Ithaca Model 37

[Gil Martin]

Here is a copy of the email I sent to the editor of Shooting Times. Just the idle thoughts of an idle fellow. All the best...
Gil

Dear Editor:

I enjoyed the article "Ithaca Model 37" by Joel Hutchcroft in the March 2014 issue of your magazine. There is no doubt that this is a classic shotgun and I am fortunate to own a number of them in 12, 16 and 20 gauge options. All of my Ithaca shotguns were bought off the used gun racks in various gun shops and the last one cost $189.00. I believe the author omitted the price of a new Ithaca Model 37 because the MSRP is right around $1,000.00. Who would buy a new one at that price when an excellent used Ithaca Model 37 can be purchased for a fraction of the cost? I doubt that you will publish my letter, but that is just fine because I am allowing my subscription to expire without renewing it. All the best...

Gil Martin
Schnecksville, PA 18078

[Adam Helmer]

Gil.

You are correct on several counts:

1. The used gun rack is a place to find great buys. Most hunting guns get afield a few days or a week per year and most are "Gently" used.

2. The Ithaca Model 37 is an interesting concept with both bottom loading and ejecting. I did once own a 20 gauge M37 and gave it to a young man who needed a hunting shotgun. He got his turkey that year and did ok on grouse this year.

3. I read the article where a NEW M37 was about $1,000. With our current lack of small game due to NO PGC Game Land habitat improvement, I cannot see how a young hunter can justify such an expense to "take a M37 for a walk."

We grew up in an age where a military surplus rifle that was $15-$30 and a $4.00 box of hunting loads made hunting doable. Single barrel US made shotguns were $29.95 in the Sears Catalogue. I cringe when the current hunting magazines review a shotgun or deer rifle and see the price is $650-$3500.

Adam

[GoodOlBoy]

I agree guys. Not only is ammo stupid expensive and hard to find right now, but new gun prices follow right along. I saw a Ted Williams model 99 lever action 30-30 in good condition in a shop before Christmas for $150. Right beside it was two OLD H&R 12 gauge single shots in decent condition for $85 a piece. But naturally all the shop wanted to show folks were brand new pumps for $850+, or semis for $950+. What a shame people ignore those old American made guns with today's new chinese and russian made gun prices.

Richard

[Gil Martin]

There are many excellent used shotguns (and rifles) in the gun shops that I visit. It seems that many older hunters no longer go out and their guns are on the market. The gun shops I patronize know me and offer discounts. The classic older firearms are my preference and they offer real quality and value. All the best...
Gil

[wrenchman]

Give me a 40 year old gun any day that was when they made a gun wood stocks and a gun you would name because you could depend on it or it was part of the family because a loved one hunted with it.
I have my grand fathers old a 5 browning and my uncles 94 and my grand mother's single shot and when I use them it brings back some good times.

[gold40]

While you are correct that there are many used Ithaca Model 37's available, there is clearly a market for NEW ones at $1k.

I think the "targeted buyer" is an experienced hunter, who probably does own an older Model 37, or even several. That person may have been successful in business, and now has "extra money" to spend on his hobby.

The new Model 37's are available in the specific gauge, barrel length, and with choke tubes that the buyer specifies. I recently shot one of the new deluxe Model 37's in 28 gauge, and it was very well finished. I doubt that many older guns were made in 28 ga. or .410. One would look long and hard to find a nice one.

Many new shotguns cost more than $1k - Citori's, Guerini's, Beretta's, etc. The Ithaca price is not that different, or out of line.

I, for one, am very happy that the Ohio company is still making new Ithaca pump guns.

gold40

[Gil Martin]

My letter was published in the May 2014 issue of Shooting Times. I am amazed. All the best...
Gil

[Rapier]

Gil,
If I recall correctly, isn't Shooting Times now one of the gun magazines owned by that anti gun bunch in NY City? Reminds me of the Salsa commercial and the guy with the door lock.
Ed

[skeet]

Ithaca 37s. They were a pretty good operating shotgun. Never did like 'em Always felt kinda clunky to me. Of course they were a copy of the Model 17 Remington..which was I think only made in 20 ga. I was in Winchester/Remington country. Couldn't sell 'em worth squat. I did think they were better operating than a nasty ol 870 though. The real Remington pump gun was the Model 31. Not many people know that the 12 ga 870 was designed off the Remington 31 16 ga receiver. The 31 had 2 or 3 different receiver sizes. So did the Ithaca I think. In the original Ithaca they never made a regular production 28 ga. The re-iteration of Ithaca I think did make a 28 and 410 available. The 410 woulda been great I think. If it worked well.

[popplecop]

First shotgun I ever shot was my Dad's 37 in 16 ga. It had a 28" barrel choked mod., He used for all of his bird hunting and trap. He bought it before the war and switched to a Beretta O/U in 1970. The old 37 made a couple of trips back to the factory over the years but had lots of rounds through it.

I have two 37s one is a 37R 28" Full choke barrel from 52 and the other is a 16ga. from 57 with a 28" mod. barrel. Do shoot both and even made a SW Louisiana duck hunt, the 12 got fed bismuth only. The performed well and the bottom eject is great for blind hunting.

[Adam Helmer]

skeet,

I got to agree with you. I acquired a 12 gauge, 16 gauge and 20 gauge Model 37 and gave them all away to new hunters who needed a shotgun to go hunt with. I never felt comfortable with a gun that fed and ejected out of the bottom. All my beneficiaries of M37s had successful hunting seasons and all is well.

Adam