Ithica model 37 trench/riot question
I came across a model 37 featherweight 12gauge shotgun. Ive been looking for a 37 for a while and before I jump on it, I would like to get some thoughts:
The gun has a 20" barrel marked full choke. The mag tube is extended to the muzzle. The gun is parkerized with wood stock. Serial # as I recall was 37128xxxx (mid 70's?). Only real issues are the fairly worn finish and a few cammed screws. The bead sight is missing.
Does this sound like anything special? I haven't been able to find any real specific info on the "featherweight" part. It is lighter than an 18" 870. Most often I see blued guns without the mag tube with the outdoor scene on the receiver. This looks very plain Jane and police like. $200 would buy it. Is there any thing elese I should look for? Are these easy to "restore" and get parts for? Or am I headed down the wrong road and should wait for something else?
Thanks!
Buy it. Waiting won't get you anything better for that price. The price itself is fair, not great, not a rip-off. If I ran across what you describe for that price, I'd buy it.
The "featherweight" moniker is just that. They are all "featherweights", all the same alloy receiver. Fear naught with the alloy receiver. They have zero problems and make a lighter gun, as you have noticed. They last forever. There's nothing special about the gun you're looking at. They are simply great shotguns, designed by Browning originally.
The current Ithaca company will provide support on most of the older guns. Their customer service appears good, though I've never used them. So it shouldn't be too hard to get anything done on the gun if it breaks, etc. The new Ithaca still makes a 37 though IIRC it has a disconnector. The orignal guns, like the one you are looking at, don't. So if you hold the trigger down and stroke the pump, the gun will fire when it locks into battery every time you work the action.
Early guns (like pre-63) had fitted barrels, post-63 had interchangable barrels. The new Ithaca can furnish barrels for either type, but they are expensive. It's actually cheaper to just buy another used 37 with the type of barrel you want.
They're a good shotgun.
ETA: a new front sight is easy to do, or have done.
Featherlights are steel receivers.
Ultralights are aluminum.
For $200, its a steal for a Ithaca 37 Riot.
Originally Posted By 556A2:
Featherlights are steel receivers.
Ultralights are aluminum.
For $200, its a steal for a Ithaca 37 Riot.
No kidding. I watched Gunbroker for a month trying to buy one for under $400. I finally found a pistol grip model for $250 but it was pretty rough.
Originally Posted By 556A2:
Featherlights are steel receivers.
Ultralights are aluminum.
For $200, its a steal for a Ithaca 37 Riot.
I continue to learn on ARFCOM.
I think I paid $250 for a new Ithaca 37 riot with the 7 shot mag back in 1982. That was big money back then, and I still sold it for a couple bucks more a few years later. $200 is a good deal for a well used one today.
Thanks for all the responses! I guess I just have to break down and buy it (really didn't need too much encouragement lol)
I'll get some pics up soon.
Thanks again for the knowledge
Carl
Did you end up getting it? Pics!?!
The price is a steal. Many Ithaca riots are in the $400s and up. The sporting models are far cheaper, the riot models are rarer and are in higher demand by collectors.
I paid $325 for a LNIB Ithaca 37 riot. I've seen a LAPD variant 37 in good condition for $225 (that's a excellent price for a rare variant) and at a gunshow $150 each for two 37 DSPS. You can find Ithaca 37s for good prices if you look long enough and know where to look.
The price does sound very good.
Also of note Ithaca did build some "riot" guns with 20-inch barrels and FULL chokes. Check out your muzzle, see if you have gun with a barrel that was once longer with a FULL choke and has been cut down or if you do have one of the rare FULL choked riot guns... simple "dime test" would be a good start... see if a dime will pass through the muzzle end of the barrel - FULL choked guns a just a smidge too tight.
According to some info from Snyder's book the serial number you posted: 37128xxxx is 1972 or 1973 (371211501-371287500 = 1972 then 371287501 - 371366000 = 1973).
Next, we need pics!
Post some pics!
