Out of The Blue....Ithaca 37

[chas08]

Sometimes it pays to be known for something. Where I work I'm known for my affinity for shotguns. So it wasn't unusual when a fellow employee from another department approached me with another shotgun question. But this time he wasn't seeking advice or opinions he was wondering if I new anyone who might be interested in buying his 16ga. Ithaca 37. He now had my undivided attention. He said it had been bought used 30 + years ago and had been in his closet for most of its life since he was not a hunter or much of a shooter. I agreed to stop by his home after work to take a look at it. I was pleasantly surprised to see a 16ga featherlight in about 90% condition with a 28" modified choke barrel. The serial number later proved it to be manufactured in 1957. We hadn't discussed price yet, so when I asked; How much? He stated $200 firm. A quick trip to the ATM and the gun was on it's way home with me. This is my second Model 37. I bought a 20ga. Ultrafeatherlight two years ago in 98% condition for $350. Research on the gun auction sites suggest that I didn't do badly on price. So whats next? Maybe a 12ga Featherlight in the future to round out the collection? Sometimes it pays to be known for something.

 

[Ed Harris]

As Dad used to remind me, friends are better than money. It appears that you have found a good one who gave you a good gun and so are doubly blessed. The Ithaca 37 is highly reliable and about as close to bullet-proof as you can get in a pump gun. A 12-ga. Model 37 riot shotgun for home defense gun would rank VERY high on my list.

 

[Gordon]

A 16 ga 1957 Model 37 is a $350 quick gun and is a perfect upland game gun with that Mod choke IMHO.

 

[chas08]

A 16 ga 1957 Model 37 is a $350 quick gun and is a perfect upland game gun with that Mod choke IMHO.

I think it's definitely found a home. I was comparing it to my Model 12 16ga. last night and it seems considerably lighter, and fits me really well. If I ever get to do a Pheasant hunt before I get to old to walk (LOL) It will most certainly be on the trip. I've always had an affinity for the 16 because it was my Grandfathers gauge of choice for his "only" shotgun. There is a lot to be said for guns that are scaled to gauge. It's too bad Remington didn't jump on that bandwagon early on. I'll post a picture when I figure out what my wife did with the Camera cord.

friends are better than money.

Especially when the money can help a friend.

 

[reckless carolinian]

Always good to see a 37 go to a good home. The good ones don't get away often.

 

[ArmedBear]

16 and 20 are ideal in the 37, IMHO. You have the best of the best.

 

[docnyt]

Do you have any more friends with Ithacas?

 

[viking499]

Nice score. I have a 12 and 16 that dates to 1954. I am the third generation on the 12. Picked uo the 16 one day because I thought it was cheap. Not until then did I find the year of manufacture. Now just for good discussion purposes, I want a 20 guage from 1954. Then I would have a neat set to talk about. Not worth anything extra, but would be neat to say I had them.

 

[Gordon]

"It's too bad Remington didn't jump on that bandwagon early on. "
Oh they did! The gun before the 870 was a Model 31 and it was scaled to guage! I have all 3 guages with another "lightweight" with an aluminum reciever.
BTW the 1950s were Ithaca's top quality years IMHO. Thy had the metalurgy and real pride of craftmanship. Compare the finish to your Ultralight ! The down side is before the mid 60s the barrels did not swap out without fitting.

 

[chas08]

Well here is the pic. I'm not the best photographer but you can see it's in pretty good shape for a 53 year old. The 20ga. dates to 1984. I've used it for two Dove seasons and it's well on its way to being my favorite Dove gun. I'll give the 16 a crack at it on the next season opener. They are most certainly the best balanced and lightest pumps I own. I appreciate the comments I have a lot of respect for the experience that is posted in this forum.......chas

 

[reckless carolinian]

Well, do you have any other buddies that have vintage M37s just sitting around? For 200 bucks, I couldn't have said yes fast enough. Your 37s are real beauties.