Are the current production Defenders being made with a removable barrel?
I know when the Sandusky made 37 Defenders were first released they had a barrel that was permanently attached to the receiver.
Like in the pic below:
You can see that there is no lug or any other connection between the end of the mag tube and barrel. This indicates a fixed barrel. Sometimes they came with a ring around the mag tube to act as a spacer for the barrel so the tube couldn't be bent up against the barrel and bind up the slide.
That is the image that used to be on Ithaca's website.
Now however the image shows a lug on the end of the barrel:
And the features list states:
Quote:
•12 GA: 18 ½” or 20” interchangeable barrel with standard cylinder bore.
•20 GA: 18 ½” fixed barrel with standard cylinder bore.
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So did Ithaca decide to start using removable barrels on their 12GA Defenders?
If so that would be sweet.
Always wanted an Ithaca 37. A nice solid shotgun built the way they used to be. Out of steel. No plastics or aluminum.
But the fixed barrel was always the deal breaker. I want the versatility of interchangeable barrels.
I think it might be time to go shopping for an Ithaca.
Wonder what made them change their mind. They always touted how the fixed barrel makes the gun stronger and helps keep cost down. Most people already see Ithacas as kinda pricey for a pump gun. I guess they decided that people prefer the versatility of interchangeable barrels over whatever dubious strength benefits a fixed barrel gives, without paying the price premium for a Featherlight. I would agree with them on that.