Ithaca question

[CrashInBlack]

Hi all,

I inherited an Ithaca Model 37 featherlight 16 gauge shotgun about 20 years ago from my grandfather, and I'm curious to learn a bit more about it. The serial number is 524xxx -4. From what I can tell it may have been made in 1952? What's the "-4" mean?

It's an excellent shooter and very accurate for a shotgun. It has "Full" on the side of the barrel so I'm assuming it's a full choke?

Any idea on the value of the gun? It's in very good condition. Used, but 90-95% of the blueing is still there. Are the 16 gauge versions rare?

Thanks for anything you can tell me about it

 

[WNC Seabee]

I've got my grandpa's 12 gauge from 1941 and my dad is still holding onto the 16 gauge from the same year. Wonderful guns. I've not seen many of the 16's, but the 12's will only go for ~$300 or less. Of course, I wouldn't sell mine for 10x that price!

 

[CrashInBlack]

I don't blame you, these guns are awesome!

 

[John Peddie]

The "-4" means full choke. Ithaca's way of designating the barrels, instead of using words.

As I understand it, there was no "-3"; "-2" was modified and "-1" was improved cylinder.

According to the Diamond Gunsmithing website, it's a 1953 vintage.

Does yours have the corncob fore-end, the red "sunburst" recoil pad and the red Raybar (sort of a fibre optic) front sight?

No steel shot, please.

Pics welcome-these are wonderful old guns.

 

[CrashInBlack]

It has the ribbed front end, a brass? bead front sight, and what I think is a non-original recoil pad. I'll get pics up as soon as I get the chance here. Thanks.

 

[reckless carolinian]

I have my Dad's 1960 model 37 12. its super sweet.

 

[CrashInBlack]

Can I shoot 3" shells out of this gun?

Do they make 3" shells in 16 gauge?

Debating on taking this or my Saiga 12 turkey hunting.

 

[tactikel]

NO, and NO; pattern some copper #4 or 5 shot, which ever patterns best will be good for turkey. The early 50's were before plastic shot cups. chokes were about 10% tighter than today. Your full choke will shoot full+ with todays plastic wads. Leave your Saiga at home, and enjoy one the most exciting hunting experiences with one of the best pump shotguns ever made!

 

[CrashInBlack]

Is #4-#5 shot in 2 3/4 any more powerful than 2 3/4 birdshot? How close would I have to be to a turkey to get a good solid shot on one with a 16 gauge? Most people I know use 10-12 gauge.

 

[John Peddie]

Shot size

As you'll read in many other places on these boards, shot size is a trade-off.

Smaller "birdshot" gets you a denser pattern because a given weight of shot will hold more pellets. The trade-off is that, being smaller and lighter, they lack the penetrating power of larger shot.

On smaller birds, that's what you want-a fairly dense swarm of pellets (don't want holes in the pattern), but pellets not having so much energy that they tear the bird to bits.

As tactikel suggested, #4 or 5 copper would be ideal (even copper 6).

But pattern it at different ranges before using on a turkey so you know its performance and limitations in YOUR gun.

You can buy cheap paper turkey-head targets, and that's all you're aiming for-the head.

I don't know the 16 ga. ammo availability situation in the US, but from what I read here, you'd want to shop early.