Ithaca M37 FL 16g for upland/small game?

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BeeRex

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Hey folks,

Yes, I'm new here and new to firearms and hunting in general, but have a rather specific question at the moment if y' don't mind...

So, I was out visiting my grandparents today and my gramps was asking me about how I was progressing in licensing and what not (hunting and non-restricted firearms). I let him know I'd passed everything (took the tests 3 weeks ago), just waiting on paperwork and such, and he said once that was all in his Ithaca M37 Featherlight 16g was all mine! It's older, made in the early 50's (belonged to a great uncle of mine on my grandmas side, got passed on to my grandpa - but he doesn't hunt anymore), so it'll need a good cleaning and look-over regardless.
I'm still planning on going with a 12g for waterfowl and turkey eventually, but thoughts on if this gun will do for upland and rabbits? If so, any specific ammo (you know, besides the proper shell and shot type :p) I should keep an eye out for?
Many thanks!
 
A 16 gauge is the perfect upland game gun as far as I'm concerned. A 11/8 oz. load of number 6 shot is fine for partridge, rabbits or pheasant. At the present, it's not a fashionable gauge but the 16 gauge is an awesome choice for anything that doesn't require steel shot.
 
I have the same gun. 16 ga is awesome for cotton tails and partridge, more oomph than a 20ga, less than the 12ga. I use #4 and 6 in mine when I visit back home.

Shells are expensive. Even the field/target ammo goes for $15/box or so.

I would get a 12 for waterfowl as I am not sure how a gun that old would like steel shot.
 
Many thanks! And, I never was one to be too terribly concerned about whether I was fashionable or not...though, I can see how that might impact ammo availability...that the gauge isn't fashionable, that is. Not myself :p.

ETA: Thanks to you as well Kenny! Exactly what I was thinking (re: steel shot, especially since it's an older gun). I was also figuring that ammo is going to be more pricey, but oh well. Is there a particular maker you prefer/suggest?
 
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BeeRex said:
Many thanks! And, I never was one to be too terribly concerned about whether I was fashionable or not...though, I can see how that might impact ammo availability...that the gauge isn't fashionable, that is. Not myself :p.

ETA: Thanks to you as well Kenny! Exactly what I was thinking (re: steel shot, especially since it's an older gun). I was also figuring that ammo is going to be more pricey, but oh well. Is there a particular maker you prefer/suggest?
Click to expand...

I just buy whatever LeBarons has in field loads, usually Winchester I believe.
 
Fashionable? Some of us like to have something different as well as effective. The 16 and the 28 gauge are my two favourites, so I guess I'm not fashionable either.
 
Bee Rex, welcome, and let me say that although I do not shoot a modern 16, there re MANY who think it is the only gauge needed!
You can actually join a society of 16 gauge shooters!:)
here is the website
http://www.16ga.com/society/society.html
Now, as far as ammo goes, Ellwood Epps Sporting goods may be able to get in Kent ammunition that you vsn hunt ducks with for your 16 without wrecking it, or you can start hand loading for it.
The simple route would be to buy a 12 gauge somethingorother and shoot ducks with that!:p
I have used my 16 gauge black powder cartridge gun to hunt rabbits and partridge and it was a lot of fun, yoour Ithaca wwill be more than up to the task.....
Cat
 
Thanks for the ammo rec's everyone :)

Cat - I'll check into that EE isn't too far from where I am, thanks!

Mike -...we could start a club for unfashionable people...but then, maybe that's too fashionable? :p
 
All the really cool hunters shoot 16's! Of course, there aren't many really cool hunters....

I use several 16's and like them a lot. The gauge is called "the queen of the uplands" by those in the know. Or another common saying is, "carries like a 20, hits like a 12". I'd suggest that you look at the one oz. loads for your Ithaca. One ounce of shot is the long time standard in that gauge, but "magnumitis" has affected the shotgun sports a bit too much in recent years and as a result many manufacturers and stores only stock the high velocity 1-1/8 oz loads. Those heavy loads certainly work, but kick more than necessary, cost more, and don't kill upland game any deader than an ounce of shot at 1200 fps.
I only use the heavy loads any more for late season pheasant and sharptail in the wide open spaces. Federal or Remington game loads with an ounce of 6's or 7-1/2's will serve your upland bird needs well (consider #4's for rabbits and snowshoe hare). They can be bought for about $8-$10 per box versus $14 -$16 for the heavy stuff. Kent Ultimate Traditional Upland are very good hunting shells, they use higher quality shot than Remington or Federal "game" loads. I could quite happily do all my hunting of upland game with one ounce of #6 in the Kent ammunition.
 
You're getting a fine shotgun in a very versatile gauge. The bonus is that will come with a good bit of family history. A hunter couldn't ask for much more. I'm certain it will add a significant measure of satisfaction to many of your future days afield. Enjoy.
 
Longwalker said:
All the really cool hunters shoot 16's! Of course, there aren't many really cool hunters....

I use several 16's and like them a lot. The gauge is called "the queen of the uplands" by those in the know. Or another common saying is, "carries like a 20, hits like a 12". I'd suggest that you look at the one oz. loads for your Ithaca. One ounce of shot is the long time standard in that gauge, but "magnumitis" has affected the shotgun sports a bit too much in recent years and as a result many manufacturers and stores only stock the high velocity 1-1/8 oz loads. Those heavy loads certainly work, but kick more than necessary, cost more, and don't kill upland game any deader than an ounce of shot at 1200 fps.
I only use the heavy loads any more for late season pheasant and sharptail in the wide open spaces. Federal or Remington game loads with an ounce of 6's or 7-1/2's will serve your upland bird needs well (consider #4's for rabbits and snowshoe hare). They can be bought for about $8-$10 per box versus $14 -$16 for the heavy stuff. Kent Ultimate Traditional Upland are very good hunting shells, they use higher quality shot than Remington or Federal "game" loads. I could quite happily do all my hunting of upland game with one ounce of #6 in the Kent ammunition.
Click to expand...

I think you're right about the lighter loads, I always grab the old Canuck one oz. loads if I see them at gunshows. My 28 also patterns better with the 3/4 oz. loads than the newer 1 oz. Winchester loads.
 
I have no idea how I missed all of this (must have been distracted by something, I have no idea what though :redface:).

A bit late, but I did want to say thanks very much for the info on shot, etc! Much appreciated! Finally got my paperwork in from the CFO, now just have to send off for the PAL...and wait s'more :rolleyes:. Still, one step closer!

Thanks again folks :)
 
EDIT: my original post strikes me as being simultaneously juvenile and pompous. :redface: But I do really like the 16ga, and I do really like traditional technologies and their products - like muzzleloadering firearms. My favorite firearm is my 16ga flintlock double.

Regards,
Joel
 
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