Thoughts and opinions on Ithaca 37 riot?

[gunnywagg]

I know LAPD used these for years. I'd like to find out others thoughts before I get one.

The company has gone through changes over the years, what years were best?

Thanks!

[ScottsBad]

I've got one I inherited many years ago. Its parkerized and has a wood stock. Its actually a pretty dang good shotgun and the design has been around a long time which is a plus. I don't know much about the new ones, but I did call their customer service to get a manual a couple years ago, and got an excellent response.

The one I have will shoot each time you rack it if the trigger is held down. I'm not sure that is good for a new shooter, but I like it.

The capacity on mine is good too, I believe it will hold 7.

Also, the last time I looked the one I have actually increased in value, but I'm not sure what year it is right now, I'm guessing late 70's. I'd have to pull it out to get the exact year. I'd buy a second one if I could find one for a good price.

[ScottsBad]

OK, mine was made in 1980 and is stamped D.S. Police Special.

Looks a lot like this:

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i170/rbs_57/IthacaDSPSM8712gauge.jpg

http://www.ithacaowners.com/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=458

I don't know enough to tell you what year is best.

[trapperjohn]

I have a 1978 Ithaca Model 37 Featherweight that was standard LAPD issue for decades. I have both tactical and field barrels for it.

One of the best and smoothest pump shotguns, period.

And while Ithaca Gun Company has had some transformations over the years, the new company (now in Ohio, I think) is well run, producting some great guns once again, and fully supports the vintage M37 pump.

I wouldn't hesitate to own one.

[Google it Research]

Get two

[-hanko]

I have the long magazine DSPS next to the bed, and a model 37, parkerized, above the back door. It was shipped to the Baltimore Navy Yard in 1946 but shows no government markings on the metal or furniture.

The ultimate in smoothness.

I'm usually on the lookout for yet another...seem to run $350-400 at Idaho gunshows.

[Tom-ADC]

I carried one off and on when I was in Danang in 1970-71 only Ithaca model 37 I ever really liked, the others I've owned or shot just didn't fit me.

[LCU1670]

Was watching Dragnet last night on METV, its the one where Sgt Friday signs out an ithaca with 5 - 3" magnum shells to arrest a cop shooter.

I cannot remember if that is what I used to sign out for Ammo Detail back in the 70's?

[John Joseph]

Great shotguns! Go for it!

[Steve_In_29]

With the bottom eject, the extracted hull and new shell have to almost pass though each other on the way out/in of the chamber and you need to firmly work the action to ensure things happen in the right order.

The bottom eject also makes this a perfect gun for a lefty.

I don't have the Ithaca but do have two of the Steven's model 350 which is a clone of the 37 and have been very impressed.

The current production Ithaca's are on the pricey side, with MSRPs starting around $850 and going up.