Ithaca 37 questions

[Parke1]

Hey all,

Although I've been a dyed-in-the-wool 870 fan for some time now, I just heard a new siren's song today while at the local gun shop on my lunch break. I came home with a lovely old 37 for next to nothing. Oh, ok, fine, I'll tell you, it was $100. It's a 12ga, modified choke. I'm not sure of the barrel length exactly, but it looked to be 30 inches. Here are my questions:

1. Where is the serial number on this gun? I didn't have a whole lot of time to inspect it yet, but I certainly didn't see anything on the receiver.

2. How do I know which variant of the M37 this is? (ie Featherlight, deerslayer, etc) It's an oldie, and it has waterfowl scenes engraved on the sides, and the small, ringed forend.

3. Are there any resources out there for getting this dated (once I find the serial number)? I know that at some year they quit using the little pin on the magazine tube screw ring, but I can't remember what year that is. This gun DOES have that assist pin.

Thanks a lot for your help! I can't wait to get this gun out and put it through the paces!
-Parke1

 

[Starter52]

THIEF! You bought an Ithaca 37 for a hundred bucks? I paid $225 for one at the last gun show and I was very happy to get it at that price.

 

[John Peddie]

Serial # shd be stamped on the bottom of the receiver, just behind where the barrel goes in.

In mine, the same serial # is stamped on the bbl.

Walt Snyder's books have a list of dates / serial #'s and they're also available on the Net, though some sources differ by a year or so.

Shoot it, love it...you will never regret your purchase.

Remember that barrels below 855,000 SN cannot be interchanged at home...need a gunsmith or the factory, though I'm not sure how much the "NEW" Ithaca backs up the old products.

Need help? It's on this site, and also here:

http://www.diamondgunsmithing.com/

Delicious old and revered guns-my absolute fave.

 

[Parke1]

Ok, I found the serial number, and I've been looking around online trying to find a serialization chart, but I haven't come up with anything. Anyone here have a book they can look it up in? The serial number is 3387XX.

Yeah, I felt a little guilty about taking her home for $100, but I seem to be blessed quite frequently with excellent firearms deals.

Thanks for the tips so far. I really can't wait to get out and shoot this beautiful gun. I just need to stop fondling the thing or I'll make my Wingmasters and 1187 jealous... (between you, me, and the wall, this Ithaca makes my 1187 feel like I'm swinging a 2x4)

-Parke1

 

[John Peddie]

Ask Les Hovencamp at the Diamond shop referenced in my earlier post. Their site has a chart, but the minute you scroll around, it vanishes.

From his posts on other sites, I know Les is a friendly and helpful guy-retired Ithaca factory gunsmith.

He frequently posts on Shotgunworld.com, on the "I love my Ithaca" board, so you could ask there too.

Ithacas swing like wands, at least for me. Being small, I need all the help I can get from the gun.

I'm only sorry that I was introduced to them so late in my shooting career.

I just hope that Craig Marshall ("New" Ithaca) can keep them alive.

You basically stole the one you got, but even brand new, they're a bargain.

Renewed Canadian distributorship is in the offing, and I'll be first in line.

Les can also help with parts and repairs. If you hit a brick wall on parts, PM me.

 

[Black_Talon]

Ok, I found the serial number, and I've been looking around online trying to find a serialization chart, but I haven't come up with anything. Anyone here have a book they can look it up in? The serial number is 3387XX.

Your Ithaca was made in 1950.

 

[Jesse Wood]

Also need help...

I have a 20 gauge Model 37 with serial number 989595. Could someone possibly help me with a date of manufacture for this gun? I've searched everywhere online for a chart, but could not find anything.

 

[Black_Talon]

.....serial number 989595. Could someone possibly help me with a date of manufacture for this gun?

Your M37 was made in 1967.

 

[Jesse Wood]

Wow, it's a year older than me. And in better shape I'm afraid to admit.

Thanks so much for the info BT.

Jesse

 

[Jon Coppenbarger]

nice shotgun for a real good price. not very many moving parts, bottom eject, very reliable and you gotta love that hold the trigger and pump fire aspect.
I have wanted one for several years since I got rid of one. You always miss something after its gone.
I picked up one from a friend a couple of months ago also. It was made in 1941 before the war broke out.

 

[Parke1]

Yeah, I'm really taken with mine. It's a very elegant design, definitely.

-Parke1

 

[HANSE]

I have a model 37 with serial number 13658.
I'm very qurious when was this gun was made?

Is there a listing of serial numbers and manufacturing dates on the internet?

Hans Torkildsen

 

[cane]

I was married to a model 37 for a year. When the BPS came out I bought one because of the 3" chamber, and thumb safety.

 

[PWP]

Ithaca Gun Serial Numbers

I have completed a reference page on our website that reflects Ithaca Gun serial numbers up until 1947.

I am also posting schematics and parts lists. Model 37, Flues & Knick are done & available free.

Coming soon will be a store with manuals that can be immediately downloaded.

Check it out & spread the word!

www.diamondgunsmithing.com

Enjoy!

 

[Marshall]

I called, was told there were no dealers in the state but I could buy a 37 Featherweight for $849.00 plus FFL and shipping.

I'll buy Browning BPS's instead, thanks.

 

[Clemson]

Comparing a BPS to an Ithaca 37 is somewhat like comparing Rosie O'Donald to Katie Holmes. The BPS outweighs the 37 by a good two pounds in the same gauge. Absolutely the only similarity is the bottom ejection.

Clemson

 

[Marshall]

Never heard of a BPS being referred to as Rosie O'Donnell.


BPS Hunter: 7.0 to 7.10lbs

37 Featherweight: 7.3lbs

Where's that 2.0 pound difference?


http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/detail.asp?value=011B&cat_id=012&type_id=211

http://www.ithacagunsusa.com/uplandgunspecs.html

 

[Clemson]

Mea Culpa!

My 1947 20 gauge Ithaca is 5 lbs 12 oz. The 20 gauge BPS is 7 lbs even.

The "new" Ithaca 12 is listed at 7 lbs 3 oz vs the 7 lbs 10 oz to 8 lbs 1 oz shown for the BPS.

Maybe I can cut the BPS back from Rosie to Oprah.

Clemson

 

[Marshall]

LOL

We'll just say, they're both pretty damn good guns.

 

[Black_Talon]

I have a model 37 with serial number 13658.
I'm very qurious when was this gun was made?

This gun was made in 1939.

 

[Clemson]

We'll just say, they're both pretty damn good guns.

Agreed! Among the very best, I'd say.

Clemson

 

[RDW1942]

Ithaca 37 serial

I was wondering if some one could give me a manufactured date. The serial number is 253784.

 

[Jody Johnson]

Congrats on the 37....

Mine was mfg 1945/46, solid rib, w/cutts compensator. I've got $200 in it and I shoot very often...in fact, shot it in a sporting clays fund raiser two days ago.It's a 12 ga.
It's darn near put my superposed in retirement, along with my A-5. 37's handle...at least to me...like nothing else.

And the neat thing about them is that today's shooter, probably not familiar with the gun, usually passes them by for the more "trendy" guns.

If you're into sixteens at all...and get the chance to own n' shoot a 37 16 ga...you'll really get an appreciation of the Ithaca...

Good shooting...

 

[Crazy Uncle Al Gore]

The serial number on my model 37 is 862056. What year was it made in, am I correct in guessing the early 60's ???

 

[Black_Talon]

I was wondering if some one could give me a manufactured date. The serial number is 253784.

Your M37 was built in 1949.