How old is my Ithaca 37?

[the_big_mike]

I'm trying to find the age of my m37 for fun... I'm having a rough go at it though. I would ballpark 1974ish but I'm not sure!

30" ribbed bbl

On the bbl it says: "Ithaca gun co. inc. Ithaca, NY Made In USA"

The serial number is on the right side of the action above the trigger guard. S/N: 371515X0X

Also any info as to how the company was at the time (Ie. quality / known problems etc) would be great!

 

[corsair_canada]

According to my records it's a 1976, can't comment on quality but my 1971 Model 37 works quite well but is not quite as nice as my 1966 model 37. Fit seems to be a bit better on the older one and the action is a touch smoother on the older one as well.

Another plus is that after s/n 855,000 you can interchange barrels with ease where as the older models required some fitting.

 

[12magnum]

1976 is in the ball park. i've got one and the quality is fine.

 

[the_big_mike]

thanks for the replies guys.

Now what about shooting steel shot? It is a full choke.

 

[corsair_canada]

I would say no, I've seen a bulged M37 full choke barrel from steel shot use (as I was told).

 

[glang1]

I wouldn't shoot steel through it. Not worth bulging the barrel. Shoot tungsten matrix instead. Yeah I know it's more expensive, but it's NOT worth damaging the barrel.

George

 

[12magnum]

+3 or simply have the barrel opened up to a light modified or skeet II