Ithaca M37 Defense 8 Shot - Quick Review (Updated Page 3)
- Thread starter de-mix
- Start date
I'm greatly considering trying to swap out for a metal follower.
The cap can still be removed and the spring comes right out.
Also if the action is open, you have visual access to the chamber and no real crown or rifling to worry about. So cleaning from the muzzle is basically a non-issue. Just that its not as convenient.
I will be happy to make or break that theory this weekend!
The trigger can be held and the pump continually cycled.
Whether it fires or functions properly in this state I cannot tell without actually loading it up and trying it out.
Could be standard procedure on other models, I've never really tried until now.
I knew all these guns needed was more exposure, there really isn't enough out there yet. The existing serial number I have is just over 500, I'm not even sure if they have distributed 1k guns yet.
The serial starts as DEF-M3712080000 (12, 08 December of last year)
- Location
- Sault Ste. Marie
Funny they dont have them up on thir site yet, I'd like to know the price of the 18.5
- Location
- Lloydminster
Sorry guys; its been crazy here since the shipment. The 18.5" defenders are $539. Currently, we have only 2 defenders left ; both are 8 shot 20" synthetics ($549). We are hoping to have more of every style in late August/early Sept.
The Cocker
CGN Regular
- Location
- Fraser Valley B.C
Makes me want one. I have an old 37 featherlight. I love those things so much.
You beat me to it, you brilliant $OB!
....The NYPD had a special "stakeout squad" who were known to favour 2 3/4 slugs out of their Ithaca 37's....
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
You beat me to it, you brilliant $OB!
The NYPD had a special "stakeout squad" who were known to favour 2 3/4 slugs out of their Ithaca 37's....
Yes Cyclone, have you read any of Jim Cirillo's books?
The one or two I have read, have excellent information for LE officers or inquisitive citizens.
At least one of his later books, refer to his change-over from wheelguns to a Glock, so it's still pertinent information.
I remember one story at least, of the successful use of an NYPD issue, Ithaca M37 shotgun/slug, to end a robbery gone bad, rather suddenly.
Ithaca M37 Defense - Update -
Ithaca M37 Defense - Update -
___________________________________________
Testing the Ithaca all weekend was a treat.
The shotgun met, and exceeded some original expectations.
Notably the grey finish was not as resistant to scratching like first mentioned.
Had little trouble marking it as my own just from basic use over the weekend.
But no well used tool goes without showing it's use.
The gun had zero issues or trouble throughout testing.
Loading and feeding all varieties of ammunition without a single problem.
The tube was loaded with the most obscure variaties and combinations, and it ate everything.
As it worked through hundreds of rounds, the only damage done was to the wallet.
Recoil pad handled all loads with noticeable reduction in felt shock.
Since this shotgun is fairly light, one would expect it to bite the shoulder.
A variety of shooters, both male and female reported nothing but positive responses.
Using the M37 defense as a camp companion, left one major thing to be desired.
The use of a sling. Aftermarket brackets or parts to remedy this would be essential.
And would certainly be worth considering
One great feature if one can call it that is the non-existant break in period.
Even after cycling hundreds of rounds, literally without stopping.
The action felt just as smooth as it did out of the box.
Now, I know many have anticipated the results of the "Slam Fire" capability.
It is now without question that this model will not function in any form of slam fire mode.
Which I'm sure might discourage some...But considering it has not been a part of the ithaca design for so many years,
It really cannot be viewed as a draw back or disadvantage.
[youtube]sfuELuJ7Tt0[/youtube]
Ithaca M37 Defense - Update -
___________________________________________
Testing the Ithaca all weekend was a treat.
The shotgun met, and exceeded some original expectations.
Notably the grey finish was not as resistant to scratching like first mentioned.
Had little trouble marking it as my own just from basic use over the weekend.
But no well used tool goes without showing it's use.
The gun had zero issues or trouble throughout testing.
Loading and feeding all varieties of ammunition without a single problem.
The tube was loaded with the most obscure variaties and combinations, and it ate everything.
As it worked through hundreds of rounds, the only damage done was to the wallet.
Recoil pad handled all loads with noticeable reduction in felt shock.
Since this shotgun is fairly light, one would expect it to bite the shoulder.
A variety of shooters, both male and female reported nothing but positive responses.
Using the M37 defense as a camp companion, left one major thing to be desired.
The use of a sling. Aftermarket brackets or parts to remedy this would be essential.
And would certainly be worth considering
One great feature if one can call it that is the non-existant break in period.
Even after cycling hundreds of rounds, literally without stopping.
The action felt just as smooth as it did out of the box.
Now, I know many have anticipated the results of the "Slam Fire" capability.
It is now without question that this model will not function in any form of slam fire mode.
Which I'm sure might discourage some...But considering it has not been a part of the ithaca design for so many years,
It really cannot be viewed as a draw back or disadvantage.
[youtube]sfuELuJ7Tt0[/youtube]
"Slam fire" capability would be easy enough to add back in, I'm not so sure I'd want it personally though.
Anyways, de-mix, how's the handling on that gun, is it muzzle heavy or well balanced? I'm looking to order up a DSPS/M&P style gun with removeable barrel, reduced LOP stock and possibly rifle sights but I don't know if i should go 20" long magazine or 18.5 short magazine? I hate muzzle heavy shotguns!
Anyways, de-mix, how's the handling on that gun, is it muzzle heavy or well balanced? I'm looking to order up a DSPS/M&P style gun with removeable barrel, reduced LOP stock and possibly rifle sights but I don't know if i should go 20" long magazine or 18.5 short magazine? I hate muzzle heavy shotguns!
The weight is balanced within the trigger/grip area.
It feels heavier in the rear and lighter up front.
Working on getting some sling attachment points ironed out.
Alteration of existing 870 accessories possibly, looking for something extremely low drag.
As I don't want this one getting ninja'd
Thanks everyone for your interest !
It feels heavier in the rear and lighter up front.
Working on getting some sling attachment points ironed out.
Alteration of existing 870 accessories possibly, looking for something extremely low drag.
As I don't want this one getting ninja'd
Thanks everyone for your interest !
The Cocker
CGN Regular
- Location
- Fraser Valley B.C
I'll have to check the dealer you got you're ithica from for barrels. I want to get a slug barrel for mine. The 30 inch full choke barrel doesn't do it for me.
Dark Alley Dan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Darkest Edmonton
Uncle Mikes makes a sling swivel attachment set for the 37:
The front end of things attaches to a tapped hole in the bottom of the barrel lug. Looks frail, but I've been running mine for 15 years without any sign of strain or failure.
The only downside of this on the long mag models is the forward attachment point is way to hell and gone out there...
EDIT - the other consideration, upon further examination of De-mix's excellent pictures, is the absence of a lug! The shorter guns have them, but not apparently the defense models...
Back to square one, I suppose...
The front end of things attaches to a tapped hole in the bottom of the barrel lug. Looks frail, but I've been running mine for 15 years without any sign of strain or failure.
The only downside of this on the long mag models is the forward attachment point is way to hell and gone out there...
EDIT - the other consideration, upon further examination of De-mix's excellent pictures, is the absence of a lug! The shorter guns have them, but not apparently the defense models...
Back to square one, I suppose...
Last edited:
Dark Alley Dan
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Darkest Edmonton
Gents:
For those interested, here's mine.
Note the sling mount. Won't work if your 37 doesn't have the barrel lug, but works surprisingly well if it does.
Dan
For those interested, here's mine.
Note the sling mount. Won't work if your 37 doesn't have the barrel lug, but works surprisingly well if it does.
Dan
