Ithaca 37 questions

[stevesmith7]

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

 

[Mal H]

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.

 

[Dave McC]

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...

 

[stevesmith7]

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

 

[106RR]

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.

 

[dervari]

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.