Looking at a Model 37 that is advertised as "pre-war 1940." Its serial number is 276xx, a 37R 20 guage with checkered and capped pistol grip and small diameter checkered forend; wood is better than standard grade. Originally a 28" full choke but now has 27 1/2" bbl. with Polychoke. Has a new Ithaca "sunburst" pad which replaced a Pachmyer White Line. Stock appears professionally refinished with checkering refreshed well and lightly. About 95% blue with wear on rib edges and sharp corners; looks like it's slid in and out of a soft case more than been actually carried.
I get to look at and handle this gun tomorrow morning and want to buy it--price is OK if it is what it appears to be. I'm not put off by the Poly, since I'm not a collector nor a purist.
Questions: Is it really pre-war? Is there a chance that it had a Polychoke added at the factory and that it originally had an Ithaca sunburst recoil pad? Can this Polychoked barrel handle any shot other than lead and bismuth?
Should I start asking non-double questions over on the "Misfires" area? (I happen to regard Ithaca 37s as "fine guns", but would abide by the will of the board).
