Ithaca 37 20" opinions?

[ironpants]

I recently held an old 18.5" 5 shot Ithaca 37 and was amazed at the handling characteristics. It was light, solid and quick to point. Now I'm curious about the 20" 8 shot version - how does it compare in terms of balance and handling? Does anyone know a place in the LA area where I could find one?

Also, I've read that the quality of newer manufacture 870s is lower than the old ones. When did the quality go downhill, and which parts are affected?

Thanks for any help, I'm looking to get my first shotgun (12ga).

[cindynles]

Turners had the 20" 8-shot version in its weekly add about a month and half ago. So I would say it is a safe bet that they have them in stock.

[Argonaut]

One of the great pump shotguns designed before the turn of the (last) century by John Browning. They were built by both Remington and Ithaca, The Ithaca gun company has gone through many changes in ownership and management through history, Some times the guns were better built and finished than others. They were common in both military and police use. The more poorly made ones always worked fine, just had some sharp edges and a thin finish. Downward ejection works well from either side of the gun.