I have a 1776-1976 commemorative Featherlight 12g., 30" mod barrel, very thin barrel (I guess to lighten it up). Does anyone know if it can handle modern high pressure 2 3/4" loads? I have many cases of a brand called Clays that I had tested and it comes in at an average of 11,500 psi. I shoot it through my 687 and will probably shoot it through my BSS from the 1980's but I am not sure about the M37. I also have a Winchester 101. Would it handle it also?
Thought or comments appreciated?

Hi Builder,

I have a Win 101 purchased used in 1975, my first shotgun. The 101 can handle anything you can put through it. Strong gun with chrome barrels. As for a 1976 M-37 I would think it could handle any modern ammo but I have never owned one and don't really know.

Jeff G.

Hi Builder,

I have a Win 101 purchased used in 1975, my first shotgun. The 101 can handle anything you can put through it. Strong gun with chrome barrels. As for a 1976 M-37 I would think it could handle any modern ammo but I have never owned one and don't really know.

Jeff G.

Of course your M-37 can handle modern loads! It's a modern gun! But you're gonna get smacked around when you fool with duck loads because recoil relates to ejecta and gun weight. Read a couple of English books on shotgunning. The Limeys knew everything of importance 125 years ago. And they kill most of their birds with light loads shot from guns of men who know how to shoot. Chopper

I'm sure an Ithaca model 37 manufactured in 1976, even if it has a light contour barrel, and if its in good condition, is perfectly safe for any 2.75 inch shell you can buy for it, baby magnum or otherwise. It is a fully modern gun. However 37's are light and will kick the stew out of you with hot loads...Geo

I have the exact gun with the exception of mine has a 28in mod barrel...deluxe checkered stock... small checkered forend...packmyer pad... high polished blue finish and engine turned bolt, carrier..1776/1976 bicentennial stamped engraving on receiver..When new they came in a hard case with a serial numbered belt buckle...1776 made, with special 1-1776 serial numbers...It will handle any 2 3/4in factory ammo... but dont shoot steel through it....Its a classy looking 37..

Mine has never been shot but it has a serious scratch on the receiver. It has a deluxe stock with interesting figure but no checkering and the corncob forearm. I assumed it was original. If I remember correctly the serial number is USA18xx so I am not so sure what I have right now. The stock finish had crazed so I removed it and refinished it with ProCustom oil. It is a classy looking gun! I bought it used last year without the case and belt buckle at a gun show. I plan on shooting it this weekend with my sons (other guns also)using a sit down thrower with two arms so we can throw doubles.

builder, I believe that the Bicentennial Models came with small hand checkered forends similiar to the pre war 37's and Supreme grade stocks that were hand checkered. Am not sure either what you have.

Mine has USA152X....Marble cake buttstock with what looks like a pewter minute-man grip cap..I picked it up 2nd hand at a gunshow without the case or buckle but in unfired condition...just a couple lite handling marks..Still wondering if I should shoot it?...

maybe when your receiver got scratched the previous owner switched out the wood with a 30s/40s vintage gun...if he changed the grip cap on it with the older all black Ithaca type it would be hard to tell from a early wood set??..

I had one of the 1977 30in full 40yr anniv. ducks unlimited field grade guns that I sold a few years back with 2 extra hastings barrels one rifled slug barrel and a 28in wad lock with choke tubes....only hunted with it twice, probably had only 3 or 4 shells through it....sold it for $450...paid that much for the extra barrels....

A picture (or 5) is worth a thousand words.

This is the way it came except for the redo on the stock. I was looking for a M37 and came across this for $280 so I grabbed it. I was not looking for a collector gun just a nice representative model to shoot and add to my collection of shooters.

builder;
Very nice looking gun and if that mark on the front/bottom of the receiver is the [Bad] scratch you mentioned I wouldnt worry about it, almost wish mine had it as it would be easier to make the decission about shooting/hunting with it..If that buttstock wood was checkered it looks like the grade that would have originaly come on the gun. The original forend would of been the same size but with slightly more figure and checkered instead of grooved...The one I have also has a Vent Rib barrel....You got a very good deal [stole it] comes to mind...

Maybe they did not sell all 1776 of the guns with VR barrel, checkered wood, and belt buckle. The gun sure looks fine like it is.....

BTW..you did a sweet job on the wood refinish!!..

Your are right...a picture...or five...is worth a 1000 words. The Bicentennial Model also had a vent rib and a pewter Sid Bell grip cap with a likeness of Lou Smith. So still not sure what you have except a hybrid of some sort. Appears that someone kept the receiver and changed the forend, barrel and wood...pretty nice wood though. You may as well shoot it and enjoy it.

Thank you. I hope they made 1976 guns since my serial is in 1800 range. That is the scratch but it deeper than it looks in the picture. Maybe they sold well and they decided to put together parts to make it to 1976. The white line pad seems appropriate for the period. I love the stock wood. The long barrel with the long receiver give a very long sight plane. Maybe Walt will comment on this subject if he sees this.

Maybe they did use up left over receivers and assemble guns beyound the 1776..That would explain the USA18XX serial number...I would of thought an aftermarket put together if not for the serial number and uncheckered upgraded wood ..Would be nice if Walt chimed in on this....Either way its an interesting, good looking 37.....

Builder, check your serial number. The number you gave is too high for a bicentennial but is not too high for the americana model. Your receiver looks like a bicentennial but your wood looks like an Americana also known as the heritage model. Maybe Mr. Snyder will be along shortly to shed some light on this.

Mitch, Recommend that you buy Walt's book on the M37. While the receivers are similarly engraved on the Americana and the Bicentennial Models they are distinctively different and the one builder has is definitely the Bicentennial. In addition, Walt states in his book that Ithaca made 1976 Centennial models starting with serial number USA0001 and ending with serial number USA 1976.

Rick, I have the book. And I had to reread his post to realize I had misread his serial number. Oh well, I've never been known to be the sharpest knife in the drawer. Sometimes my tongue gets over my eye teeth and I can't see what I'm saying. If I could figure out how to do it I would delete that last post.

Great quote. I'll have to remember that one!

Mitch, Been there...done that. More than once. Glad to hear that you have the book. Wish everyone else did too. They better hurry though since Walt doesn't have all that many left and he does not plan to reprint it.