Old Ithaca Featherweight

Love the 37's. I only have two, an nice older 37R and a rather chewed up plain old 37 FW. Slick action. Can't say that I would prefer a 37 over a nice old Model 12 or a Wingmaster, or any of the other older pumps. I've never used a pump much. I have a 1914 Model 12 12ga as well.
 
Claven2 said:
Caliber does factor into the price, as well as if the trigger guard is steel or aluminum like on some later models. For example, nice steel tg 20gauges typically sell in the $400+ range but are much less common than a 16 or 12. Also if the early gun has multiple fitted barrels of varying choke, that helps value a lot. They could be bought as sets back in the day.

It's amazing these do not sell for more. Even the old ones are better made than almost any pump shotty out there. The design is brilliant and a JM browning creation.
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I only paid 250 for a mint vintage 20ga. I have to get you to buy all mine when I sell them off to get the dollars you talk about ;)
Most are non vent rib and not having choke tubes and many don't have enough meat in the barrel to fit thin walls so combined that kills their value IMO and I have been watching them a lot of years and never paid more than 300 for mint ones in any gauge other than my 28ga
Plus a lot of guys don't like the sharp kick the 12ga and 16ga have or bottom loading and ejection
Me I like them all :)
Cheers
 
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3macs1 said:
I only paid 250 for a mint vintage 20ga. I have to get you to buy all mine when I sell them off to get the dollars you talk about ;)
Most are non vent rib and not having choke tubes and many don't have enough meat in the barrel to fit thin walls so combined that kills their value IMO and I have been watching them a lot of years and never paid more than 300 for mint ones in any gauge other than my 28ga
Plus a lot of guys don't like the sharp kick the 12ga and 16ga have or bottom loading and ejection
Me I like them all :)
Cheers
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Glad you have a better nose for finding cheap 20's. I've not been so lucky, but nice 12's are everywhere it seems.

I'd love to find one of the new 28's but the supply up here has dried up, it seems.
 
Claven2 said:
Glad you have a better nose for finding cheap 20's. I've not been so lucky, but nice 12's are everywhere it seems.

I'd love to find one of the new 28's but the supply up here has dried up, it seems.
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They come up you just have to be patient
I would say you would have to get a 28ga now ordered in or state side either way OUCH right now with the dollar. Don't know anyone that has one sitting anymore
Mine did in all of a grand some years ago when i bought it so I can just imagine what one would cost today
Cheers
 
A friend just gave me an older, well used 12ga Model 37. Always liked these. I think their values are depressed because the used market prefers 3" guns with choke tubes, ready for steel shot. Model 12s are depressed as well for the same reason. And anything else seems to be really depressed.
It is really easy to lean on the buffer and wipe engravings and markings. With something like a Model 37 receiver it would be best to polish the flats by hand using abrasive paper on a flat plate. Won't dish, and keeps the receiver flats, flat.
 
madtrapper143 said:
That 28 Model 37 would take some buying I would bet. Just noticed Cabela's has the 870 Wingmaster listed at 940.00. Wow these prices are starting to become a bit out of line.

Darryl
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Just in the last year big time. I listed a couple of 7600 pumps the other day and almost fell off my chair when I check their new prices of $1032 plus tax etc was not too long ago they were $599
Would not want to be building a herd of firearms today that is for sure
Cheers
 
I have some information regarding my Ithaca 12 gauge . I thought it was a Featherweight but I can't see that anywhere on the gun. I do see that it is a Model 37 patent number 1849982. Serial number 115087. Can you tell me anything more about it ?

Thanks
Leavenworth
 
Leavenworth said:
I have some information regarding my Ithaca 12 gauge . I thought it was a Featherweight but I can't see that anywhere on the gun. I do see that it is a Model 37 patent number 1849982. Serial number 115087. Can you tell me anything more about it ?

Thanks
Leavenworth
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That serial makes it an early gun, well before 1963. So it will not accept the newer barrels with choke tubes. It's almost certainly a featherweight. If it has the game scenes engraved on either side of the receiver and a barrel 26", 28" or 30", it's a featherweight for sure in that vintage. None are marked "featherweight" that I have ever seen.
 
Your gun was made in 1946. Ithaca first referred to the model 37 as the "Featherlight" in 1939. "Featherlight" roll marking was added to barrels of models 37 around 1951. Source: Ithaca Featherlight Repeaters, The Best Gun Going. By Walt Snider.

Darryl
 
Claven2 said:
That serial makes it an early gun, well before 1963. So it will not accept the newer barrels with choke tubes. It's almost certainly a featherweight. If it has the game scenes engraved on either side of the receiver and a barrel 26", 28" or 30", it's a featherweight for sure in that vintage. None are marked "featherweight" that I have ever seen.
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Thanks ! It did have the game scenes engraved on the sides of the receiver but they are not the greatest as they were damaged when I had the gun re blued .Should never have got that done ! As mentioned earlier I was wondering if anyone could engrave that back on, as the gun has sentimental value to me !
Thanks
Leavenworth
 
madtrapper143 said:
Your gun was made in 1946. Ithaca first referred to the model 37 as the "Featherlight" in 1939. "Featherlight" roll marking was added to barrels of models 37 around 1951. Source: Ithaca Featherlight Repeaters, The Best Gun Going. By Walt Snider.

Darryl
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Thanks ! Featherlight, Thank You ! Not sure where I got Featherweight !
Leavenworth
 
I cleaning up some old threads on CGN so here goes . What shot shells can I shoot out of this shotgun without damaging the barrel if lead is no longer an option ?
Thanks !
Leavenworth
 
brybenn said:
I love the 37. I have 2 in 12ga. I think i may get a whole set but the 28ga i priced out was well over 3 grand cnd $ without import fees
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That must have been a higher grade . I can buy a 28ga with the standard wood the same as the one I have new for about $1100/1200 US then of course plus fees taxes shipping etc
Cheers
 
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I had a featherweight for a little while. Never got attached to it. 12ga so it wasnt fun for extended shooting. I probably would have liked it more in a smaller gauge. Disassembly not as simple as an 870 or 500. Any shells that were not brass base would lock the gun up tight. Slamfire was fun though.
Thats just been my experience.
 
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