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Ithaca model 37

Radar
I have acquired 2 Ithaca Model 37s. I would like to know the year each was made, I believe they are from the early 50s. The first serial number is: 18758x and the other is: 18436x. I appreciate any help you can offer.

Thank you,

John
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5 comments

Date Votes
  • Radar
    I have an Ithaca model 37 ser# 425XXX can anyone tell me the year it was manufactured? Also there is the number 4 beneath the serial number that I was told designates the barrel choke but what barrel choke would 4 be if this is how Ithaca designates the choking. Any help is appreciated.
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  • mrmike08075
    That's a tough one...

    Officially the guns ordered by the military were all supposed to be identical as far as factors like stock length of pull are concerned...

    Commercial sold civilian sale guns can be had with varying dimensions as far as stock length is concerned - however statistically most of a production run will have identical uniform dimensions - the length that sells the best or fits the most shooters being the dominant or primary example...

    The problem begins with the fact that some contracts for military shotguns could not be met immediately from a production standpoint and a manufacturer often used existing close but dissimilar parts from existing stockpiles or made up shortcomings by converting existing completed civilian models to military contract specs...

    And some guns were purchased "off the shelf" by the military to meet immediate to&e needs before a contract run could be completed...

    My personal guess is that most of them will be identical but there will always be exceptions.

    I know that's not a definitive answer to your question - hopefully someone with a more expert handle on the issue will set me straight or give you a better response.

    Mike
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  • charliemeyer007
    I was issued one as Ammo Dump guard along with 3 rounds of under-powered OO several times at Ft Gordon. I think it had the standard size butt, hand guard and sling was missing.

    http://www.gunsandammo.com/historical/inland-mfg-m37-trench-shotgun/

    https://www.shootingillustrated.com/articles/2011/4/18/ithaca-model-37-trench-and-riot-gun/
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  • Radar
    Thanks Guys, i took a prewar 37 and compared them and found the US marked was about 3/4 of a inch shorter but i think the butt stock has been replaced by my friend that had it before me. It has a rubber recoil pad that fits bad and and the stock color dont match very well.
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  • mrmike08075
    You are correct to bring up the subject of after market - after issue alterations and recoil pads or butt stock recoil reducers...

    Quite often the stock length of pull dimension ends up altered to accommodate after market accessories.

    What you see or encounter on the surplus market decades after the military disposed of them may no longer be in day one as manufactured specs - who knows what has been done to them in the intervening time period.

    Mike
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