Ithaca Model 37 : Vintage Firearms Concerns?

FrankOceanXray · Jan 14, 2018

What precautions do you take before shooting an older gun?

How can a gunsmith assist?

What ammo considerations?

This M37 is a 20 gauge produced in early '50s.

GolfR · Jan 14, 2018

I would disassemble it and check areas where screws, pins, or welds are for any small cracks or signs of metal fatigue. Use a bore light and inspect everything. Areas of significant rust or pitting would also be a concern on these as depending on the model, the barrels can be very thin.

People pretty regularly shoot Lugers, 1911, etc that are over a 100 years old. I wouldn't be too worried as long as the gun is in good shape.

I have a M37 featherweight in 16 gauge that I still use for hunting small game. I know the gun is from at least the early 70s because it doesn't have a disconnector and can be fired by holding the trigger down and running the slide. Very well could be older but works like a clock. It's a workhorse as small game gun because it's so light and easy to carry in the woods.

TargetGrade · Jan 15, 2018

Most likely it's fine the way it is. They built GOOD guns once they mastered nitro steel and the like post 1910 or so. Clean, look for cracks or missing parts... I bet it's as good or better than any Mossberg or the new plastic parts 870 one might buy today if not damaged.
Is a 1925 pre 64 Winchester more desirable than the ones produced today?

ted76 · Jan 15, 2018

I have 4 Model 37's, they are a strong well built John Browning design, unless it has any visible cracks or flaws, it should be fine to shoot. I wouldn't trade mine for a Model 500 or an 870.
Just make sure that the bore is clear.

Biggfoot44 · Jan 15, 2018

Seriously , early 1950's aren't "old" . Give it similar inspection as you would any used gun , but no special concerns.

In the early 1900's metallurgy and heat treatments were still evolving , but by late 1920's were as good as typical guns of today.

FrankOceanXray · Jan 15, 2018

Biggfoot44 said:
Seriously , early 1950's aren't "old" . Give it similar inspection as you would any used gun , but no special concerns.

In the early 1900's metallurgy and heat treatments were still evolving , but by late 1920's were as good as typical guns of today.

30s are old until you turn 30. Then it is the dreadful 40s.

And then...

Thanks for the helpful replies guys. I will look for a field tear down guide.

K31 · Jan 15, 2018

FrankOceanXray · Jan 15, 2018

K31 said:
.

Yeeesssss?

Recommended loads for this gun? My understanding is some of the newer, higher pressure rounds would not be wise. Is there ammunition manufactured for older guns?

Biggfoot44 · Jan 15, 2018

That vintage will be 2.75in chambers .
SAAMI max pressures for 2.75 ( & 3in) are 11,500 . Shells of this pressure were in common use 20 plus years before your gun mfg .

There ARE such things as shotshells made to specifically low pressures , but they are primarily intended for high grade British SxS from late 1800's . Aka actual Vintage guns .

So you may safely use any commercial 2.75in shotshell .( Well lead or equivalent, I'll plead unknown at this time regarding Steel .) If initially looking to just "go bang " for familarity , and for the experience of it , the promotional ammo ( low prices @ big box stores ) will do that for you . For specific use for hunting , defense , or serious persuit of specific clay target based sport , ask us , and we'll be glad to jaw on the subject.

Rambler · Jan 16, 2018

I have a former Washington State police model 37 in 12 gauge that is one of my favorites. Truly ambidextrous and a very robust and well made gun. If you are concerned, take it to a gunsmith for a once over and then enjoy it.

FrankOceanXray · Jan 16, 2018

Rambler said:
I have a former Washington State police model 37 in 12 gauge that is one of my favorites. Truly ambidextrous and a very robust and well made gun. If you are concerned, take it to a gunsmith for a once over and then enjoy it.

Thanks.

LONGSHOT · Jan 16, 2018

make sure the stock is tight,don't over tighten, you have a wo
ork horse,shoot it and enjoy.

chooks9 · Jan 16, 2018

I probably would not worry about shooting an early 1950's Ithaca 37, given the gun in good shape (no cracks, damage, pitting, rust, excessive wear, etc.) and good commercial ammunition was used. I would have it inspected by a competent gunsmith if you are unsure. I have shot several firearms that are over 100 years old, but they were all in proper working order. I think that metallurgy really improved in firearms once smokeless powder became the norm (after 1900 or so). From a basic safety standpoint, I would not think twice about shooting most firearms made after 1900 as long as they are in good working order, use properly loaded ammunition, and are maintained properly.

tallen702 · Jan 16, 2018

So, as an old shotgun collector myself, here's what I look for:

Field strip and check all the main parts for wear and stress. Are there stripped threads or cracks anywhere? If so, replace. Look down the bore for bulges, pitting, and/or obstructions. Sometimes you can't see a bulge from the outside, but the bore will tell the tale.
What's the age? (Yours is stated to be 1950s production) Pre-WWI shotguns often had shorter chamber lengths. Anywhere from 2" (though rare) up to the 2-3/4" 'standard' of today. Many were 2-5/16" or 2-9/16" though, which would be unwise to fire with modern 2-3/4" shells. Sure, they'll fit unfired, but the crimp will unfold into the forcing cone and the shot column pushing against the overlapping plastic of the shell in the forcing cone will cause overpressurization of that region of the bore. Since yours is 1950s construction, you needn't worry about this particular aspect
Stock fit. As someone else posted, make sure the stock is snug, but not over-tightened. If it's too tight, or the wood has shrunk, the improper fit will cause chipping or cracking at the wrist. Same goes for too loose.
Check the choke. If it's a fixed choke, you'll want to make sure of the choke diameter and not throw steel shot down a full choke for waterfowl, etc.

If your stock is looking a little beat, I have a raw Mod 37 buttstock in walnut just looking to be finished and fit to a new gun. It was shipped to me instead of the stock I had originally ordered while back.

FrankOceanXray · Jan 16, 2018

Excellent! Thank you all much. This is a good resource for others, too.

Ithaca Model 37 : Vintage Firearms Concerns?

The #1 community for Gun Owners of the Northeast

Member Benefits:

FrankOceanXray

Ultimate Member

GolfR

Ultimate Member

TargetGrade

Banned

ted76

Ultimate Member

Biggfoot44

Ultimate Member

FrankOceanXray

Ultimate Member

K31

"Part of that Ultra MAGA Crowd"

FrankOceanXray

Ultimate Member

Biggfoot44

Ultimate Member

Rambler

Doing the best with the worst.

FrankOceanXray

Ultimate Member

LONGSHOT

Active Member

chooks9

Bear with Arms

tallen702

Ultimate Member

FrankOceanXray

Ultimate Member

Users who are viewing this thread

Latest posts

Forum statistics

Latest threads

Forum statistics

Share this page