I have a recent production Ithaca 37 riot gun. It is very nice and reminiscent of the care that American gun makers used to instill in their product. I was happy to find one new in box and didn't mind paying the high price because I think it's the last American shotgun of that quality that will ever be made. It's not perfect, as every now and then (maybe one time every 3 or 4 tubes) the action can hang chambering a new round. Like the shell is catching on something and won't chamber til you gently work the action back and forth just a little and it finally slides home. I am moving 2 hrs away from Ithaca and I was going to take it to a gunsmith there who was the old Ithaca shop foreman to look at, but then I saw he was recently deceased and I don't know that I'd trust this gun to anyone else it's so nice. It's not the shell stop letting a second round feed or anything and it is infrequent, but it does shake your confidence a little if you meant to rely on that gun for defensive purposes.
I also have a Mossberg Maverick 88 that I have dedicated to using shorty shells. It's flawless, but it's very much built to a price point and there is no mistaking that. Regardless, it is awesome that there is an American made $200 shotgun that is 100% trust your life to it reliable.
I bought a Remington Model 31 on auction and I picked it up from my FFL last week. Barrel code says it was made in April 1947, and to me this is in superb condition for a gun of that vintage. The action is the smoothest thing you ever felt. Out of curiosity I racked the action back then tilted the muzzle down, and it closes under its own weight. Taking it out to shoot next weekend. I love this shotgun, it is just the bee's knees. I paid under $300 for this Model 31 which makes me feel very proud of myself lol
I also have a Mossberg Maverick 88 that I have dedicated to using shorty shells. It's flawless, but it's very much built to a price point and there is no mistaking that. Regardless, it is awesome that there is an American made $200 shotgun that is 100% trust your life to it reliable.
I bought a Remington Model 31 on auction and I picked it up from my FFL last week. Barrel code says it was made in April 1947, and to me this is in superb condition for a gun of that vintage. The action is the smoothest thing you ever felt. Out of curiosity I racked the action back then tilted the muzzle down, and it closes under its own weight. Taking it out to shoot next weekend. I love this shotgun, it is just the bee's knees. I paid under $300 for this Model 31 which makes me feel very proud of myself lol