Ithaca 37

hlds54

New member
Just purchased a 1942 Ithaca 37 in 16ga. Was wondering if you all could give me some history on the gun. I know it is a Browning design and was used by the military. Can someone tell me when they stopped making them? thanks
 
They never stopped making the Ithaca Model 37, it is still in production.
No die cast parts,no alloy or plastic parts and if your left handed there is a left hand safety for the gun.

If you should ever need any parts they are all avaible from Ithaca in Ohio, 419-294-4113.

The serial number range for the 1942 Ithaca is 50901 to 63000.
 
Since yours is a pre-73 model be aware that they do not have a disconnector. If you pump the gun while holding the trigger back the gun will fire as soon as it is in battery.

Pumpfiring is VERY fun if you have the ammo budget.:cool:
 
Ithica then a break in the 80s or so, then former employees bought it and I thought out of business again. If not --good.

I bough a 37 that was in bad shape. I had it reblued and the gunsmith did a beautifl job-late 70s. Previously it looked like someone had taken a pipewrench to the barrel to try and disassemble. I gave it to my son for college graduation. He wanted choke tubes but the barrel was to thin. I sprang for a new barrel w/ tubes. Had to be sent in for fitting of the barrel.

I hope he still has it.
 
Love My 37s

:)
I have 3 Ithaca Model 37s two bought new by me in 1967 the Deluxe Vent Rib Models one in 12 gauge one in 20 gauge.
My 3rd Ithaca Model 37 was made in 1947 and was bought new by my uncle in 1947.
That is the gun I learned to shoot on.
He left it to me when he died, in great condition.
All my Ithaca Model 37s are in excellent shape and have been used alot.
Never a breakdown or a problem with any of them.
Mine 3 do not have a disconnector on them either and I love to pump fire them slang term (SLAM FIRE)
Ithaca should have never changed that pump fire in the 70s that is why alot a people bought that shotgun for being able to pump fire it also it had bottom ejection.
Leave a good thing alone, it worked for years, but as always some bean counter at the Ithaca Company thought his idea to save money and take that off the shotgun.
John Browning designed the 37 to work that way, I know they are smarter up at Ithaca than JOHN MOSES BROWNING.
Fred
 
The I-37 has a loyal owner base as do some of the other "slam fire" pump guns. If you're a fan of the bottom eject style pump gun, as are many left-handers, the Browning BPS at $660 may be more in your budget than a new I-37 at $859.

Beyond safety considerations, a reason "slam fire" shotguns have been discontinued may have something to do with how a machine gun is legally defined. If you are stretching a point, as attorneys are apt to do, a "slam fire" gun is capable of firing more than one shell with a single pull of the trigger making it a machine gun by some vague definitions. Of course, the same can be said about a "fanner" cowboy revolver.
 
First of all the "slam-fire was eliminated due..

to the 1932 National Firearms act.
If it is doing it now, then it a bad dis-c0nnector.

Second, confirm the SN on the barrel is the same as on the right reciever front edge, IF NOT the have the headspace checked as the pre-855,000 Sn receiver and barrels were specifically mated and headspaced.
After 1963 (post 855,000 SN) barrels were interchangable.

Goggle diamond gunsmithng , the owner is retired cheif engineer of the Ithaca NY, Ithaca gun and specilizes in the 37.

Recommend two other websites:

www.16ga.com
www.shotgunworld.com good ithaca forum here.

Enjoy.
 
First of all the "slam-fire was eliminated due..
to the 1932 National Firearms act.
Couple points.
1. It's 1934 NFA act
2. The Ithaca 37 was first produced in 1937, well after the NFA act was passed.

The disconnector was put in because of liability/safety concerns, not the NFA. The sources I trust say 1973, while others say 1975. Everyone agrees that the point was in the early/mid 70's. Two of my 37's, made in the 60's, will pump-fire while my third, which was made in the late 70's will not.
 
First in the Model 37 there is NO disconnector, if you hold the trigger back on a late model gun the hammer will follow the bolt home.

Second the early guns had a second sear that came into play when the trigger was held back and the action was operated.

The second sear is/was a small projection on the right side of the hammer. With the trigger held back the slide stop held the hammer back until the slide came forward locking the bolt into battery. Then the side stop moved to lock the slide into locked position. At the same time (trigger held back) the hammer was released and the gun fired.
 
The new ones do not fire when pumped holding down the trigger. Try to check on what is being produced instead of making your opinions show your lack of knowledge.
 
Beyond safety considerations, a reason "slam fire" shotguns have been discontinued may have something to do with how a machine gun is legally defined. If you are stretching a point, as attorneys are apt to do, a "slam fire" gun is capable of firing more than one shell with a single pull of the trigger making it a machine gun by some vague definitions. Of course, the same can be said about a "fanner" cowboy revolver.

+1 zippy

Although I can't recall the exact article as it was many years ago, I know I read something...possibly in an NRA gun 'rag' , mirroring what you(zippy) implied in your post.
 
oletymer check the Ithaca web site and look under parts internal, you know the parts that Ithaca sells.

Please tell everyone what is the part number of the disconnector. There is a exploded parts diagram and each part has a number that can be looked up with the stock number and price.
 
I love my Model 37, and i like to hold her by the hip and slam fire some shots every now and then too....awesome shotgun...mine is waaay pre 400000...i have been meaning to figure out exactly how old, it came from my wifes grandpa.

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If you go to www.ithacagun.com under the heading "resources" you will find the serial number listing. It is a PDF file you can save it if you want, but your guns number should be in there.
IF you should ever need parts they have all the replacements, the Model 37 is just the same as it was when yours was made.

Happens to be the longest production of any shotgun made, since 1937 to date.
 
model 37

I have a model 37 featherlight but can't find a serial number anywhere. Where should it be located at?
 
On the older guns you can find the serial number stamped on the front edge of the reciever. Later guns have the number on the right side lower left corner of the reciever.
 
I found it on bottom of barrel after checking receiver again, don't know how iI missed it?.... thanks for help
 
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