slam fire is pretty fun to play with, but I dont plan on making it a normal operation. I was wanting a pistol grip shotgun to use for HD and I think this Ithaca will do fine.

 

[desidog]

I was informed that the shotgun had been used in a suicide it needed to be disinfected.

Ah, the stories you'll here at the LGS.

 

[Sapper771]

Ah, the stories you'll here at the LGS.

Considering that the gun shop got the gun from a police distributor that buys seized weapons from Police Departments, I gave the story some credit. Not to mention finding blood inside the shotgun.


(Picture removed)

 

[AI&P Tactical]

I believe you but I can't imagine, if you had not said it, that any LE Department would release any item with body fluids on it. Talk about neglect of universal precautions. But was a good deal for you.

 

[Hunterdad]

Put a full stock on that thing and you'll have yourself a useable shotgun

J/k, very nice!

 

[Sapper771]

I believe you but I can't imagine, if you had not said it, that any LE Department would release any item with body fluids on it. Talk about neglect of universal precautions. But was a good deal for you.

I can see where your coming from. There was not blood all over it. It appeared to have been washed out as best as possible. There wasnt any visible blood on the exterior, just inside the action. I am sure the evidence Tech/Custodian did not fully disassemble it for a thorough cleaning. Disassembling of a firearm entered as evidence could be seen as tampering with evidence.

When I worked as a Crime Scene Tech, we didnt fully disassemble them for cleaning in the types of incidents. Just photographs at the scene , photos of the serial number , spray them down as best as possible, bag, log, and store. We had a bleach/water solution to disinfect with, but we still used PPE.

Even if the department disinfected it, I still would have disinfected it again. Cheap insurance IMO.

 

[Sapper771]

Put a full stock on that thing and you'll have yourself a useable shotgun

J/k, very nice!

In a way I agree. I was thinking about getting a real stock to put on it. My house is tiny, so the shorter length is more maneuverable.

 

[Fiv3r]

The Ithaca DSPS is my all time firearm that I own. I got a full stock extended mag version from a good friend of mine for a good price who bought it from a police auction back in the early 90's, and I simply love it. Slam firing the gun is a fun way to put a goofy grin on my face My friend is an ol' Woodsman, and he told me that he's taken several deer with it as the hand-fitted barrel tends to handle slugs just fine.

Being a lefty, having it poop where it eats means no shells flying across my line of sight.

I would sell every other gun in my collection before I give up my beloved Ithaca.

 

[desidog]

I believe you but I can't imagine, if you had not said it, that any LE Department would release any item with body fluids on it. Talk about neglect of universal precautions. But was a good deal for you.

That's what i was thinking while typing post#2 as well...

When I worked as a Crime Scene Tech, we didnt fully disassemble them for cleaning in the types of incidents. Just photographs at the scene , photos of the serial number , spray them down as best as possible, bag, log, and store. We had a bleach/water solution to disinfect with, but we still used PPE.

Sapper771, with a background like yours, you're obviously qualified to speak on the subject....i always assumed that a gun in evidence would be taken apart and the inside surfaces (as well as the outside surfaces) would be dusted for prints. So, hypothetically, if one perp supplied a gun to another perp, but cleaned it and got his print inside the slide or somewhere....the cops would never find that; because they didn't even look? ....or if a murderer left the gun at the scene, after wearing gloves, they wouldn't look inside for prints? It seems so obvious i always assumed it.

...or do you mean when you wrote "in the types of incidents" suicides specifically?

 

[Centurian22]

Preferring my more traditional 1974 Ithaca Deer slayer (feather light I think), I didn't want to like this 'newfangled looking contraption', but I have to say it is nice, especially the 7 round tube (mine only holds 4). After firing the first round at the range I keep forgetting my desire to test out the slam-fire feature. What about an adjustable / collapsible stock? Short for maneuverability but still shoulderable. Great find and thanks for sharing.

 

[AI&P Tactical]

I see what the issue was after you broke down the procedures. Most of these weapons end up being destroyed because the family does not want them back. Many departments in major cities can not auction, trade, or sell firearms and thousands of perfectly good weapons get crushed or melted down. Damn shame and a waste.

I'm glad this fine firearm ended up where it will be appriciated. I was given a S&W Model 10, Heavy barrel round butt by the Team leader from a large Department my Team was training with. He stated they go through the confinscated bins for training weapons and his was one of those. That was 21 years ago and I still have that Smith. It was saved from being cut up for scrap and has served me well.

 

[jaguarxk120]

Like others have said put a full stock on it. What ever parts you need can be had from Ithaca in Ohio, just call ZAK at419-294-4113. He will help you out.

 

[TurtlePhish]

One thing that I have not figured out yet is whether or not this model 37 is stainless or nickle plated.

It looks like it's been hard chromed.

Nice shotgun, morbid backstory.

 

[rcmodel]

To my knowledge Ithaca never made any stainless steel shotguns.

They did offer the DS Police Model in matte electroless nickle, polished hard chrome, Parkerized, and Blue.

rc

 

[VINTAGE-SLOTCARS]

37 fun

Just a note, I have one in park finish just like this. Dont !!!!!! ever try and shoot this high like a pistol, I almost lost teeth.!!!!!!!!

 

[Sapper771]

That's what i was thinking while typing post#2 as well...

Sapper771,
...or do you mean when you wrote "in the types of incidents" suicides specifically?

I meant these types of incidents as in Suicides specifically. I am not really going to touch on that bc it is off topic and a sore subject for some, understandably.

Every scene is different. It depends on the condition of the crime scene as to how successful your efforts will be. Most people that do crime scene work will tell you that it is nothing like TV. It is extremely difficult to get a good print that has enough detail for AFIS to ID.

Can you get prints off of a gun that is covered in blood. Yes, but the blood has to be dried. That could take several days, even in a drying closet. Even when the blood is dried, you may not find any. The lead investigator may deem it unnecessary due to existential evidence at the scene. There is also the biohazard point of it. You have to treat all blood as if it in infected with AIDS/HEP.

As far as getting fingerprints from inside a gun, it isnt impossible, just improbable. Think about all the close tolerances inside of a firearm. All the parts rubbing together while functioning. Think about all the rough surfaces inside a firearm. Think about the lubricant , heat, pressure , and fouling destroying the fingerprint.

A fingerprint is just oil and is quite fragile.

 

[Sapper771]

Thank You for the replies.

I can never tell between stainless and plated. I googled it and a few stainless models came up, but they are probably nickel too.

I agree. I need a proper stock. I have been looking, just haven't really found one that stands out. I have a Choate Mk5 on my Mossberg 930 SPX. I like it, but wish it was shorter. Would like to have a folder, either top or side, so I can still take advantage of the short length.

Any suggestions ?

Thanks Again.

 

[lemaymiami]

I have just one suggestion about folding stocks for shotguns.... DON'T DO IT.

You could always tell anyone on my department that actually fired a police shotgun with a folding stock... that individual was the one with the bandaged nose, or split lip,etc. A folding stock sounds like a good idea but not if you're the one that might have to use it.... Go to a solid , regular shoulder stock (your choice, wood or synthetic) and that popper will be something you can rely on when things aren't very nice.

 

[CaptainChaos]

Hello, Sapper, and welcome to Club Ithaca.

I have three M37s - two early 1980s DSPS in M&P livery and a 1975 "posh" (blued) one.

I use an eight-shot (or nine-shot or eleven-shot, depending on ammo) DSPS for PSG and have had, over the past couple of years, a bit of a roller-coaster ride as far as reliability goes. However, my gun gets worked *very* hard.

M37s don't have disconnectors. The versions that "slam-fire" have an *extra* sear. They stopped adding this sear in about 1975 and my posh gun won't slam-fire. The two 1980s guns are M&P (no scrollwork and Parkerized) and they *both* have the extra sear. However, only my main gun actually slam-fires.

As to stocks, well a gun-buddy of mine is just about to cross The Pond and is going to bring back a synthetic, *traditional* stock for my main gun. (All my M37s have wooden stocks and I have a couple of cracks in my PSG gun stock.)

I have had a few irritating problems with my Ithacas. For example: failure-to-extracts, ejecting live rounds, failing to retain rounds in the magazine, barrel coming loose, movement of rear sight in its dovetails and the stock coming loose. However, as I say, this gun gets worked *very* hard - hard enough that, after one long stage, thirty-years worth of accumulated brown gunk oozed out from under the rear sight because the barrel got so hot.

I have only recently been able to acquire speare parts directly from Ithaca and have to say that Zak and Jeremish have been *extremely* helpful. I just wish that we had an Ithaca dealer over here in the UK.

Despite the problems that I've had, my Ithacas are the *last* guns that I would trade in. (And that includes my last purchase: a Chiappa 1887 - I can always buy another Chiappa but, at least for now, new Ithacas aren't available in the UK.)

Have fun and get out there and *shoot* it!

Regards,

Mark.

 

[Sapper771]

Hey Mark, Thank You for your post.


Just looking at the Ithaca's bottom feed/eject system, I was wondering if the live round eject issues would occur.

The mag nut/cap at the end of the barrel was coming loose on mine after 25 rounds. I dont think I tightened it enough after I put it back together. I tightened it up pretty good and it hasn't come loose since. I like how the barrel comes off. Very neat.

Last night, I put some brasso on a patch and polished up the front bead. Looks much better now.

I may call Ithaca and speak to Zak on the stock. Maybe they can give me some insight.

 

[Sapper771]

I have just one suggestion about folding stocks for shotguns.... DON'T DO IT.

You could always tell anyone on my department that actually fired a police shotgun with a folding stock... that individual was the one with the bandaged nose, or split lip,etc. A folding stock sounds like a good idea but not if you're the one that might have to use it.... Go to a solid , regular shoulder stock (your choice, wood or synthetic) and that popper will be something you can rely on when things aren't very nice.

Can you elaborate, please?

I have fired a few shotguns with folding stocks, both side and top folding. Never had an issue with them. I will say that a fixed stock is a bit more comfortable than the folders.

 

[AI&P Tactical]

I have fired the Remington LE Top folder, the Butler creek side folder and the Knoxx folder. Other then comfort I found no issues. The Koxx was great as it takes the brutality out of the 12ga. With that said, I think the only reason to have a folder in a civilian application is for storage. And yes for consealment in LE work.

 

[lemaymiami]

Sapper, all the injured officers that I saw attempted to use the folding stock in the open position (in training) and put the metal portion up near their face the way you would when firing an ordinary police shotgun. The results involved facial injury almost every time. In that once in a lifetime self defense situation an impact to your face or nose wouldn't be noticed until all that heavy breathing was over... but it just isn't necessary.

Can you train yourself to shoulder mount a shotgun with a folding stock so it doesn't bite you? I'm sure that's possible, but as a guy who absolutely relied on his shotgun on the street for many years I wouldn't even consider a folding stock. Good luck on whatever you choose.

By the way I handled quite a few folks (good guys as well as bad guys) that had actually done some shooting on the street with standard auto pistols. A high proportion of them had slide cuts on their shooting hand (including one very experienced cop that had three justified killings to his credit (the inside of the thumb on his shooting hand was badly cut on shooting number three, using a Walther 380 pistol). My point here is that under stress even ordinary weapons performance may (and probably will) suffer. No reason that I know of to encourage it...

 

[Youngster]

I'm not a fan of the Remington topfolder, or any other topfolding stock really, but you're doing something wrong if shooting one is actually causing injury.

 

[Manny]

I remember reading a review of an Ithaca Deer Slayer that had a rifled barrel and was set up for a scope, it shot like a sniper rifle!! Made little bitty cloverleaf groups, I recall being most impressed. I think it was a prototype, but living in a shotgun slug, no rifle state for deer it stood out. I also can remember hearing their smooth bores were renowned for excellent slug accuracy as well. Looks like you've made a real nice find.