Question: 1950 Ithaca Model 37 12 ga

[VFX_man]

Hi all, recently inherited my grandfather's 1950 Ithaca Model 37 12 ga - serial number 333xxx. I remember him shooting it when I was very very young.

I'm trying to find an answer ASAP before tomorrow's CA rabbit opener. Where I'm hunting, you have to use steel shot. Is that a issue with this gun? Gut is saying yes since it's a full choke barrel.

If so, are there newer replacement barrels that one can buy to fit this particular gun . . . that will take steel shot? Did post on the Ithaca sponsored forum as well

I can still use by Rem 870, so I'm not SOL . But this 37 is lighter and smoother than the 870.

Thanks

[navraster]

I would not shoot steel shot out of this gun.

[VFX_man]

Thanks, general consensus is no. And no replacement barrels are likely to be found for this model. Will have to wait for the 2nd annual Bunny shoot to use the Ithaca Model 37 with lead shot

[Thefeeder]

I would not shoot steel shot out of this gun.

+1

Full choke = extra no buenos

[stockranger]

Maybe you do have to use steel shot as I don't know where you are hunting. However, many people are confused about the lead ban zone. For hunting small game like rabbit, tree squirel and jack rabbit, you are good to go with any kind of lead ammo shotgun, rimfire, or CF.

You can't use lead on any big game or non game animal such as ground squirel or coyote.

Some areas like WMA have seperate laws though. Hope it helps any future hunts.

[Eddy's Shooting Sports]

Brand new, modern changeable choke barrels are available at www.ithacagun.com , but be forewarned, they ain't cheap and will likely need fitting by a gunsmith.

As for your existing barrel, steel is no-go, but you could look into other non-toxic shot like bismuth that has properties closer to lead.

You may also want to contact Briley and see if the Ithaca barrel is a candidate for their screw in choke conversion.


Greg David
Eddy's Shooting Sports
400 Moffett Blvd.,Suite F
Mountain View, CA 94043
(660)969-GUNS

T-F 12-7 W 12-9 Sat 11-5
Closed Sun/Mon

[stockranger]

Brand new, modern changeable choke barrels are available at www.ithacagun.com , but be forewarned, they ain't cheap and will likely need fitting by a gunsmith.

As for your existing barrel, steel is no-go, but you could look into other non-toxic shot like bismuth that has properties closer to lead.

You may also want to contact Briley and see if the Ithaca barrel is a candidate for their screw in choke conversion.


Greg David
Eddy's Shooting Sports
400 Moffett Blvd.,Suite F
Mountain View, CA 94043
(660)969-GUNS

T-F 12-7 W 12-9 Sat 11-5
Closed Sun/Mon

These new barrels weigh more then the old fixed choke. Could offset much of the weight saving.

On the guns that old the barrels must be fit. I think it changed in 63 to no fitting required.

Go over to shotgun world and read about mike orlean . Much cheaper then briley and a reputation for being one of the best places to get choke work done in the country. You could also just have the barrel reamed out to modified or whatever you want which is only about 70 bucks