Ithaca model 37 featherlight Value

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Red Beard Forge

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I was looking at a used feather-light 12ga today and it seems like a very well built shotgun Im just wondering where the sellers asking price falls in the spectrum the bluing was in great shape and the wood looks new aside from some small nicks and scuffs chambered for 2 3/4 shells only with what looked like a 28" barrel marked full choke but measuring closer to modified with a fibre optic bead is $400 reasonable for such a gun ? I am short on funds right now and would have to sell something else if I were to buy this so I am wondering if I would be better off to wait and watch the EE or if this is a good price for this firearm? for the record this was not a gun here on cgn
 
Prices in general seemed to have gone up across the board on guns, I'd say $400 all in, is reasonable today for a nice condition mod 37. An offer of $350 is not offensive.
 
I just picked one up off the EE for $325 shipped. Been looking a long time for one with a vent rib & modified OR improved cylinder choke.

In this case I got one that was made in 1975, has a vent rib, modified choke, 2&3/4 chamber, used lightly and had been stored for a LONG time. It is in GREAT shape.

Cheers
Jay






 
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rembolt said:
That gun could pass for unused . no tell tail blueing wear on the mag tube . that was a steal at $ 325.00 .
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Thanks & I agree! I feel particularly blessed to score it off the EE, that the previous owner dealt a little on price & that I have it in my safe!

Cheers
Jay
 
The gun I looked at was in similar shape not even any really noticeable wear on the action arm I'm told it was made in 69 and was a plain barrel no rib... I have no experience with the Ithaca 37 but it just felt really well built and he bottom eject is cool I also really like that there is no feed gate as I have a habit of snagging gloved fingers when reloading
 
Nice score Jay, I saw that one in the E.E. and it was all I could do to ignore it.... :)
The 37's seem to be less common on the E.E. then they were in years past.... compared to what a new 37 costs they are a real bargain!
 
The 37 featherweights are my favorite pump gun. I think they are a great deal compared to a lot of others out there. A very well made shotgun for a bargain price.
Here is a picture of a 20 gauge that I picked up for $300 a few years ago. This was after a great day grouse hunting at the camp.

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I just got a Featherlight 12 gauge waterfowl edition in the EE for $550. It is a newer one with 3" chamber and choke tubes however. With guys selling a gussied up 870 for $600 to whatever, it seems like a bargin to me. They are built like tanks, yet lightweight at the same time. Pretty sure the only plastic on mine is the stock and follower, rest is all metal.
 
I picked up a lovely 1965 gun for $300 on the EE. I enjoy taking it to trap and working the pump with 2 fingers. Beats me up after a few boxes, but I won't bring myself to put a pad on it.

now I need one with a mod choke :)
 
Mark-II said:
I picked up a lovely 1965 gun for $300 on the EE. I enjoy taking it to trap and working the pump with 2 fingers. Beats me up after a few boxes, but I won't bring myself to put a pad on it.

now I need one with a mod choke :)
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I put a pad on my very nice 1968 model 37. HV duck loads on overhead shots were just brutal recoil wise without it. The ONLY complaint I have of Lou Smith's masterpiece Featherlight is just that, it's too light.

Darryl
 
Jay said:
I just picked one up off the EE for $325 shipped. Been looking a long time for one with a vent rib & modified OR improved cylinder choke.

In this case I got one that was made in 1975, has a vent rib, modified choke, 2&3/4 chamber, used lightly and had been stored for a LONG time. It is in GREAT shape.

Cheers
Jay






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im taking it ...

sorry had a brain fart and was thinking you were putting an ad lol ...

a very nice one.

Phil
 
Jay said:
I just picked one up off the EE for $325 shipped. Been looking a long time for one with a vent rib & modified OR improved cylinder choke.

In this case I got one that was made in 1975, has a vent rib, modified choke, 2&3/4 chamber, used lightly and had been stored for a LONG time. It is in GREAT shape.

Cheers
Jay






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That's a real beauty sir - and an absolute steal at $325. I picked up a standard grade Model 37 with a plain 30 inch barrel last spring. Not in as near as nice condition as yours. Paid $225 for it at a local gun show. I've been using it to shoot trap and just love it.

If the OP can pick one up in excellent condition for under $400 I think it would be a fair deal.
 
madtrapper143 said:
I put a pad on my very nice 1968 model 37. HV duck loads on overhead shots were just brutal recoil wise without it. The ONLY complaint I have of Lou Smith's masterpiece Featherlight is just that, it's too light.

Darryl
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I might go for a slip on, but it'd have to be the old style firm rubber one with a long boot on it. Tried one of the Pachmayr ones (decelerator??) on an Auto-5 and it kept squishing off to the side every few shots (then I came to know that keeping the mag tube dry keeps the recoil down).
 
I added 1lb of lead in a piece of copper tubing to the stock on mine, it took the edge of it sufficiently enough to shoot trap & 5-stand with it. That one you have Jay is a beautiful example, mine's a plain 1975 featherlight, 28" barrel Full choke.
 
You guys convinced me ... I went back and grabbed it today and I must say it is the nicest shotgun I have ever owned and miles ahead of the Mossbergs and Remingtons out there in the same price range ...
 
Shot 3 rounds of Skeet with mine last night, not what one would call ideal but a heck of a lot of fun. One beautiful things about shooting skeet with a full choke, the hits are spectacular.
 
37's are definitely nice shotguns. I have one only - a 37R in really nice shape. I love old pumps, but shooting them is tough on the old body. I am grateful to be healthy and able to shoot them though! :)
 
I picked up a 37 that was pretty rough with a package deal. I oil and steel worked the rust off her and it looks quite presentable. It's a 76 with removable barrel and no pump fire :( but a very nice gun.

Are barrels available to shoot steel out of?

Any pics of the op gun?
 
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