Ithaca M37 vs Mossberg 590
- Thread starter smartbomb
- Start date
IMHO
I would go with the M37 unless you are a waterfowler. To get a 4th shot with a Mossy is easier. M37s have tight bores and the interupted threaded barrels into the receiver making them great slug guns!
If you're a lefty thet ang saftey on a Mosy is nice. The harwood stock on a Mosssy is fragile compared to a walnut M37.
I've repaired more Mossys than 37's for component failures
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I would go with the M37 unless you are a waterfowler. To get a 4th shot with a Mossy is easier. M37s have tight bores and the interupted threaded barrels into the receiver making them great slug guns!
If you're a lefty thet ang saftey on a Mosy is nice. The harwood stock on a Mosssy is fragile compared to a walnut M37.
I've repaired more Mossys than 37's for component failures
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I assume you are talking about the new production Ithica M-37 Defence Gun, so I don't think the interrupted barrel threads apply to that one. The one thing I'm not crazy about with the new Ithica is the lack of a barrel hanger at the end of the magazine, it looks like something is missing, though whether or not this affects the strength or resilience of the gun remains to be seen. The Defense Gun due to its shorter barrel and 5 shot magazine will be handier than the 590.
The most common 590, which is the 9 shot 20" version, when fully loaded carries up to 19 rounds and equipped with a sling and side saddle and maybe a ventilated hand-guard and a flashlight, is pretty heavy for a gun that by definition should be fast to bring into action. Still, my 590 has never failed to feed or fire despite some pretty hard use over the last 10 years.
The most common 590, which is the 9 shot 20" version, when fully loaded carries up to 19 rounds and equipped with a sling and side saddle and maybe a ventilated hand-guard and a flashlight, is pretty heavy for a gun that by definition should be fast to bring into action. Still, my 590 has never failed to feed or fire despite some pretty hard use over the last 10 years.
Yep, I was talking about the Defense 18.5" model(s).
I've heard good things about both... as of right now, I'm kinda leaning towards the Ithaca... but only cause I like how it looks a bit more than the Mossberg, and not because of practical reasons.
I've heard good things about both... as of right now, I'm kinda leaning towards the Ithaca... but only cause I like how it looks a bit more than the Mossberg, and not because of practical reasons.
I've got the Ithaca, but that's partially because it happened to come up at the right time and right price. I'd been thinking about getting one for a while though... I also like the look, and the slam-fire option and solid military/LE history are pretty interesting. Not to knock the Mossberg (or Remington)... I looked into getting both some time ago, but I think it's kinda like choosing between a Colt 1911 and Sig Sauer P226: If I'd never shot either, I want the Colt, but now I'm planning on getting both.
Brutus
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I demised a wild boar @75 yards using my M37 Ithaca Deerslayer using one shot. (1990 make)
Actually punched his heart to jelly using a Brenneke Classic slug.
Lighweight, accurate, very reliable, fast to shoulder as well.
Have nothing but good to say about this firearm.
Actually punched his heart to jelly using a Brenneke Classic slug.
Lighweight, accurate, very reliable, fast to shoulder as well.
Have nothing but good to say about this firearm.
True, in the sense that you can load the Mossberg or Remington from the side, but technically, the loading port is the ejection port on the Ithaca...
There was a video on the Ithaca website spouting the virtues of the M37, and they mentioned that the lack of a side ejection port is good in order to help keep bits of debris out of the working parts, and it makes it easier to switch between left handed and right handed shooting. The latter I can agree with, but the former may or may not make a difference, depending on where you go and how you carry it.
My buddy has an older M37 for hunting growing up and I have a 20ga BPS. I just can't get used to not having a side ejection port for loading. In the heat of the moment (say swatting a cripple or if SHTF and you have to use it for defense of life) I like the option of being able to quickly and EASILY drop one in the chamber.
As for keeping the action clean, I can assure you that both of those guns gets plenty dirty when you take them out in a corn field. The only problem is that they take 5 times longer to take apart and reassemble as any other shotguns in the safe.
I'm not doubting that they are fine guns, but only suggest that if you are used to ejection loading, it's something to think about.
As for keeping the action clean, I can assure you that both of those guns gets plenty dirty when you take them out in a corn field. The only problem is that they take 5 times longer to take apart and reassemble as any other shotguns in the safe.
I'm not doubting that they are fine guns, but only suggest that if you are used to ejection loading, it's something to think about.
True... I've never done side loading on a shotgun before (this is my first pump), but that would be a concern with the M37... The design of the loading ramp/ejection "levers" looks like you wouldn't be able to chamber a shell directly... you'd probably need to load the magazine and then work the action.
And you're right, any gun will become dirty over use... I can't remember exactly, as it's been a little while since I've played with a Mossberg (or Remington), but it seems as those two might even be a bit better at keeping the working parts clean. IIRC, they both have sprung covers on the loading port, and the bolt keeps the ejection port closed, whereas the Ithaca has just the one open port on the bottom.
Still, I don't find the Ithaca hard to strip at all... I've never done a complete teardown on any of these shotguns, but my M37 only requires tightening the magazine cap and turning the barrel 1/4 turn, and the barrel comes right off. I don't think you'd need to do much more in the field in order to clean or check the action and barrel. Although, I think the new M37 Defense has a fixed barrel, so that could be a point to consider as well.
I've done a bit of side loading for those tactical shotgun classes and use it quite a bit while hunting.
As for tearing down at home, the M37 requires removing the stock and screwdrivers. The 870 can be take down with just a punch and mallet (for the trigger group). The M37 is a fine firearm with some interesting combat history, but for someone starting out (and have to ask on the internet which gun to get), I think the more popular guns are just easier to learn on. Personal preference, they are all reliable guns.
As for tearing down at home, the M37 requires removing the stock and screwdrivers. The 870 can be take down with just a punch and mallet (for the trigger group). The M37 is a fine firearm with some interesting combat history, but for someone starting out (and have to ask on the internet which gun to get), I think the more popular guns are just easier to learn on. Personal preference, they are all reliable guns.
Good point... knowledgable advice will probably be far easier to come by for the Mossbergs and Remingtons, and a lack of parts for the Ithaca make it a more difficult choice if you plan on going "tactical" in the future.
Still, I think in the end you'll go with whatever you're drawn to the most. Your best bet would be to find some nice CGN'rs or friendly folks down at your local range with either option, and see if you can blast a few rounds. That might solve your dilemma a lot quicker than poring over the details.
Smartbomb said:
Zombie apocalypse, need I say more?
If you're not looking for perfection, and have a bit of patience, you might be able to find both used (on the EE or elsewhere) for about the same price as a new Mossberg... I don't know how much the 590's cost, but I believe a new Ithaca M37 Defender is some $450 at the factory, plus whatever costs are on top of that. There was a guy on CGN that recently that bought a used Remington 870 Wingmaster for some $100, and my Ithaca was just over $200. They won't be in great condition by any means, but if you get them from a reputable seller they'll still go bang whenever you pull the trigger.
There is a name that comes up whenever "spare parts" and "Ithaca" come up in the same sentence, but I can't remember who. If you buy a new Ithaca from the factory, they should have all the spare parts you need... Brownells has some listed too.
But, I was referring to the "tacticool" parts... I'm (slowly) doing an M37 tactical build myself, and most of the stuff has to be fabbed up or modified to fit. Rails shouldn't be much of an issue, if you're willing to get your receiver drilled and tapped to match the bolt pattern... you might be able to get a Mossberg or Remington rail to fit. But tactical stocks aren't that easy to come by, and are limited in choice... nothing like the Knoxx or Hogue or whatever available for the other two brands. Magazine extensions are also nonexistant, at least for the older models. If you're going to buy a new Ithaca and want the extra rounds, you'll have to get the higher capacity magazine from the factory.
I did not know that... and I agree, a shame to lose that feature. I think it's starting to look like, for all practical reasons, the Mossberg is a "better" option, at least where versatility is concerned. Still, I think a range test of both is the most important thing to take into consideration... if you can't stand shooting one or the other, then it doesn't matter how great it is otherwise.
But, I was referring to the "tacticool" parts... I'm (slowly) doing an M37 tactical build myself, and most of the stuff has to be fabbed up or modified to fit. Rails shouldn't be much of an issue, if you're willing to get your receiver drilled and tapped to match the bolt pattern... you might be able to get a Mossberg or Remington rail to fit. But tactical stocks aren't that easy to come by, and are limited in choice... nothing like the Knoxx or Hogue or whatever available for the other two brands. Magazine extensions are also nonexistant, at least for the older models. If you're going to buy a new Ithaca and want the extra rounds, you'll have to get the higher capacity magazine from the factory.
I did not know that... and I agree, a shame to lose that feature. I think it's starting to look like, for all practical reasons, the Mossberg is a "better" option, at least where versatility is concerned. Still, I think a range test of both is the most important thing to take into consideration... if you can't stand shooting one or the other, then it doesn't matter how great it is otherwise.
