The 97s first serious competition in the pump gun category was its sibling, the Winchester Model 12, introduced in 1912. A 12, 16, and 20 gauge. I have one made in 1975 that is a 20ga and another made in 1977 coming in 12 ga. The gun was called the 1911 but knick named "The widow maker" Interesting guns. Les Hovencamp www.diamondgunsmithing.com Z Zbigniew Registered Joined Mar 12, 2016 5,492 Posts With the depression dragging on and another war looming on the horizon, it was possibly the worst time to introduce a sporting arm. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. May 16, 2012, 09:43 PM . 3% charge on credit card purchase. Otherwise, the Model 37 operates in much the same way as other pump-action shotguns; with the exception that, unlike most pump-action (and semi-automatic) long arms - which usually eject expended shells to one side, usually the right - the Model 37 ejects them downward, through the aforementioned loading/ejection port. I've tested the gun on multiple circumstances and the sounds and animations do fluctuate abit especially in . Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests. It jammed from the first day he used it. For example, did the 1897 have it? Here's what it's like to shoot this classic scattergun. This was free of charge and, while exact numbers arent available, many Model 1893 owners took advantage of the offer. All these Model 37's had the serial number prefix of 381. West Islip, New York. WOOD AND METAL EXCELLENT. ITHACA MODEL 37 DEERSLAYER 12GA BARREL LENGTH 20 INCH OVER ALL METAL AND WOOD RATES 97% MECHANICS PERFECT. NY: Avon Books, 1995. The Model 37 has the fewest parts of any pump shotgun, promoting reliability and creating a smooth, light, positive action. The Model 37 was used by the United States Armed Forces in World War II,[5] the Korean War, and especially the Vietnam War, where it gained a great reputation for reliability in the jungles of Vietnam when generally used by special and special operations forces like the Navy SEALs[6] and Army Green Berets. S/N: 39375 Mfg. "Shooter-grade" 37s can still be had in the $200 range. The New York City Police Department used 2 versions of the Model 37: one with a 13" barrel with forend hand-strap for its Emergency Service Unit and one with an 18" barrel for its Highway Patrol and solo patrol officers of designated low-crime precincts through a short-lived program spanning from the late 1970s to early 1980s. Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests. Free Shipping, No Credit Card Fees. I have to say that our Slam Firing Shotguns would appear to be an urban myth, born of non Ithaca owners mystical reverence of our chosen shotgun! But not to abuse it in anyway either. Ithaca soon established itself as a major player in the firearms history. . barrel is modi, Excellent condition, light wear and handling marks. 12 gauge. I don't get the impression it was intentional, one of the reasons I think this is,is because they "fixed" it, as said it was a carry over of a john browning design that Ithaca adopted. There is no record I know that explains the rationale behind it. Production paused in 2005 when Ithaca once again changed hands. An LGS has a 37 for $250. Free Shipping, No, selling a model 37 pump 16 ga, nice condition thtoughout, persumably original finish, tight action. 3% Credit Card Processing Fee will apply. To clear the jam, I must force the second shell back into the magazine and then close the bolt face. Comb and length dimensions differ for the various models, and if specific measurements are needed, the Ithaca Custom Shop will provide. Free Shipping, No Credit Card Fees. . 16 Gauge .Click for more info. The Model 37 Featherlight has commonly been seen in the hands of farmers and hunters in the midwestern United States. They used the Remington Model 17 as their model and made modificationssuch as simplifying and cost-saving alterations of the firing pin and ejection mechanism, the work of Ithaca designer Harry Howland in 1931[2]while waiting for related patents to expire. $35.00 shipping. When the action go's into lockup the slide release moves to lock the slide holding the acton closed. Model: 37 Featherlight. More than 2 million Model 37s have been produced over the guns 80-year history. Chamber marked 2 3/4", choke marked full, and 14" LOP. The Dawn Of The Pump That first successful pump-gun was the Winchester Model 1897, which was an improved variant of the Model 1893. The Model 37 was issued by the LAPD beginning in the 1940s and remained in service until the late 1990s. And its a safety concern with some shooters. PUMP SHOTGUN, CIRCA 1981. Based on a 1915 patent by firearms designer John Browning for a shotgun initially marketed as the Remington Model 17, it utilizes a novel combination ejection/loading port on the bottom of the gun which leaves the sides closed to the elements. Lay-, Metal surfaces rate near excellent, light handling marks to wood. By 1897, Winchester had made and sold about 30,000 Model 1893s. The Best Gun Going) Gauge: 12, chambered for 2 3/4" Shells. The 97 has it, as does the 12. That's nice, I won't feel bad about slamfiring it anymore! Choke. 16 Gauge, Guns Listing ID: 741035The Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight Deerslayer is a vintage pump action shotgun that was designed off a John Browning patent. I have two that will not fire with the trigger held back --- 37147xxxx and 37153xxxxx both guns have a "disconnector". It was made in several variations, including a riot-gun model with a 20-inch barrel that became popular with many law enforcement agencies. ITHACA MODEL 37 FEATHERLIGHT PUMP 12 GAUGE 3 MAGNUM CAMO SHOTGUN. Mr. Smith was a brother of L.C. ITHACA MODEL 37 REPEATER Model 37/Standard Grade1937-1983 Model 37S/Skeet Grade1937-1953 Model 37T/Trap1937-1953 Model 37T/Target1954-1961 Model 37R/Solid Rib1940-1967 Model 37 Military Marked (WWII) Model 37RD/Deluxe Solid Rib1954-1962 Model 37 Deerslayer1959-1987 Looking to get 375 negotiable. This has made the Ithaca popular with left-handed users, who may fear hot shells being thrown at them by other guns. In 1937, it was released as the Ithaca 37. Todays Model 37 is available in 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauge. The Winchester 1897 and Ithaca 37 actions are way more complicated and expensive to manufacture than the 870 and 500. When it happens you can see how some of the old quail hunters around here used to think that pumps were faster than semi autos. I've only done this on target loads. The Model 37 had the slam fire from day one, and was discontinued in the late 70's. However, law enforcement agencies could order new guns with the slam fire if desired. Many sporting arms ceased production entirely during the same period. Serial Number: 371659823. Nobody builds on model 12s because parts are getting scarce and you need to really understand them when tweaking them. 1. There are three different types of trigger for the model 37, the slam fire, the standard and the fire interrupter. The Ithaca 37 (or Model 37) is a pump-action shotgun made in large numbers for the civilian, law enforcement and military markets. Description: Ithaca, 37, ds police special, 12ga, slam fire, 20" bbl, fiber optic front sight, fixed rear sight, the is a bird scene engraved on receiver, this is a factory gun, it was acquired by the Florida Highway Patrol in 1973, the wood stock looks very good, there are no cracks or . Fire a pump gun and the chamber isnt reloaded until you rack the slide. Fire an autoloader and, if theres ammo in the magazine, you instantly have another round in the chamber ready to go with your finger on the trigger. and our An M37 will not "slamfire" unless it's broken. Ithaca Model 37 serial numbers/dates of manufacture, Re: Ithaca Model 37 serial numbers/dates of manufacture, Powered by UBB.threads PHP Forum Software 7.7.5. One was the slab sided, bottom ejecting receiver. It has a 20 inch barrel with a brass bead front sight. I understand they eventually "fixed" the slam fire feature and I'm wondering if there's anyway to tell. This allows the shoot. Winchester decided to go ahead and do their own, but soon found out that the little toggle that opens the bolt to load the first shell was a Browning patent. . A slightly used but still functional Ithaca Model 37 DS Police Special provides a great afternoon of fun down at Demolition Ranch. CLICK ON PICS TO ENLARGE.CK OU, Excellent plus overall condition. Do not know if it would hunt the shotgun or not.My guess would be most likely no, unless it were done alot. *Interchangeable barrels began with serial number 855000. He had patented a pump shotgun in 1915 that was somewhat radical because its ejection and loading port was located beneath the receiver. Production has resumed in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. 1942 per the page above. Ithaca ~ 37 Featherlight ~ 16 Ga. GI#: 102229390. There is so much wrong with that guy's gun handling, I don't even know where to begin. Do think it could cause any damage to the gun though if I do that fast enough? Richard Anthony @ Great American Outdoors, Pay Attention As Scott Says: This Isnt Your Grandpas .300 Win Mag, Scott Introduces Bill to Teach Students the Dangers of Communism, Here You GoThe LA BOMBA A 12ga Exploding Shotgun Slug, AOC Tries to Blame Staff Member for Ethics Violation. Editor's Note: This Collector's Corner column is an excerpt from the November 2017 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine. By signing up you agree to Guns.com's The M&P Model served our troops well in World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. He also hangs out in the I love my Ithaca section of shotgunworld as lecky56 As an addendum to my previous opinion, I have now got a copy of the 1942 US army ww2 shotgun handbook ref. Then as the shell is lifted up toward the chamber, another shell slides out of the magazine under the guide arms preventing closing of the bolt face. You have entered an incorrect email address! All 3 have the slam fire feature. The 12 month average price is $782.47 new and $582.38 used. R eprinted with express written permission from Walter Claude Snyder s books The Ithaca Gun Company F rom T he Beginning and I thaca Featherlight Repeaters:: The Best Gun Going:: A Complete History of the I thaca M odel 37 and the M odel 87 . Theyre very smooth, dependable, and durable firearms, Ithaca 37 Featherlight 16 gauge 2 3/4" shells 28" barrel shotgun made in 1970. A slamfire is a premature, usually unintended discharge of a firearm that occurs as a cartridge is being loaded into the chamber. . This gun is chambered in 12ga. That obviously hasnt happened, and today, some 120 years after the first successful slide-action went on the market, the good old pump still plays a big role in the shotgun sports. Save my name and email to use for future comments. Browning sold this patent to Remington, and the plan was to put the new gun on the market in 1917 as the Model 17. Many sporting arms ceased production entirely during the same period. A favorite of sportsmen, police and the military, the bottom-ejecting M37 made before 1975 or so could be slam fired super fast due to the design of the sear. They then knurled the end of the barrel so you would have to pull down on the spring loaded barrel to load, often placing the butt end on the ground and if those old paper shells got stuck or your hand slipped the gun would go off. The gun is in almost new condit, Smith & Wesson Model 37 Airweight, chambered in .38 Special. The original Ithaca Gun Co. of Ithaca, New York, was. DECENT REFINISH OVER SOME LIGHT PITTING. 2018. Mine is a 12g. It was based on a 1915 patent by the famous John M. Br. They tend to be heavier and are not as easy handling in the field. Cond. PUMP SHOTGUN, CIRCA 1981. Recently picked up a 16 ga 37 w/poly choke the shoots and handles better than expected. Nice factory ithacagun pad.14in lop. REDFIELD SCOPE INCLUDED. I just found the serial number page when I was attempting to establish the year of manufacture for my own 37. 2nd Attempt here, first was wiped out during submission? The first new shell lands onto the guide arms like it should. In addition to those mentioned, there have been various high-grade models with hand-engraving gold inlays and highly figured walnut stocks. Pump action 16 gauge with 26" ribbed barrel, 2 3/4" chamber, improved cylinder choke, and factory recoil pad. In the case of the Ithaca Model 37 shotgun, if you hold the trigger down while you continue to rack the weapon, it will fire without you having to let go of the trigger. A slightly used but still functional Ithaca Model 37 DS Police Special provides a great afternoon of fun down at Demolition Ranch. Generation after generation, the pump-action remains a favorite scattergun for a variety of reasons. Manufactured in 1962. . This page was last edited on 4 February 2023, at 19:08. The butt stock is a checker, SALE PENDING JOE D NJ 12/10/22LAYAWY 2D OF 2 ***BARN FIND !!!! La, Very good, some finish wear, small nicks and scratches. I first found this out rabbit hunting when I was a kid. YEAR SERIAL NUMBER YEAR SERIAL NUMBER YEAR SERIAL NUMBER, 1914 246892 to 246895 1922 400000 to 400014 1945 WW II, 1915 to 255000 1923 to 400055 1946 to 402797, 1916 to 273400 1924 to 400195 1947 to 402833, 1917 to 278500 1925 to 400473 1948 to 402898, 1918 to 279000 1926 to 400874 1949 to 403222, 1919 to 306000 1927 to 401181 1950 to 403406, 1920 to 306800 1928 to 401591 1951 to 403657, 1921 to 344100 1929 to 402006 1952 to 403749, 1922 to 344200 1930 to 402331 1953 to 403923, 1923 to 344215 1931 to 402464 1954 to 404088, Were reserved for undefined specials 81900 - 82499. Thanks berettaracer! directly from the factory outlet store in 2016 after calling and asking if they have fixed the problem. Sometimes this inertial force is sufficient to set off the primer, thereby firing the round without the operator pulling the trigger. Other users include the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and various military, police, and security agencies and prisons around the world. Manufactured in 1976. The Remington Model 17 has a disconnect system much like what semi-autos have. Made in many different models, the Ithaca 37 has the longest production run for a pump-action shotgun in history, surpassing that of the Winchester Model 12, the original inspiration for Ithaca's entry into the market. Smith, founder of the legendary double-barrel shotgun company that bore his name. I do know the 1975 will slam fire not sure about the 1977 yr or model. My son sent his back to Ithaca and got it back without any explanation or improved results. However, plans changed when Ithaca became aware of a patent obtained by designer John Pedersen for an improved version of the Remington Model 17, which was due to expire in 1936. Solid gun. Ithaca Gun Company 420 N. Warpole Street Upper Sandusky, OH 43351, The Ithaca Gun Company From The Beginning, Ithaca Featherlight Repeaters: The Best Gun Going: A Complete History of the Ithaca Model 37 and the Model 87. Seems that there's a lot of Ithaca 37 fans on here so I thought I'd make a post with the serial numbers. At that point, Ithaca was no longer a gun company. It's a featherlight model with the dog and such engravings. Transfer at FFL. They were intrigued with Remingtons Model 17 and wanted to produce a similar gun. Any of these that came to the factory for service were converted back to the original shell stops at no charge. Privacy Policy. WANT TO PURCHASE CALL SHOP 71`6-941-3946, SALE PENDING SALE PENDING Like new condition 26 in. Key: Admin , Global Mod , Mod Lay-a-, The Ithaca Model 37 is one of the original classic shotguns along with the Remington Models 31, and 870, and the Winchester Models 1897 and 1912. Gold bead front sight. The management at Ithaca wanted to give the Model 12 some competition. I have a 1973 Ithaca Model 37 and have never tried to slam fire it,so I do not know if it will slam fire or not.Guess sometime I should try it and find out. Ithaca Gun Company warrants to you, the original purchaser, that this firearm was manufactured free of defects in material or workmanship; and for a period of one (1) year after the date of purchase, the manufacturer agrees to correct by repair or replacement (with same or comparable quality model) your firearm. This rare variation is very popular with collectors. The Flues model single barrel trap guns and the two bolt hammer guns are also numbered within this series. Copyright 2000-2023 24hourcampfire.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. $1,299.99. Finally, in 1937 Ithaca was able to bring the Model 37 to the market. The same can be said for the semi-auto, but the self-loading guns arent for every shooter. sells for $500 plus the ride thanks for looking. General Recreation again filed for bankruptcy in 1985. AN ITHACA GUN COMPANY 37 DS POLICE SPECIAL shotgun is currently worth an average price of $1,060.27 used . Interesting that I have one whose number, 37135XXXX, is not on the list. This page also has other serial numbers for guns made by Ithaca, LeFever, and some others. Very interesting stuff Jaguar, you seem to know these guns very well. Like most of the old-line gunmakers of the 19th century, Ithaca has an interesting and complicated history. ENDED - $675.00. Thanks Donald. The Model 37 was a big success and went on to have the longest production run of any pump-action shotgun, surpassing that of the Winchester Model 12 which had inspired the 37s very existence. Special serial number blocks were discontinued during 1953 for the models 37S and 37T. In the case of the Ithaca Model 37 shotgun, if you hold the trigger down while you continue to rack the weapon, it will fire without you having to let go of the trigger. Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. I quote Paragraph 30 Ithaca shotgun, 12-gage, M37; Additionally, in paragraph 72 MALFUNCTIONS, POSSIBLE CAUSE AND CORRECTION sub para n(1) gun fires as breech bolt locks. For those of you who arent familiar with the term slamfire, let me enlighten you before you watch the video. LOP TO NON ORIGINAL PAD 14", Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight is a pump action shotgun in 12 Ga. The Inland M 37 is based on the original Ithaca Model 37 Trench Gun which was a variation of the Browning Model 17 and features the following: Gauge: .12 gauge / 3" Chamber. Unique serial number sequences were established for special edition and commemorative Model 37 and Model 87 guns. At one time, the Ithaca 37 was renamed the Model 87, although it was soon changed back in one of many ownership changes. Firing the gun by pulling the trigger releases the fore-end slide so it can be pulled to the rear to eject the spent shell and then pushed forward to quickly load another round into the chamber. The late Jerry Lee served for many years as an editor with the Petersen Publishing group, covering titles such as. The largest single users outside the US Military were the New York City Police Department and the Los Angeles Police Department. As such, its value would be around $400. Classic Ithaca pump shotgun, 26" Ribbed barrel with improved cylinder choke, 2 3/4" chamber, case colored reciever with engraved game scen, This Ithaca Model 37 is a right hand pump action shotgun in 12 Ga. TM 9-285 which seems to be Armys take on shotguns in general and for our purposes, the M37. Scared the hell out of me, but then I realized it was a cool feature. What you want it do do, fire when the action is closed and the trigger is depressed, will only happen if the gun is old enough to not have a disconnector. $75 for insured shipping Layaway available No sales or shipping to California, Hawaii, Ne, SALE PENDING JOEY D. 11/24/22 Used only by a little old lady on her way home from Church!We'll not quite but in exceptional hardly used condtion for a 73 yr old shotgun. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. The new value of an ITHACA 37 shotgun has risen $138.11 dollars over the past 12 months to a price of $1,117.44 . Magazine capacity: 4+1. Good. Sign up for our daily email and get the stories everyone is talking about. . The second sear does not come into play till the trigger is held back and the action closed. This is the aluminum receiver model with the checkered English straight Grip Stock, Guns Listing ID: 697407Ithaca model 37 Featherlight12 ga pump action.30\" plain barrel full chokesuper nice woodnice overall condition, Another great item from Gainesville Pawn! He worked his way up to become president of the company and later was mayor of the city of Ithaca, New York. Came late in life to shooting but is making up for lost time Well, the slam fire feature goes all the way back to the Winchester 97. Regular M37 serial numbers apply within this range. It's a featherlight model with the dog and such engravings. Still perfectly legal to make a slam fire pump shotgun, it's just not cost effective. Double check on this, but suggest you add a note for 1962 that Ithaca started with truly replace/switch barrels at # 855,000. I have done it and it is fun but I have never found it of any real use. It will not slam fire. Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight 16ga.,28" Modified,Take down,Made in 1969,Excellent Condition. According to an article by the Ithaca Times dated June 11, 2003, the one-millionth Model 37 was produced in 1968; and as of 2003, more than 2,000,000 Model 37s have been produced. With a 2 3/4 in chamber it has a fixed Cyl. Thanks again! With the depression dragging on and another war looming on the horizon, it was possibly the worst time to introduce a sporting arm. Grades are available in Fancy A, Fancy AA and Fancy AAA levels. Free Shipping, No Credit Card Fees. Gas-operated actions are dirtier due to the burnt powder that accumulates and they generally require more maintenance and cleaning. When I dress Western, nothing beats the classic good looks of my Smith & Wesson (S&W) 586 .357 revolver. The regular Model 87 serial number also appears on the receiver. GOOD WOOD, EXCELLENT BORE. It has aggressive checkering on the polymer pistol grip and r, Metal surfaces rate near excellent, minimal handling marks. May be due to pressure on trigger by operator as action slide handle is pushed forward. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. $895 and FREE SHIPPING to your FFL in the l, Excellent overall condition, a few light handling marks. Lugs that are machined out of the barrels original steel block create what Ithaca calls the truest, strongest barrel you will ever shoot.. Up for sale is an Ithaca model 37. The 28-gauge guns are built on a smaller receiver, which gives the model the easy handling and trim appearance one would expect for the gauge. If the trigger is held back the hammer will follow the bolt forward as it closes. 12 GA PUMP ACTION 3 ROUNDS 19 BARREL. All rights reserved, copyrighted, no material within this document may be copied or distributed in any way without the express written permission of the author, Walter Claude Snyder. Only a few modest marks of, #DU37040XXXX 30" VENT RIB FULL CHOKE 2 3/4" CHAMBER SINGLE TRIGGER PISTOL GRIP EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH SOME LIGHT HANDLING FACTORY PAD 7LBS 0 OZ 13 7/8" LOP, **Price Reduced** Ithaca model 37 featherweight 12 gauge in great condition. That may make a difference to a buyer who wants differing choke selections for these fine pump guns. A Cold War era classic with smooth lines, a legendary back story, and an exotic-sounding name, Beretta's Model 71 was definitely a mouse that roared. md yx pa qb vq ig ay . The Ithaca 37 is a pump-action shotgun made in large numbers for the civilian, military, and police markets. They will pump-fire just like the Ithaca Model 37. on this subject, I have corresponded with the renowned author and US firearms expert Bruce Canfield. His website is:www.diamondgunsmithing.com and phone is 607-273-4510. This pump-action, bottom-ejecting shotgun is available in a number of configurations. the "stub" was removed and iirc the slide stop was altered to pevent the hammer from locking. He is one of the best Model 37 "mechanics" in the world. It probably came about because they were going to law enforcement and military, but that is conjecture.