Ithaca Model 37 ‘trench gun’ makes a comeback

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Ithaca Model 37 ‘trench gun’ makes a comeback

http://www.guns.com/2016/02/12/ithaca-model-37-trench-gun-makes-a-comeback/?utm_campaign=trueAnthem%3A+Trending+Content&utm_content=56bdf6f804d3013d0863cf04&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=facebook

The 12-gauge “trench gun” is back after a 41-year hiatus. Inland Manufacturing, in partnership with Ithaca Firearms, announced this week a re-production of the Model 37 combat shotgun.

The new production models are faithful to the original design from its bead sight, Parkerized finish, oiled walnut stock, and ventilated hand guard to its hard-to-miss bayonet lug that fits the long 1917 bayonet, said Charles Brown, president of MKS Supply, the firm marketing the historic firearms. He called the gun an “authentic combat firearm once used by our troops in Vietnam.”

The Ithaca Model 37 made its original debut in 1937, based on a design by the legendary John Browning. Production of the Model 37 stopped in 1945 because at the time post-war “riot guns” were in sufficient supply to satisfy the law enforcement and civilian markets stateside.

But war in Vietnam brought demand back, and the Model 37 earned a respected place as a tool for combat medics and other support personnel as well as many Special Forces troops of the day. Production was once again halted in 1975.

Field testing during the Vietnam era revealed the versatility of the Model 37 — not only was it a close-range fight-stopper, but proved its carbine-like capability to do big damage out to 75 yards when loaded with 00, 000, and #4 buckshot, slugs, and, infrequently, even flachette rounds.

The Model 37 has a capacity of 4+1. Overall length is 38.5 inches, of which 20 is barrel. It weighs 6.7 pounds. The receiver is machined from a single slab of steel and bears the same military stamps as the original. Loading and ejection are just like the original too, via the belly of the receiver.

Out of the box, the gun comes with a military-style sling, though it’s not been revealed if the sling will be cotton webbing or leather. The gun will retail for $1,239.
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The new Ithacas are awesome guns. Several steps above any modern Mossberg or Remington in my opinion. People are too used to cheap junky pump guns these days. The ithacas are so smooth it's ridiculous and the fit and finish is great. I've got 4 of the new ones. Bought them before the dollar went south though so probably way overpriced in Canada now. Not sure why people think pump guns have to be budget. Bolt guns come in all prices and flavors so why can't pump guns be made with a little extra attention too?

Everyone I know who's fired one of mine asks how much i want for it. Never got that with any other pumps. Maybe the old Wingmasters are the only one's that really compare.
 
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Nachoninja said:
The new Ithacas are awesome guns. Several steps above any modern Mossberg or Remington in my opinion. People are too used to cheap junky pump guns these days. The ithacas are so smooth it's ridiculous and the fit and finish is great. I've got 4 of the new ones. Bought them before the dollar went south though so probably way overpriced in Canada now. Not sure why people think pump guns have to be budget. Bolt guns come in all prices and flavors so why can't pump guns be made with a little extra attention too?

Everyone I know who's fired one of mine asks how much i want for it. Never got that with any other pumps. Maybe the old Wingmasters are the only one's that really compare.
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I hear you on this one. I've got three pump guns, a Mossy 500, a 1969 Wingmaster, and an Ithaca M37 out of Cleveland, Ohio. The Ithaca is by far the nicest of all three guns. From what I've read, the new guns should be even better than the old ones because Ithaca CNC's all of their new products.
 
So does NEA. CNC means nothing if you don't follow up with QC. Ithaca has a good rep, but they aren't worth that much
 
I have several model 37's, all of mine are the older pre-upper sandusky guns, but I've used the new ones too - just as well made IMHO. My favourite right now is a trim little 20 gauge.

Best JM Browning shotgun design EVER in my opinion. And VERY friendly to ambidextrous shooters.
 
Interesting, you can get a 20" defense Ithica (7+1) for less than half price of the trench gun. Great fit and finish, more capacity, less $$!
 
Travis Bickle said:
Yeah, I'd personally just get a beater model 37 and cut the barrel down with a repro bayonet lug and heat shield in the mail for a 1/5th the cost.
Cool to see a picture of it but holy f**k that is a high price tag!
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Hard to find a cheap model 37 without the "featherlight" receiver engraving. I don't mind the engraving on a hunting gun, but on a trench gun, it looks goofy.

I wonder if the new repro has the early type magazine cap with the retractable leverage arm?
 
With the Canadian dollar in a dive ; these shotguns may be pretty pricey in Can. dollars....and really , what can this shotgun do that other smooth bores cannot....
 
Yikes!
I picked up a Mossberg 500 in a deal with a Savage semi and a Winchester model 670 in 300 Win for two hundred. They were all in disrepair, like he stored them in his shower.
After cleaning up the 670 and getting the Leopold VXII working, I sold it for 600.00. The savage was beyond repair, but the Mossberg only needed stock replacement. 80.00 for the Ramline replacements and 40.00 to cut the barrel to 18.5" and i have a Defender style shotgun with a duck and pheasant engraving and money left over!
 
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