doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Ithaca M 37

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.