Ithaca Question: numbered barrel?

[Visor1]

Hi, Ive been looking at Ithaca 37 shotguns because i am left-handed. Up to now I have shot a SxS. I have seen some 37s advertised with barrel and receiver having matching serial numbers. I have also seen one in a local pawn shop with no serial number on the barrel. The barrel appears to have the same degree of wear as the rest of the gun.

Does anyone know if the 37s were made at different times with and without serial numbers on the barrel ?

Also, If I buy one with a longer barrel and want to add a shorter deerslayer barrel, what is invovled with custom fitting it?

Thanks!

 

[blackDdefense]

go to Ithaca's website. They have alot of info on the serial numbers so that you can tell if you are able to swap barrels. Ithaca recomends sending them the gun to head space with new barrel..not sure if you really need to.

from the factory "interchangeable barrels will only fit guns with serial numbers above 855000"

 

[oneounceload]

Older guns had barrels mated to the receiver; newer ones do not

 

[bushmaster1313]

The older receivers have the serial number stamped into the fron face.
Hard to find if you do not know where to look

 

[texlaw67235]

I,m left handed too.If you will try the Ithica ,I suggest you try the safety first.Mine is great when just handling,but when you load heavy my safety cut the inside of my trigger finger,It' no biggie, but something to consider.

 

[Visor1]

Thanks for the replies!

Would a gun made in the '60s or '70s have a mated barrel?

 

[Southpaw 02]

Another lefty, I have been using a M37 for longer than I sometimes care to think about. It is however my go to pump gun.

The older guns with the mated barrels, below serial #855000 were made before 1963. above that serial number then the barrels could be interchanged easily

If the number is below 855000 then you will need a gunsmith to mate them to the receiver.