doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com OT: Ithaca M37 questions

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).

I regard 37s as fine guns too. I can't answer any of your questions, but there is a Walt Snyder book out there specifically on Ithaca 37s that will. A polychoke would not put me off in the least: the things actually work. Good luck...Geo

The gun was made in 1940, as stated.
The Sunburst pad is a high possibility.
As the barrel has the Full choke marking, the Poly Choke is after market, but it is possible that that the factory did the work.
It might handle steel shot but I wouldn't do it.

Asking here is fine.

Referring to Mr. Snyder's book, and you may know this already, but that would be a first-year production model as they began in 1940 with the solid rib, the 20 gauge came in only 26in. or 28in. barrel length (12g went up to 32in.), and "the Model 37R in 1940 could be ordered with any of the common choke choices." Wood was handcheckered with a standard "14in. LOP to a hard rubber butt plate." Sold for $51.95 in 1940. That would be the equivalent of $767.74 today (via ConsumerPriceIndex comparison). Mr. Snyder's book also shows a few overlapped advertisements, the top of which indicates "1940" and the second of which indicates the Model 37R. That advert states a price of $51.60, and prices a "Ithaca Recoil Pad" at $2.50 extra. I would suspect such a first-year firearm in that gauge is fairly rare to come up for offer. Jump on it!

All apologies upfront; I don't want to hijack your thread MikeA., but I asked the mods last week (without receiving reply) about simplying showing what Ithaca Guns in Sandusky is doing these days w/ M37's, especially considering many's appreciation for these shotguns and because they'll be producing doubles. So if i could slip in that I can't be happier with a custom ordered 12 gauge M37 received the other week from Sandusky OH. Factory custom stock worked to my needs, 24 lpi, light right-side palm swell, traditional gold bead sight, and a receiver w/ chase hand engraving (plus added fill and sceneing at engraver's discretion) - can't wait to put some shells through it and look to order a custom O/U or SxS when they're ready. Mods please cut or move my reply if it is innappropriate. Good luck with the prospective purchase!

Mike, it appears all your questions have been adequately handled. These pre-war M37's are exquisite pumps and as stated choke and pad could be factory but they are also consistant with the period, so who cares? Post pics please when you get it.

rrrgcy
That's a beautiful piece of wood! I ordered the same gun in 16 gauge from the previous owners and got crap for upgraded wood, after two stocks, I sold the gun because of the taste in my mouth.
It looks like the present owners understand guns better. I really like the chased roll markings! I assume its 3" chambering?-Dick

The Upper Sandusky plant (different than Sandusky) is also making a 28 ga. 37 now. Pretty pricey though. I have a 1938 in 12, a 1951 (my birth year) in 16 and a 1940 20 ga. I think the 37 is the best pump gun made.

Thanks, all. Very glad to see the quality of the new production 37s; wish I could afford one of those, too. Good also to see the relative price; makes them seem not so pricey! Maybe I'll have to settle for Mr. Snyder's book tho (I have a birthday coming up; will have to angle for it--wonder what bait to use? Hmmmm, my wife loves her 16....) If I get this 20, I'll have a 37R 12 ga made in 1949 (30" full), a 37R 16 ga made in 1954 (26" skeet) and this one, plus my wife's much later plain bbl. 16 (26" IC). Wish I had more time and space to shoot em all!

I picked up a 12 gauge 1940 Ithaca 37R with a busted stock. The Action and metal were perfect but the wear to the blue finish was unappealing and the stock could not be saved at any reasonable price.
I am having it reblued and restocked into a trap gun with a starburst pad.

I love those old Ithacas. Now this one will be shot.
Picture is as purchased. Picture looks much better than it was.

Have you seen the new 28 gauge M37 Ithaca is making with its scaled frame!!!! It would make even most die hard Model 12 lover drool. The owner was holding one up and it looked like a rapier in his hand probably handles like one too!!!