September 15, 2002, 10:35 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: April 20, 2002
Location: Colorado
Posts: 69
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Ithaca 37 questions
My dad died last year and one his guns was an old Ithaca Model 37.
It has a 28" barrel and has a duck hunting scene one one side and a pheasant scene on the other. Serial number is in the 368xxx range. I'm certain it's at least 40+ years old, as I remember it as a kid. I know Ithaca 37's are common, but is this something I should just shoot and enjoy or put in the safe? I've got the urge to shoot clay targets again and it's the only SG I have right now. Steve |
September 15, 2002, 11:51 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: March 20, 1999
Location: Somewhere in the woods of Northern Virginia
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This link to Ithaca Gun Model 37 Serial Numbers will help with the date of manufacture. From the description, it sounds like you most likely have a Standard Featherlight model.
Though I'm not qualified to comment on the use of the Model 37 for clays, I would highly recommend from experience having a recoil pad installed if you plan to do so. As for whether you should shoot it or keep it locked away, I would go with shoot it and enjoy it. The Model 37 is a very well built and fun gun. You won't harm it by using it for its intended purpose. |
September 16, 2002, 05:19 AM | #3 |
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Join Date: October 13, 1999
Location: Columbia, Md, USA
Posts: 8,811
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Shoot it, it's a JMB design and rugged as heck. It's also a smooth shucker and comes close to perfection as an upland pump gun. Not ideal for clays, but shoot the thing anyways and enjoy.
I bet your Dad would like the idea of his old pet in the hands of his son... HTH... |
September 16, 2002, 12:29 PM | #4 |
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Join Date: April 20, 2002
Location: Colorado
Posts: 69
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Thanks guys. Looks like it was made in '51 so it's older than me
It already has a pad on it but I bet that 40+ year old rubber doesn't have much give left in it. I remember shooting it as a kid and having a black and blue shoulder the next day. Steve |
September 17, 2002, 02:59 AM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: July 10, 2002
Posts: 234
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You might want to be extra careful with the Ithaca 37. They have no trigger disconnect. If you leave a finger on the trigger when you pump the action the piece will fire. Otherwise, they are great guns.
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September 21, 2002, 11:11 AM | #6 |
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Join Date: September 11, 2001
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 15
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My wife started clays with an old 37 I had inherited, circa 1947. Definitly get a new recoil pad installed. It made a world of difference.
Also, I believe Ithaca will upate your 37's trigger group and install a disconnector if you send it to them. |
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