Anyone ever pimped out a Norinco Ithaca clone?

[Claven2]

Just grabbed a used Ithaca 37 clone from gunnar to try out. Yes, I know, they have a reputation for reliability "issues", but I plan to make this one a project just for something to do.

I also have access to alot of real (used) Ithaca parts, so I hope to make this one slam-fire capable, install mossberg ghostring sights (after I locate aset), etc. Why? Well... why not?

I do have some real Ithaca 37s and love them dearly, but they are all 2-3/4" models with longer barrels in great shape. This one will look cool without the receiver engraving once I bead blast it, park it and ditch the god-awful smelly chicom plastic furniture. Actually, I'm going to put on a new camouflage laminate stock I just ordered from Ithaca. (yes, Ithaca USA is making guns again and selling parts too).

Can I get this thing to rise above its Norinco roots and work like a real Ithaca? I have no idea, but it will be fun trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear

Anyone else played around with one of these and made it better than it was?

 

[Dark Alley Dan]

Apologies for the thread hijack, but I, too, own an Ithaca or two and dearly love 'em.

Last year, I asked (via phone) if their parts department might send me a laminate stock set for my bear gun. They told me they'd love to, but if it was anything like the others they'd tried to send, it'd get as far as the border, sit on a shelf at customs (either theirs or ours) for a month, and then be returned. He had tired of this little dance and was (at the time) refusing to send parts, including stocks, over the border.

If you get yours, please let me know. I'd love a set, and if you're successful, I'd be on 'em like stink on a monkey.

And on topic - beware the Chicken Salad Rule - One cannot make chicken salad from chicken ####. It may apply to the Northica 37.

Cheers,

Dan

 

[Claven2]

LOL - nice saying Dan

Worst case, if I can't manage make the Norinco 37 a decent gun, I'll use the wood on one of my real Ithacas I suspect that all I will retain of the original gun, however, is the barelled receiver. I plan on changing most everything else out for Ithaca made parts, if for no other reason than to make the gun able to slamfire.

As for shipping, the reason it will not make it across the border is b/c the stock set retails for over $100 US.

How do I get around that? Well, the stock parts sold separately are each under $100, so I get dealer friends in the US to orde rthe butt and forearm separately. Then they each export one half to me. No laws broken as they are each coming from different sources

Granted, this solution will NOT work for most ppl...

 

[Grouse Man]

What, you put a fuzzy pink fedora on it?