Ithaca Model 37 question

[Uncle Alvah]

I'm looking at a Ithaca Model 37 20 guage, in the 1million serial number range.
On the left side of the barrel, near the breech, is stamped "CYL". I would have expected the stamp to say "IMP. CYL. or something similar. The mark is crisp, it's not like the IMP is missing or worn.
Was this shotgun manufactured as an Improved Cylinder bore, or could it be a true cylinder bore?

 

[twice barrel]

My guess is true Cylinder bore.

 

[Milkmaster]

My guess is true Cylinder bore

Me too! You could always measure it!

 

[Dano223]

Would someone know of a chart to check the serial number for my Ithaca Model 37? I have seen many posts regarding this info but the charts I do find dont have my number. Above the trigger on the right side is stamped: 1425, it almost looks like a small letter A or ^ before the serial if that means anything. The engraving on the receiver is a big Eagle not the hunting scene I see on most 37's. Other than that the barrel says Model 37 Featherlight 12 ga.......

 

[xm21]

Dano diamondgunsmithing.com has a serial # date of manufacture chart.

 

[Dano223]

Serial

Thanks, according to that serial numbers 1 - 3500 were made in 1937 the first year. I would have never guessed that the gun was that old. I thought it was made in the 60's or 70's based on the little bit of info I got when I purchased it from a co-worker back in the 1980's.

Might put her up for sale and get a new one. I'm one of those guys that like the new tactical type stuff. I would love to get one of those shotguns that have the magazine with 8+ shells!

Thanks Again

 

[Milkmaster]

Post some pictures and let us see what you got! Test to see if it will slam fire. The more recent models no longer have that function. Does it say anything about what size shells to use on the side of the barrel? Those things might be a clue to the age if you do not trust the serial number info.

 

[John Peddie]

According to the Diamond Gunsmithing website, they hit the 1 million mark in 1968.

The basic design goes back before 1937, originally by John M Browning and manufactured by Remington.

 

[Dano223]

I can put up some photos once I take a few. Slam Fire??? what do you mean by that?
The barrel has this printed on two lines:

Model 37-Featherlight 12Ga- 2 3/4 Chamber Proof Tested
Ithaca Gun Co. Inc. Ithaca N.Y. - Made In USA Roto Forged

There is a symbol like an Anvil between the words Roto and Forged.

It also says Full under those two lines. Thats about it except for another anvil symbol on the other side of the barrel.

The reciever's engraving is a large Eagle with its wings spread holding a ribbon in its claws that says Heritage and Pride with the The Ithaca Gun Company.

 

[Milkmaster]

Slam Fire??? what do you mean by that?

"slam fire" means that the gun will fire with the completion of each cycling of the action without having let up on the trigger.

Hold the trigger down while cycling the action and see if the hammer drops each time you complete the cycle without releasing the trigger. Newer shotguns will not have that function. Older model 37's would continue to fire without releasing the trigger each time.

 

[Dano223]

Slam fire....awesome

It does slam fire! ...thanks for that tip. I gotta go out and do that with some real ammo in it.

 

[nicksterdemus]

How long is the brl? If it's a cylinder choke I think 26" will be the limit.

Mine sez full and it's a full 30" of full choke, but it's an older model 12 gauge.

I think the 12 gauge full choke stretched out to 32".
---------------
The eagle engraved would be the 1976 Bicentennial. Came w/hard case and a numbered to the gun pewter belt buckle.

 

[Dano223]

1976 Makes more sense, but why the serial number 1425? looks like a 28 inch barrel.

 

[nicksterdemus]

Special serial number. 1776 were made, hence tie-in to the bicentennial.

Prices/values are assigned for NIB w/trunk style hard case and the numbered buckle.

So don't get real fired up when you look at the book price if yours isn't in that configuration.
-----------------
Top remarks in my first post was in response to the OP...

 

[Dano223]

Thanks for the info. I never did believe it was more than a $250 - $350 gun.

 

[nicksterdemus]

No problemo. W/o being NIB condition w/case & buckle it's just another M-37, but that ain't a bad thing.

Shoot it and enjoy a timeles design that's still affordable...