Ithaca 37 3" capability

svenrh · May 5, 2009, 09:03 AM

Does anyone know if a non-magnum receiver Ithaca 37 is safe to fire 3" shells. This would be of course with a barrel chambered for 3" shells installed.
I have a magnum marked receiver and a non magnum receiver, and I can't detect any difference between the two in regards to any dimensional differences on any of the parts.

dgludwig · May 6, 2009, 03:30 PM

Best to contact Ithaca with your (interesting) question. If you do, let us know what you find out.

Slopemeno · May 6, 2009, 05:46 PM

My guess is, among other differences, the ejector is mounted further to the rear on the 3".

svenrh · May 6, 2009, 07:29 PM

I'm waiting for an answer from Ithaca. I will forward their answer as soon as I get it.

jrothWA · May 6, 2009, 10:21 PM

Ithaca, NY. He former Engineer for Ithaca, give him SN and he'll tell you right.

WA Shooter · May 13, 2009, 01:06 AM

When you want to know about Mod.37 check Walter Snyder's book.
The differences are: receiver, action bar, shell carrier, and the firing pin are longer.
The trigger plate is farther back and the bolt looks shorter.
If you fire the 3" shell, I believe,you would not be able to eject it.
I am a fan and collector of the 37, I've bought and sold many of them over the years and I now have 24 of them in my collection.

BarkeyVA · May 15, 2009, 01:30 PM

I installed a replacement barrel chambered for 3" shells on my 12 ga. Model 37 that was made in 1972. I assumed the gun would handle 3" shells. WRONG! The first time I shot a 3" shell in it the spent shell would not eject. I had to take the barrel off to get it out.

May 5, 2009, 09:03 AM	#1
svenrh Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2007 Location: God's Country Posts: 100	Ithaca 37 3" capability Does anyone know if a non-magnum receiver Ithaca 37 is safe to fire 3" shells. This would be of course with a barrel chambered for 3" shells installed. I have a magnum marked receiver and a non magnum receiver, and I can't detect any difference between the two in regards to any dimensional differences on any of the parts.

May 6, 2009, 03:30 PM	#2
dgludwig Senior Member Join Date: February 12, 2005 Location: North central Ohio Posts: 7,486	Best to contact Ithaca with your (interesting) question. If you do, let us know what you find out. __________________ ONLY AN ARMED PEOPLE CAN BE TRULY FREE ; ONLY AN UNARMED PEOPLE CAN EVER BE ENSLAVED ...Aristotle NRA Benefactor Life Member

May 6, 2009, 10:21 PM	#5
jrothWA Senior Member Join Date: November 11, 2006 Posts: 2,519	google dimondale gunsmith in.. Ithaca, NY. He former Engineer for Ithaca, give him SN and he'll tell you right.

May 13, 2009, 01:06 AM	#6
WA Shooter Junior Member Join Date: May 29, 2007 Posts: 1	Ithaca 37 3" 12 gauge When you want to know about Mod.37 check Walter Snyder's book. The differences are: receiver, action bar, shell carrier, and the firing pin are longer. The trigger plate is farther back and the bolt looks shorter. If you fire the 3" shell, I believe,you would not be able to eject it. I am a fan and collector of the 37, I've bought and sold many of them over the years and I now have 24 of them in my collection.

May 6, 2009, 05:46 PM	#3
Slopemeno Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2007 Posts: 2,663	My guess is, among other differences, the ejector is mounted further to the rear on the 3".

May 6, 2009, 07:29 PM	#4
svenrh Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2007 Location: God's Country Posts: 100	I'm waiting for an answer from Ithaca. I will forward their answer as soon as I get it.

May 15, 2009, 01:30 PM	#7
BarkeyVA Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2008 Location: Southeastern Virginia Posts: 123	I installed a replacement barrel chambered for 3" shells on my 12 ga. Model 37 that was made in 1972. I assumed the gun would handle 3" shells. WRONG! The first time I shot a 3" shell in it the spent shell would not eject. I had to take the barrel off to get it out.