Ithaca Featherweight

ddeyo1 · April 12, 2009, 07:29 PM

Well then. Ill get to it. I have the chance to buy a m37 featherweight 16 gauge. Ive seen prices from 250 to 400 during research. Its in good shape, 50s model i believe. Anybody have any input on possible pricing?
Thanks

Ruger4570 · April 12, 2009, 10:37 PM

Ithaca shotguns are simply great. I never had one fail and I do and have owned a couple. I just don't know where the 16 guage is going anymore. I also still own an Ithaca 16 guage NID double that I love to shoot. The 16 seems to be a dying guage and the shells are getting more and more costly compared to 12 or 20. Reloading components are almost not available and store shells are spotty at best. Personally, I'd look for an old Ithaca 12 or 20 just to be safe. Just my opinion and that and $1.69 will get you a cup of 10 cent coffee anywhere.

TxGun · April 12, 2009, 11:44 PM

I second what Ruger said. I'd probably still buy it, but I would want a better deal on the gun because it's in 16 ga. The 16 is a great, I'm not saying it isn't, but it's not especially popular anymore (though it did have a minor resurgence a few years back). You just have more, and cheaper, ammo choices in 12 or 20. The Ithaca 37 is a great pump shotgun...none better.

ddeyo1 · April 12, 2009, 11:59 PM

Im well versed in the awestruck wonder of the ithaca pump. I have 3 allready and ive been hunting everything from ducks and geese to grouse and pheasant to deer and bear with them as long as i can remember. i have two deerslayers and a featherweight, all 12 gauge and im allways lookin for more to buy and horde for myself. An older gentleman ive come to know over the past few years is looking to sell his equipment to someone and kindof wants me to have it. So im looking for fair prices for everything. Trust me im not gonna let a 37 slip through my fingers even if it is a 16 (and id kinda like to have a 16 to add to my arsenal

). Im really wonderin what a fair price would be to pay him.

TxGun · April 13, 2009, 01:24 AM

Your best bet is probably to look at http://gunbroker.com/ and http://www.auctionarms.com/ and do some comparisons. You may have done that already, but I doubt you'll get better pricing/costing info on any forum.

ddeyo1 · April 13, 2009, 09:48 AM

thanks for the input

coldshot · April 13, 2009, 11:42 PM

I have a model 37 in 16 gauge, it is a great pump gun. It fits me real good I love to shoot it even though it kicks like a mule. real good field gun light and tough I love the ring tail fore end and the way the barrel removes. But I must admit that I have to have my shells shipped and pay for the freight, and shells are heavy so when I see a sale I buy a few cases at a time. I cant find any places in southern California that carries 16 gauge shells. but if I were you I would get it if I could. Just a great pump gun.

ddeyo1 · April 14, 2009, 12:06 AM

a lot of small local shops round here sell 16 shells. ive even found a box of slugs. to tell you the truth im pretty excited about having another 37 to add to the collection, and im even more excited that its a 16, just to have something different

OLNfan · April 14, 2009, 12:19 AM

I have the featherlight m37 in a 12 and I love it. If I could find more Ithica shotguns around here I would gobble them up but there sort of scarce up here in b.c. canada. I have never shot a 16 gage before, let alone seen one. Im glad to hear that you can find ammo in your area and I hope you enjoy your new gun!

ddeyo1 · April 14, 2009, 12:24 AM

i definately will enjoy it. i feel kindof greedy with this being my 4th one, (ok maybe not

)

jrothWA · April 14, 2009, 01:25 AM

for after 855,000 the barrels were readily interchangable. whereas the pre 855,00 were individually mated and headspaced.
Also the SN shoulf be the same on barrel about the 5:30 position and the SN is on the fright front face of receiver.

ddeyo1 · April 14, 2009, 08:49 AM

sounds good.

peterz · April 15, 2009, 04:45 PM

Right jroth
My 16 is from 1953, give to me on my 16th bday
I am lucky enough to live in the Ithaca area and had several friends that worked there in the 70s and 80s.
they fitted my 37 with a nice piece of wood and a new slug barrel.
I'm not sure when they went with interchangeable barrels
Pete
PS the work cost me a couple of bottles of Wild Turkey

ddeyo1 · April 15, 2009, 08:47 PM

i live a few miles from ithaca, unfortunately the factory isnt there anymore

but i was looking into buying a slug barrel for it. im not sure what the serial # on the gun is since i havent had a chance to look at it but i think the interchangable barrels started after serial # 850,000 or so. corect me if im wrong.

jrothWA · April 16, 2009, 12:07 AM

that opened a gunsmithing business and deal with Ithaca's.
I have used him to mate a second barrel and reblue mt 1954 model.

As far as slug barrels, few are out there but expensive.

Keep haunting the auction sites for one.

ddeyo1 · April 16, 2009, 07:46 AM

thanks for the info. do you know the name of the place? im definately close enough to go check it out

celtgun · August 3, 2009, 06:00 PM

16 ga was popular in the South as a quail gun. 12 ga considered "bad taste"
among old-time quail hunters. Limited choices in ammo only problem, but you just have to look and stock up when found. The Model 37 is a classic, I own a featherweight w/cyl barrel. Pawn shop find @ $150. Solid as a rock.

ammo.crafter · August 4, 2009, 09:19 PM

First pump I bought my left-handed daughter. Can't beat that bottom-feed/bottom-ejection.
Light, fast and swings easily.
Go for it!

HeroHog · August 4, 2009, 09:48 PM

My 1st shotgun was a Stevens .410 single shot. My second was an Ithaca Featherweight 16ga. I drug that old gal EVERYWHERE and hunted everything from squirrels to ducks and deer with it and even took a wild boar with that gun. There simply isn't a better all purpose pump IMHO. That gal will be here and working like a dream when you and I are long gone.

PetahW · August 5, 2009, 06:18 PM

The 16ga has made a dramatic comeback as a game gun, and ANY 16 in good or better condition is in demand, commanding a slight premium.

The Ithaca Model 37 Featherweight is one of the better designs, a classic - good for either right or left handed shooters.

Their only shortcoming is a tendenancy to jam if short-stroked.

This 20ga Model 37 Deluxe Featherweight Deerslayer is the third Ithaca Model 37 I bought because I wanted a smaller, scaled-down gun
(The first was a 12ga riot gunm and the second a 12ga standard Deerslayer.)

.

gak · August 6, 2009, 02:15 AM

You can at least get std Rem field shot at Big 5. Great gun and gauge.

Waterengineer · August 6, 2009, 11:10 AM

Yes the 16 guage has a hard time keeping up with the 12 and 20 crowds but it is far from dead.

You might want to look here: http://16ga.com/home.html

The reason, IMHO, the 16 ga gets little air time is because there are no sanctioned clay games for said gauge.

Now, with that said. The 16ga is my favorite ringneck gun. I use an Ithaca 16 ga., that was handed down three generations (soon to be four) is used every fall on the family farm very close to where the Ohio Ithacas are made.

Great gun wouldn't change a thing.

**Mike Irwin** · August 6, 2009, 09:30 PM

It's actually called the Featherlight.

I have two 12 gauge models, one was my Dad's, one was given to me by a friend.

I'm looking for a 20-gauge with the old style "corncob" forearm. If anyone knows where one is hiding, please let me know.

April 12, 2009, 07:29 PM	#1
ddeyo1 Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2008 Posts: 195	Ithaca Featherweight Well then. Ill get to it. I have the chance to buy a m37 featherweight 16 gauge. Ive seen prices from 250 to 400 during research. Its in good shape, 50s model i believe. Anybody have any input on possible pricing? Thanks __________________ Beware the man with one rifle... He probobly knows how to use it.

April 12, 2009, 11:59 PM	#4
ddeyo1 Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2008 Posts: 195	Im well versed in the awestruck wonder of the ithaca pump. I have 3 allready and ive been hunting everything from ducks and geese to grouse and pheasant to deer and bear with them as long as i can remember. i have two deerslayers and a featherweight, all 12 gauge and im allways lookin for more to buy and horde for myself. An older gentleman ive come to know over the past few years is looking to sell his equipment to someone and kindof wants me to have it. So im looking for fair prices for everything. Trust me im not gonna let a 37 slip through my fingers even if it is a 16 (and id kinda like to have a 16 to add to my arsenal ). Im really wonderin what a fair price would be to pay him. __________________ Beware the man with one rifle... He probobly knows how to use it.

April 13, 2009, 01:24 AM	#5
TxGun Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: Family ranch - Central TX. Posts: 467	Your best bet is probably to look at http://gunbroker.com/ and http://www.auctionarms.com/ and do some comparisons. You may have done that already, but I doubt you'll get better pricing/costing info on any forum. Last edited by TxGun; April 13, 2009 at 01:46 AM.

April 13, 2009, 09:48 AM	#6
ddeyo1 Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2008 Posts: 195	thanks for the input __________________ Beware the man with one rifle... He probobly knows how to use it.

April 14, 2009, 12:06 AM	#8
ddeyo1 Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2008 Posts: 195	a lot of small local shops round here sell 16 shells. ive even found a box of slugs. to tell you the truth im pretty excited about having another 37 to add to the collection, and im even more excited that its a 16, just to have something different __________________ Beware the man with one rifle... He probobly knows how to use it.

April 12, 2009, 10:37 PM	#2
Ruger4570 Senior Member Join Date: April 3, 2005 Location: Rochester, New York Posts: 2,136	Ithaca shotguns are simply great. I never had one fail and I do and have owned a couple. I just don't know where the 16 guage is going anymore. I also still own an Ithaca 16 guage NID double that I love to shoot. The 16 seems to be a dying guage and the shells are getting more and more costly compared to 12 or 20. Reloading components are almost not available and store shells are spotty at best. Personally, I'd look for an old Ithaca 12 or 20 just to be safe. Just my opinion and that and $1.69 will get you a cup of 10 cent coffee anywhere.

April 12, 2009, 11:44 PM	#3
TxGun Senior Member Join Date: April 14, 2008 Location: Family ranch - Central TX. Posts: 467	I second what Ruger said. I'd probably still buy it, but I would want a better deal on the gun because it's in 16 ga. The 16 is a great, I'm not saying it isn't, but it's not especially popular anymore (though it did have a minor resurgence a few years back). You just have more, and cheaper, ammo choices in 12 or 20. The Ithaca 37 is a great pump shotgun...none better.

April 13, 2009, 11:42 PM	#7
coldshot Junior Member Join Date: December 28, 2008 Posts: 13	I have a model 37 in 16 gauge, it is a great pump gun. It fits me real good I love to shoot it even though it kicks like a mule. real good field gun light and tough I love the ring tail fore end and the way the barrel removes. But I must admit that I have to have my shells shipped and pay for the freight, and shells are heavy so when I see a sale I buy a few cases at a time. I cant find any places in southern California that carries 16 gauge shells. but if I were you I would get it if I could. Just a great pump gun.

April 14, 2009, 12:19 AM	#9
OLNfan Senior Member Join Date: February 27, 2009 Location: British Columbia Canada Posts: 277	I have the featherlight m37 in a 12 and I love it. If I could find more Ithica shotguns around here I would gobble them up but there sort of scarce up here in b.c. canada. I have never shot a 16 gage before, let alone seen one. Im glad to hear that you can find ammo in your area and I hope you enjoy your new gun! __________________ "Dear Governor Axtell. I've heard that you will give 200 dollars for my head. Perhaps we should meet and talk. I am at the Juarez village at the border. Send 3 men, and instruct them not to shoot, as I am unarmed. In short, Sir; I surrender. Your obedient servant William H. Bonney. PS: I changed my mind. Kiss my ass."

April 14, 2009, 12:24 AM	#10
ddeyo1 Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2008 Posts: 195	i definately will enjoy it. i feel kindof greedy with this being my 4th one, (ok maybe not ) __________________ Beware the man with one rifle... He probobly knows how to use it.

April 14, 2009, 01:25 AM	#11
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,519	If the SN is below 855,000 have the headspace check.. for after 855,000 the barrels were readily interchangable. whereas the pre 855,00 were individually mated and headspaced. Also the SN shoulf be the same on barrel about the 5:30 position and the SN is on the fright front face of receiver.

April 14, 2009, 08:49 AM	#12
ddeyo1 Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2008 Posts: 195	sounds good. __________________ Beware the man with one rifle... He probobly knows how to use it.

April 15, 2009, 04:45 PM	#13
peterz Junior Member Join Date: April 15, 2009 Location: central NY state Posts: 3	Right jroth My 16 is from 1953, give to me on my 16th bday I am lucky enough to live in the Ithaca area and had several friends that worked there in the 70s and 80s. they fitted my 37 with a nice piece of wood and a new slug barrel. I'm not sure when they went with interchangeable barrels Pete PS the work cost me a couple of bottles of Wild Turkey

April 15, 2009, 08:47 PM	#14
ddeyo1 Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2008 Posts: 195	i live a few miles from ithaca, unfortunately the factory isnt there anymore but i was looking into buying a slug barrel for it. im not sure what the serial # on the gun is since i havent had a chance to look at it but i think the interchangable barrels started after serial # 850,000 or so. corect me if im wrong. __________________ Beware the man with one rifle... He probobly knows how to use it.

April 16, 2009, 12:07 AM	#15
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,519	There's a Former Engineer in Ithaca, that opened a gunsmithing business and deal with Ithaca's. I have used him to mate a second barrel and reblue mt 1954 model. As far as slug barrels, few are out there but expensive. Keep haunting the auction sites for one.

April 16, 2009, 07:46 AM	#16
ddeyo1 Senior Member Join Date: December 22, 2008 Posts: 195	thanks for the info. do you know the name of the place? im definately close enough to go check it out __________________ Beware the man with one rifle... He probobly knows how to use it.

August 3, 2009, 06:00 PM	#17
celtgun Senior Member Join Date: August 17, 2008 Location: SE North Carolina Posts: 203	16 ga was popular in the South as a quail gun. 12 ga considered "bad taste" among old-time quail hunters. Limited choices in ammo only problem, but you just have to look and stock up when found. The Model 37 is a classic, I own a featherweight w/cyl barrel. Pawn shop find @ $150. Solid as a rock.

August 4, 2009, 09:19 PM	#18
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	sweet 16 First pump I bought my left-handed daughter. Can't beat that bottom-feed/bottom-ejection. Light, fast and swings easily. Go for it! __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

August 4, 2009, 09:48 PM	#19
HeroHog Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2008 Location: Shreveport, LA Posts: 486	My 1st shotgun was a Stevens .410 single shot. My second was an Ithaca Featherweight 16ga. I drug that old gal EVERYWHERE and hunted everything from squirrels to ducks and deer with it and even took a wild boar with that gun. There simply isn't a better all purpose pump IMHO. That gal will be here and working like a dream when you and I are long gone. __________________ Speedy AKA: Hero Hog, Dr. Speed, "That fat, old, balding, Grey-bearded gimpy guy" *I don't have NEAR enough ammo on hand. `Nuff said.*

August 5, 2009, 06:18 PM	#20
PetahW Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2008 Posts: 4,678	The 16ga has made a dramatic comeback as a game gun, and ANY 16 in good or better condition is in demand, commanding a slight premium. The Ithaca Model 37 Featherweight is one of the better designs, a classic - good for either right or left handed shooters. Their only shortcoming is a tendenancy to jam if short-stroked. This 20ga Model 37 Deluxe Featherweight Deerslayer is the third Ithaca Model 37 I bought because I wanted a smaller, scaled-down gun (The first was a 12ga riot gunm and the second a 12ga standard Deerslayer.) .

August 6, 2009, 02:15 AM	#21
gak Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2005 Location: Aridzona Posts: 2,767	You can at least get std Rem field shot at Big 5. Great gun and gauge.

August 6, 2009, 11:10 AM	#22
Waterengineer Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2006 Location: Aurora, CO and Palm Beach, FL Posts: 863	16 gauge dead? Really? Yes the 16 guage has a hard time keeping up with the 12 and 20 crowds but it is far from dead. You might want to look here: http://16ga.com/home.html The reason, IMHO, the 16 ga gets little air time is because there are no sanctioned clay games for said gauge. Now, with that said. The 16ga is my favorite ringneck gun. I use an Ithaca 16 ga., that was handed down three generations (soon to be four) is used every fall on the family farm very close to where the Ohio Ithacas are made. Great gun wouldn't change a thing.

August 6, 2009, 09:30 PM	#23
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	It's actually called the Featherlight. I have two 12 gauge models, one was my Dad's, one was given to me by a friend. I'm looking for a 20-gauge with the old style "corncob" forearm. If anyone knows where one is hiding, please let me know. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.