Why can't I swap the barrel ithaca 37r?

jhgreasemonkey · July 23, 2010, 08:05 PM

I have a 1950 ithaca 37r and would like to use it for trap but it has a 19 inch barrel. According the Ithaca's website the serial number is too low to get an interchangable barrel. I just find that strange because the barrel removes and installs so easily. Anyone know why I can't do this, or if I have another option? Thanks.

sceva · July 23, 2010, 08:31 PM

Ithaca changed the thread / thread length and the later barrels will not interchange with those made before the change. You would need to find a barrel of the correct vintage and it will fit.
You need to be careful because putting the wrong barrel can either result in not going on at all or going on and having grossly excess headspace which results in the shell head expanding so badly it looks like a large belt in front of the rim.

oneounceload · July 23, 2010, 08:32 PM

Older barrels were fitted to the gun which is why you can't do what you want

slohand45 · July 23, 2010, 11:59 PM

Don't know it this will help but here goes.

When I got my police/HD short barrel for an 870,I picked one threaded for chokes so loads could be tuned with Imp/Mod Cyl. chokes. Along the way a rifled extension turned up and it gave me the chance to try saboted slugs.
Turns out the combo rocks out past 100 yards and solves not only my desire for a slug gun but also a light urban rifle with a nasty punch.

Now for your problem; A nieghbor got the barrel crushed on his elderly off brand family pump gun and could'nt find one anywhere and he really loves that gun. My deal with my pump gave me the idea and we took it to a local smith and he made it work.
Basically just cut the barrel off and threaded it for the rifled extension,then cut another barrel from his scrap can and cut a piece to replace missing part of his barrel. He was careful about the contour and the machining of the shoulder and threads on the extension and with a crush washer and some small cuts for a spanner to tighten the barrel on and off,BINGO!
My nieghbor now has his gun back,a slug gun and an HD and long barrel with chokes for both.Man is he jazzed.
The smith was pumped because he'd never considered that fix on a damaged barrel before and now everbody is happy.
Don't know if your Ithica is threaded for chokes or if you feel it's worth this much trouble but if it's an heirloom gun or something it might be a soulution and it should'nt hurt the original configuration of the gun.Plus it could give you other options you had'nt considered.(don't quit when you're hit)

slohand45 · July 24, 2010, 01:15 AM

Don't know it this will help but here goes.

When I got my police/HD short barrel for an 870,I picked one threaded for chokes so loads could be tuned with Imp/Mod Cyl. chokes. Along the way a rifled extension turned up and it gave me the chance to try saboted slugs.
Turns out the combo rocks out past 100 yards and solves not only my desire for a slug gun but also a light urban rifle with a nasty punch.

Now for your problem; A nieghbor got the barrel crushed on his elderly off brand family pump gun and could'nt find one anywhere and he really loves that gun. My deal with my pump gave me the idea and we took it to a local smith and he made it work.
Basically just cut the barrel off and threaded it for the rifled extension,then cut another barrel from his scrap can and cut a piece to replace missing part of his barrel. He was careful about the contour and the machining of the shoulder and threads on the extension and with a crush washer and some small cuts for a spanner to tighten the barrel on and off,BINGO!
My nieghbor now has his gun back,a slug gun and an HD and long barrel with chokes for both.Man is he jazzed.
The smith was pumped because he'd never considered that fix on a damaged barrel before and now everbody is happy.
Don't know if your Ithica is threaded for chokes or if you feel it's worth this much trouble but if it's an heirloom gun or something it might be a soulution and it should'nt hurt the original configuration of the gun.Plus it could give you other options you had'nt considered.(don't quit when you're hit)

southpaw02 · July 24, 2010, 04:47 PM

Those pre 855000 (1963) guns barrels were mated to each gun. That is why the serial number is on the barrel & the receiver. So if you find a correct vintage or newer barrel it will need to be fitted by a gunsmith. A good one will also put the correct serial number on the barrel.

I doubt you will find a solid rib barrel. More than likely it will be plain you might also find a vent ribbed barrel. However,it might be a little pricey.

Hope this helps.

SP

jaguarxk120 · July 24, 2010, 05:20 PM

Try www.diamondgunsmithing.com they specialize in the Ithaca shotguns. They may be of some help.

kozak6 · July 30, 2010, 06:40 PM

The older guns have helical threads, while the newer interchangeable barrels have straight threads.

Ithaca can fit an adaptor to your shotgun, but it's rather expensive.

July 23, 2010, 08:05 PM	#1
jhgreasemonkey Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2006 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 2,238	Why can't I swap the barrel ithaca 37r? I have a 1950 ithaca 37r and would like to use it for trap but it has a 19 inch barrel. According the Ithaca's website the serial number is too low to get an interchangable barrel. I just find that strange because the barrel removes and installs so easily. Anyone know why I can't do this, or if I have another option? Thanks.

July 23, 2010, 08:31 PM	#2
sceva Member Join Date: November 27, 2004 Posts: 50	Ithaca changed the thread / thread length and the later barrels will not interchange with those made before the change. You would need to find a barrel of the correct vintage and it will fit. You need to be careful because putting the wrong barrel can either result in not going on at all or going on and having grossly excess headspace which results in the shell head expanding so badly it looks like a large belt in front of the rim. __________________ Sceva

July 24, 2010, 04:47 PM	#6
southpaw02 Junior Member Join Date: November 28, 2009 Location: S.E. Va. CSA Posts: 14	Model 37 R Those pre 855000 (1963) guns barrels were mated to each gun. That is why the serial number is on the barrel & the receiver. So if you find a correct vintage or newer barrel it will need to be fitted by a gunsmith. A good one will also put the correct serial number on the barrel. I doubt you will find a solid rib barrel. More than likely it will be plain you might also find a vent ribbed barrel. However,it might be a little pricey. Hope this helps. SP

July 23, 2010, 08:32 PM	#3
oneounceload Junior member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: N. Central Florida Posts: 8,518	Older barrels were fitted to the gun which is why you can't do what you want

July 23, 2010, 11:59 PM	#4
slohand45 Member Join Date: June 19, 2010 Location: MO./KAN. a smidgen AZ. Posts: 22	Don't know it this will help but here goes. When I got my police/HD short barrel for an 870,I picked one threaded for chokes so loads could be tuned with Imp/Mod Cyl. chokes. Along the way a rifled extension turned up and it gave me the chance to try saboted slugs. Turns out the combo rocks out past 100 yards and solves not only my desire for a slug gun but also a light urban rifle with a nasty punch. Now for your problem; A nieghbor got the barrel crushed on his elderly off brand family pump gun and could'nt find one anywhere and he really loves that gun. My deal with my pump gave me the idea and we took it to a local smith and he made it work. Basically just cut the barrel off and threaded it for the rifled extension,then cut another barrel from his scrap can and cut a piece to replace missing part of his barrel. He was careful about the contour and the machining of the shoulder and threads on the extension and with a crush washer and some small cuts for a spanner to tighten the barrel on and off,BINGO! My nieghbor now has his gun back,a slug gun and an HD and long barrel with chokes for both.Man is he jazzed. The smith was pumped because he'd never considered that fix on a damaged barrel before and now everbody is happy. Don't know if your Ithica is threaded for chokes or if you feel it's worth this much trouble but if it's an heirloom gun or something it might be a soulution and it should'nt hurt the original configuration of the gun.Plus it could give you other options you had'nt considered.(don't quit when you're hit)

July 24, 2010, 01:15 AM	#5
slohand45 Member Join Date: June 19, 2010 Location: MO./KAN. a smidgen AZ. Posts: 22	Don't know it this will help but here goes. When I got my police/HD short barrel for an 870,I picked one threaded for chokes so loads could be tuned with Imp/Mod Cyl. chokes. Along the way a rifled extension turned up and it gave me the chance to try saboted slugs. Turns out the combo rocks out past 100 yards and solves not only my desire for a slug gun but also a light urban rifle with a nasty punch. Now for your problem; A nieghbor got the barrel crushed on his elderly off brand family pump gun and could'nt find one anywhere and he really loves that gun. My deal with my pump gave me the idea and we took it to a local smith and he made it work. Basically just cut the barrel off and threaded it for the rifled extension,then cut another barrel from his scrap can and cut a piece to replace missing part of his barrel. He was careful about the contour and the machining of the shoulder and threads on the extension and with a crush washer and some small cuts for a spanner to tighten the barrel on and off,BINGO! My nieghbor now has his gun back,a slug gun and an HD and long barrel with chokes for both.Man is he jazzed. The smith was pumped because he'd never considered that fix on a damaged barrel before and now everbody is happy. Don't know if your Ithica is threaded for chokes or if you feel it's worth this much trouble but if it's an heirloom gun or something it might be a soulution and it should'nt hurt the original configuration of the gun.Plus it could give you other options you had'nt considered.(don't quit when you're hit)

July 24, 2010, 05:20 PM	#7
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,619	Try www.diamondgunsmithing.com they specialize in the Ithaca shotguns. They may be of some help.

July 30, 2010, 06:40 PM	#8
kozak6 Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 3,113	The older guns have helical threads, while the newer interchangeable barrels have straight threads. Ithaca can fit an adaptor to your shotgun, but it's rather expensive.