redress an old favorite

[gfmallett]

I need some input from my fellow calgunners on my new project, namely, to redress an old Ithaca mod 37 from a "field piece" to a "home defence" piece. Maybe the best advice is to sell it and buy one already suited to that purpose. My only objection to that is; I have found the newer home defence shotguns not well finnished and the actions rough and quite stiff. My old mod 37 Ithaca is smooth, tight, and has the "slam fire" feature. I find a very limmited market out there for aftermarket home defence parts. Any good sources out there?. . .what are good useful changes and what is just windowdressing. . .anyone have good parts they are willing to sell me at a good price? I tried to sell my mod 37 on calguns but I just couldn't bring myself to "give it away". I'm in need of some good imput. . .thanks, george

[11011500a]

One thing the barrel on some of the old guns are not interchangeable with out fitting.Keep your eye out here find some nice deals.The old 870 Win 1200 are good pumps find cheap.GL

[bsg]

i wouldn't have the heart to make any permanent alterations to an old Ithaca Model 37. i'd suggest if it doesn't meet your needs without permanent alteration, find another shotgun that will.

[gfmallett]

The serial number that the mod 37's go to interchangable barrels is 855,xxx so no problem there.
Your right I would like to find an older 870 that was smooth and well finnished. I certainly would go that route.

[bsg]

there are parts for the Ithaca Model 37 on Gunbroker auction site. there are also items on ebay online auction.

older Remington 870 Wingmaster fits the bill for smooth and well finished. i've got an older (1965) Wingmaster that just drips patina. i like my newer 870P... but that old Wingmaster is an eye magnet.

imo you've got a great shotgun in that Ithaca.

[bsg]

PM sent.

[wjc]

i wouldn't have the heart to make any permanent alterations to an old Ithaca Model 37. i'd suggest if it doesn't meet your needs without permanent alteration, find another shotgun that will.

I agree with this 100%. The old Ithaca is a classic and shouldn't be modified. By something else for your home defense needs.

[bjl333]

i wouldn't have the heart to make any permanent alterations to an old Ithaca Model 37. i'd suggest if it doesn't meet your needs without permanent alteration, find another shotgun that will.

I agree with this 100%. The old Ithaca is a classic and shouldn't be modified. By something else for your home defense needs.

^^^^^ This ^^^^^

[TheExpertish]

870.

[-hanko]

I'd move in 2 directions at once...

First find an older Rem Wingmaster, make that the designated HD gun for now...at most you'll need a shorter barrel...easy to find and not pricey for both the gun and a new barrel if needed.

At the same time, I'd look for an Ithaca that came from the factory with a short barrel. E.g., I picked up a 20" gun parkerized from the factory at a recent Boise gunshow for $250. Not saying you'll find as good a deal in the PRK, but start looking now and be patient.

-hanko

[OpticsPlanet]

If you really like the Ithaca 37 (as I do), I used to have a hunting model and then I found an original M37 riotgun that was wonderful as well! It even included a replaceable Raybar front site that was a fluorescent lucite insert. Look around and I imagine one may turn up!

George P.

[call-in]

Get a Stevens 350 Security, it is a clone of the 37 with but it already has a 18.5" barrel, fiber optic front sight and ghost ring rear sight. Big5 had them on sale for $219 over the weekend but I think the sale is over but some big5 managers have been known to sell non sale items for the discounted price. I have one for 6 months now and have been very happy with it.

[gfmallett]

I was looking at a choate folding stock with a pistol grip. Is this arangement legal here in California. . . .

[gfmallett]

can anyone answer my question: bump

[-hanko]

can anyone answer my question: bump

It is legal, assuming overall length with the stock folded is 26" minimum, AND the barrel is at least 18" when measured from the bolt face with the weapon in battery.

-hanko