From the Vault: Ithaca 37 Shotgun
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- čas přidán 26. 08. 2024
- Along with the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500, the Ithaca Model 37 is one of the most popular pump action shotguns of all time. The 37 has been around since, well, 1937, and there are about a gazillion of them out there.... Actually, more than 2 million of them have been produced. It's also one of the all-time favorite scatterguns of Brownells Gun Tech™ Steve Ostrem, who tells what makes the Ithaca 37 special. It's affordable, dirt-simple, robust, and reliable. Takedown is super easy, and it loads and ejects from the bottom, so it's equally friendly to right- and left-handed shooters. The Model 37 is a John Browning design originally produced by Remington as their Model 17. After the Browning/Remington patent expired in 1937, Ithaca brought out their revised version of the gun, simply named after the year of its introduction. More than 80 years later, the Ithaca 37 has been in production LONGER than any other pump action shotgun. (The Remington 870 came out in 1950, the Mossberg 500 in 1960.)
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And for a lefty like me, Heaven on the eject!
I am a lefty as well. I also love the Safety placement ...
@@stevew6910 and @nancy Offenhiser do you folks use the left hand safety kit (press to fire from left side) that is available? I have a left hand safety kit to pass on to the next generation with the gun, but I still have the right hand safety installed, I shoot mine both ways and I have adapted to the RH safety over the years. BTW, I love the safety placement at the rear of the trigger, same as my Remington 870. Had a Winchester 1300 with safety on front side the trigger, did not like that placement.
@@whatsinanamethatthecaptive577 I adapted to a right hand safety as well,
When I was 22 my dad bought me a Browning BPS, Perfect for either hand,,,, Just like you I was thinking about the next generation so I never modified the Safety for a left hand,,,
The most struggle I ever had with a Safety are on handguns. That took me awhile to learn for a single hand situation on my Kimber, (Closing slide and Safety
I have an Ithaca Model 37 'Basic' model shotgun in 12 gauge which I bought in 1982 on the advice of family members who had Ithaca Model 37 shotguns. The 'Basic' model has 'parkerized' finish on the receiver and barrel, no scroll engraving on the receiver, and plain non-checkered walnut stock. 'Corncob' style hardwood forearm. I had a 'Polychoke' adjustable choke added to the barrel. It is a plain, no-nonsense field gun that has taken a lot of game over the years and it is completely dependable.
Mine is my home defense gun of choice, loaded with OO, I know it will get the job done if I do my part
Easily my favorite gun in the lot and I have some NICE guns!!! It just FEELS right. Every time I pick it up, it says "I'm ready to go!" I love it so much, I'm having a new barrel with chokes put on it to keep her rollin hard core for another 80 years. - can't believe it- I've been hunting with a gun that's 80 yrs old!!! AMAZING
I sold one a few years back and regretted it. Just found a great example for $200- excited to take it out this winter.
I really enjoy the insight and wisdom of the old timers. Thanks for sharing with us!
When I was a kid the sweet 16, 37 was my dream gun !
Classic John Browning Design 😀👍🏼 Lefty Friendly
I have an Ithaca Model 37 pump shotgun, the model 37 'Basic' which I believe manufacture of that model started in 1979. My particular example is 12 gauge, has parkerized exterior metal throughout, plain uncheckered satin finish walnut stock, stained hardwood 'corncob' style fore end, plain receiver. I bought mine new in 1982 (manufactured in 1980) It originally had a 28" modified choke barrel, but I had it cut back to 25" and a 'Polychoke' adjustable choke installed. I've taken much game with mine; rabbits, squirrels, woodcock, pheasant, and deer. I'm in process of researching market values for my gun collection, and am having a hard time finding out what my Ithaca is worth. Seems every model is listed except that one. Great gun. Never regretted my decision to buy an Ithaca.
Ithaca 37’s are simply terrific pump action shotguns, long proven to be rugged, reliable, durable, accurate and easy to use well. We are currently blessed with a “firearms world” with many excellent alternatives in virtually every category, but Ithaca products are often overlooked - I really don’t understand why - in a marketplace dominated by Remingtons, Mossberg, and several other excellent domestic and foreign manufacturers. They just might be the best of all.
Ithacas can also slam fire which is fun.
@@myusername3689 only those before 1974. Later guns will require modification on the trigger group (best done by proffessional gunsmith)
I have the 16 gauge, it’s super accurate for a smooth bore. I use slugs primarily and it kicks like a dang mule.
Would love to see a Brownells video on a Winchester Model 12.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Perfect design for when you need something for.... close encounters.
calm down gaz
@@notch5969 its aliens... you fail
as soon as I laid eyes on the Ithaca I thought of my Browning BPS
Barrel removal is different, But it it shuck shells like the BPS, Its a handy gun
That can take a lot of abuse . I have fired thousands of shells through My BPS
only one shell it does not like, Cheap Remington low brass field loads
Is the browning as slim as the ithaca? Thanks
@@litoneup I could not say, I have never held a Ithaca
I just found myself a 12GA 20" slug barrel Deerslayer Featherlight from around 1967. Took me years to find a reasonably priced one in good condition.
Hello Steve, thanks for the accolades on the model 37.
You did leave out some interesting information on the shotgun, I guess it's because you concentrated on the sporting aspect of the gun.
The Ithaca shotgun served the US military, all branches in various conflicts around the world. Many times in guard duty activities, but also in combat. For what seems like an eternity, the NYPD relied on that gun. I'm sure that many other law enforcement agencies did the same thing.
As an example of the ruggedness of the shotgun, my dad took one to Kenya in 1981. It was a gift for a gentleman who entertained him and a few others for a couple of weeks while touring the country.
** Anyone who has been to Africa can affirm that weapons are just tools over there and don't receive any TLC. Well, that Ithaca is still used and being abused, but it's a workhorse. Much like the old 9.3x62 cartridge (hint - hint).
My Dad has my late Uncle's 60s Era 16g slamfire.. great gun!
Love the Ithaca’s and Browning BPS shotty’s
I just picked up a 37 in great shape. I’ve yet to shoot it but so far I’m loving the design of this shotgun.
Love my Ithaca 37 ultra featherweight in 20ga... great dove/quail harvesting tool! 😉
That's 'FEATHERLIGHT' please & thank you.
I have heard that phrase, I was just reading the lettering straight from the barrel... wanted to make sure that I got it right! 😁
I've got a 1976 made Model 37. Put a Hastings barrel on it with screw in chokes, restored the wood, it's my favorite shotgun. Shot more early season ducks with it than any other shotgun I own. Never had a failure, as you said Steve, it just works. This gun will be passed down to my children, I hope they value it as much as I do.
Thank you for a great honest education review of the American pump shotgun and giving John M Browning his respect of his design !😊 A gun genius😊of simplicity of taking the barrels on and off I love that before screw and chokes just swap barrels whatever application you want. It is a real shame. The Browning corporation stop building the gun.
Thank you
I have my Uncle's Ithaca 37 Deerslayer in 16 gauge. Killed my first buck with it, killed my biggest buck with it, a nice 10 pointer that's on my wall above me. It's killed dozens of grouse, coyotes, etc. It just works, and it's an awesome shotgun.
My Dad got me one for my first deer season 43 years ago, a 20 GA Deerslayer with extra field barrel. It's taken several deer, partridge, rabbits and with high brass #4 it's my go to woodchuck gun. Drilled and tapped for scope it will drop deer at 75-100 yds. with RWS Brenneke slugs damn near every time if your aims good. Had to replace a firing pin once (slamfire) and that's it. Still looks and shoots like new. My sons are fighting over who gets it when I die; that's how you know if the gun is any good.
Love this shotgun. I have a mossberg 500, a Winchester model 12 in 16 ga, a Browning O/U 12, a side by in 28…but the gun I take in the field in the fall is my model 37 20ga. Feels great, shoots great, looks great, easy to carry. I once went a full season going twice a week for pheasant and only missed once with this gun (much of the credit goes to poppy, my setter…). Mine is a ruffed grouse society special edition, will go to my son when I am done. Would love to find a nice one in 16 ga…
Just acquired an Ithaca 37. It is for sure my new favorite pump shotgun.
love my 37, it was passed down by an old friend
Love Itahca products,,,thanks
Appreciate this video, Brownells for the dub!
just back from pawn shop with my new needs cosmetic love 37 for 150 out the door , hekka pleased
They are smooth, smooth , smooth!
Still my favorite bird gun, 16ga Ithaca just got a CZ that might challenge that spot but right now it’s still the 16ga only downfall is find steel shit 16ga for hunting in CA. Smooth effortless action to it, light weight and beautiful
Update still hard to find steel shot in 16ga but took the CZ on a couple trips and had a number of what I believe to be ammo related malfunctions so Ithaca is still in that number 1 spot
Being a lefty, I've always wanted one of these. All of the ones I've found locally have been, let's just say not treated that well, lol. I don't have the tools or know-how to restore them, but I'd love to learn someday.
My dad is a Southpaw and he had one of these. It was my first bird hunting guns
You will love the fact that the current Browning BPS has a tang mounted safety making it especially suited for you lefties.
An excellent shotgun! Just added a 37 to my collection last year. So far I got a 70’s era 870, model 1897 from 1906, a model 12 Winchester, and the red headed step child Winchester Ranger model 120 😂 in .20 guage. Plus a few newer 12 guages. Supernova and the beretta ultima patrol auto loader for home defense.
Hello, ,One note you may want to add,,,, you neglected to point out an important safety concern for this Ithaca model 37 (pre 87) , It will slam fire ( pump fire ) if the trigger is depressed / held back while you pump / chamber a round. It is a great feature for rapid fire ,, but should be noted for safety ( never load this weapon or any weapon with your finger on the trigger ) PS, both the Winchester models 97 and 12 have that capability as well,
Best pump gun EVER! It's almost like that Browning guy kind of knew what he was doing. It'll also slamfire. My first gun (circa 1967) was/is the 20 gauge version of this gun and you'll never convince me that the Mossberg nor the Remington can hold a candle to it. You can still find beaters for $250 but some of the more desirable models have picked up a little value---not unreasonable though for the BEST of anything in it's class. Thanks for the video, Steve
Ever use a JC Higgins model 20? Smoothest pumping shotgun ever made… (even smoother than a Remington model 31) Made by High Standard for Sears and Roebuck back in the day.
I always keep my eye out for them. Currently, I have a 12 ga. from the King's Ferry era. It has put meat on the table. Subscribed.
Found a very nice 20 gauge Model 37 at the local gunshop. Very lightly used. 28" bbl mod choke. Probably 70's. I grabbed it. Edit: 1977
I have 2 Ithaca 37’s one is a military gun it has the slam fire feature and a bayonet adapter and it amazing what I have been offered for this gun
Beautiful 👍🏼
Been looking for one for years
I always enjoy these videos!
Thank you!
They made a 16 Gauge, my Uncle bought one in the early 1950's.
mine is nickel plated. I love it
I've always loved researching guns because I like to write fictional stories in which I'm very specific about weapons used, and this is a beautiful gun, one of the more beautiful shotguns (at least in my opinion) I've seen and used in my stories. That's all, nothing special, I just think it's pretty and effective
Nice one. I inherited 1 from my grandfather who was an NRA member. It is still in good condition. The serial number tell me it was manufactured in 1944.
I just found a Ithaca model 37 featherweight 12g at my local pawn shop today!
I'd like to see a Winchester Model 50
I got a 1955 37 Featherlight that has almost lost its parkerized finish in places. The action was so full of carbon and unburned powder it barely locked into battery. I took it apart and cleaned it and it still looks rough, but a man can’t ask for a smoother, more reliable action. I have a 870 Special that was my go to turkey gun, I would argue to say that 37 beats it hands down. Also the slam fire is a plus for immediate follow up shots.
Ever handle a JC Higgins model 20? Smoothest pump shotgun ever made. My favorite
I have a western field model 30 in 16 gauge that I love any info on that model in any gauge would be an awesome video
Cool.
I would love to see the Remington nylon 66 if you can find one. Father had one when I was just a young kid. Thanks
No slam fire!?
@YS; My 37 does slam-fire. Love it.
The very best shotgun for a Duck blind bottom eject means nobody is getting hit with empty shells.
How about a side by side of the Ithaca 37 and the Remington 17. That would be a great video.
Can you do a video on the Remington model 8?
I trust you videos and would like to see the ithaca model 37 maintenance and service
Would like to see Winchester Model 12, Winchester 1897, Winchester Model 50, and a very difficult to find shotgun, a Sjogren.
Steve, I have a 1957 Ithaca model 37 featherweight 2 3/4 that my grandad left me when he passed away. Was wondering if you think I can run steel shot through the barrel as a couple have told me that I should not run any steel through antique guns.
I speak kachook as well
Who makes the aluminum benchtop holder you have the 37 sitting in?
I'd like to find another with ribbed barrels.
Can you please make a review for sig 510. Thanks
Where is the disassembly video
Page-Lewis 22 falling block ,,ever hear of 1?
Ithica DID make a .410 in the 37 I have one that belonged to my Grand Mother. The also made it in 10 gauge. I have at least one in .410, 28, 20, 16 12, and 10 gauges. The model 37 has been my go-to shotgun since I was a kid and Grandma let me use her .410 for quail. They have never failed me in the field, range or skeet trap. I also like the fact that they will slam fire making follow up shot much quicker with a little practice.
How is the Ithica 37 different from the Chinese Norinco YL 12? I know the Chinese made some modifications (for example I think the YL 12 is heavier) but don't know what they are. Can anyone enlighten me?
Could you review the New Haven by Mossberg 600 AT, in 12 gauge? One interesting feature was the "C-lect" choke, which adjusts simply by turning the knob on the end.
How do the current production Ithaca 37's compare to this oldie?
hancock63 Everything’s tough, super reliable, but it doesn’t have slam fire function. You can still get a good shape used one for under $300
I have one from 1941 and the only difference is the slam fire.
And it was designed to slam fire. Just hold your finger on the trigger and pump away.
Is Steve's a 20 gauge?
CRSED bring me here
How does the bottom ejection work? How does it eject a shell while loading another round from the same loading/eject port?
It's magical I guess!
has anyone ever come across a 37 with a 20" barrel marked "mod" instead of "cyl" in a trench configuration?
"rescued from a pawn shop"
who disliked this?
Mossberg 385K bolt action 20 ga
It’s a little beat up, a little worse for wear...I resemble that remark
Who else is here after watching tf2 item origins
tf2 moment
That’s a really ugly example. This is a great shotgun & a great overview. Typical high quality production by Brownells.