Ithaca 37 questions

S

stevesmith7

New member
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
 
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.
 
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...
 
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
 
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.
 
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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