Ithaca Model 37 opinions

[bikemutt]

In my quest to have one each of the common gauges, it's time to consider a 28 gauge shotgun. American Hunter just had a glowing review of the Ithaca Model 37 in 28 gauge which caught my eye. The base grade is within budget.

I'm wondering if anyone has experience they'd share with the "new" Ithaca shotguns, the model 37 pumps in particular, in any of the gauges offered, 12, 20 and 28?

The fleet presently consists of a Browning 525 Field in 12 gauge and SKB 625 in 20 gauge, both O/Us. The Ithaca would be my first pump action.

 

[Virginian]

Try before you buy. I personally do not like having to load thru the magazine, at all. I had 3 BPSs and never grew to love that feature. But, lots of people do like them, so check it out for yourself. I'd prefer a Wingmaster in 28 gauge.

 

[chez323]

Ithaca model 37's are a great gun, got mine when I was 16 and loved it. I for one the way you load it band how it ejects empty shells. Best shotgun I've ever used and I've used a few s in my life.

 

[mps111]

I bought a model 37 featherweight from sears catalog in 1968 for $99. It is still being used by my friend. I never had a problem after 5-6 thousand rounds. Great gun, kicked like the He!!.

 

[A_Matthew]

I have one of the older models I picked up at a gun show for ~$180. Really like the ergonomics. Not to mention the reliability...

As far as the new models go, I don't believe too much would have been changed, so you should be good to go. In all my research online, I don't recall hearing a single complaint with the Ithaca Model 37, new model or old model.

 

[bikemutt]

Upland hunting here involves a lot of unloading in order to move to the next spot. One of the things I like about my break barrel guns is how easy it is to pull the two shells, pocket them, back in the pickup and off.

It drove me nuts trying to unload semi-autos and catch the shells while also keeping a keen eye on muzzle direction, and everything else. Seems I was always bent over looking for dropped ones and cleaning them up for the next round.

I wonder if the Ithaca-style underneath load/eject port would make unloading a more straightforward task? I seem to recall hunting once with a fellow who had a shotgun like the Ithaca, or perhaps it was one, he made unloading seem easy, as he cycled the action they just fell in his hand. I didn't think to ask, being a freshly made double-gun bigot at that time.

 

[Spec ops Grunt]

How are the newly made ones? Also, does the follower stay up like the Mossberg, and does the forearm wobble like a Mossberg or is it steady like a Remington?

 

[coop923]

A new 37 is on my short list -my list is long lived though and unfortunately it can take years to check something off. I don't know how far in the future the 37 will be. My son used my FIL's 1950 20ga featherlight when he began shooting trap and then bought a 70s 12ga version. Both have very smooth actions and are nice shooting guns. I honestly haven't held a "new" Ithaca, but all I've heard has been very positive as far as quality goes.

 

[TreeDoc]

Don't all shotguns load through the mag?

 

[sjcslk]

Ithaca

I handled a 20 guage at the gun shop & it didn't feel to me like the old ones. I am going to go back & do it again to see if I was just having a bad day. I would really like to get one, but need to check it out again.

 

[oletymer]

You just push in the shell stop and the shells pop out of the magazine, no need to cycle the action. When you load again there is no lifter to push out of the way to insert shells.

 

[bikemutt]

Thanks oletymer, that's what I was after.

I found a lone Western WA dealer on Ithaca's website, I'll call today to see if I can get my hands on one of these just to see how it fits and feels.

 

[chas08]

Don't all shotguns load through the mag?

Pumps and semi's do. but models with side ejection ports can be loaded one round at a time through it also. Browning and Ithaca with their bottom ejection can also be loaded one round at a time directly into the barrel, but it's such a slow PITA that through the magazine approach is usually faster. There is a youtube video on this floating around out there somewhere. I viewed it, tried it, and it works

As for the OP's original question. I can't speak for the new ones, but I really like my two old ones in 16 and 20 ga.

 

[danny399]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Does anyone know the year the model 37 trench slam fire with serial
number 832xxx-4 12ga was made and the value?

 

[bikemutt]

danny399, the American Hunter review I read suggested the new Ithaca Gun Company plans to support all the old Ithaca products as well. You may find the answer fastest by contacting them:

Ithaca Gun Company
420 N. Warpole Street
Upper Sandusky, OH 43351

Phone: 1.877.6ITHACA (1.877.648.4222)
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST
Fax: 419.294.3230

 

[danny399]

Thanks! Will do!!