Ithaca Deerslayer Police Special

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ithacadsps

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I recently received this gun from my father. What I hear most about this gun is that the deerslayer police special shoots slugs. I have the 19.5" smoothbore barrel. Can I also use this to shoot 2 3/4" birdshot for trap? My father in law seems to think I might need a different barrel to shoot birdshot with this gun. Is this true?
Also, it's about 20 years old and it was never cleaned :[ Now I want to clean it but the cap seems to be stuck, so I can't take off the barrel. Any tricks to getting this off? My Remington 870 is a lot easier to get a good grip and loosen. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
 

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Sure you can use it with birdshot (#7-1/2 or 8s) for trap; but, with that short barrel and fixed sights it will be a challenge. Your father-in-law is correct.
 
Go to www.shotgunworld.com , in the Ithaca forum they have a sticky that has the service manual for download. Tearing down a Model 37 is not all that hard, main thing is correct size screwdrivers.

If the serial number is after 855,000 then a new barrel can be had from Ithaca.
If it is before 855,000 then Ithaca can fit a new barrel but the cost is much higher.
Please note Ithaca in Ohio has all the replacement parts you will ever need should you need them.
 
Umm. You do realise that you do the mag nut *up* to release the barrel? Also, remove stock *before* undoing trigger group bolt.

Regards,

Mark.
 
FWIW, Deerslayer barrels were bored somewhat undersize for the gauge (12 or 20), to optimize accuracy with Foster-type slugs in the smooth bore.

As posted, they'll pass birdshot, or any other 2-3/4" 12/20 ga ammo, but with no choke the shot patterns will be too wide/thin beyond a very close range.

Soooo - good for Skeet & brush hunting birds/rabbits, etc. Not so good for longer range hunting/shooting, like Trap.

Also,
Dedicated Trap guns have stocks designed to be comfortable over the regimen of shooting several 25-bird rounds of clays.
While comfortable for a shot or three, the Deerslayer's field-type stock is not designed for the long haul.

.
 
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