Newb Questions Re Ithaca 37 Pump Action

[shelby]

I just got my first Ithaca ever, a Model 37 in 12 gauge. This used gun started it's life in 1956 as a 37R Deluxe with 30" full-choked barrel. The previous owner had the barrel shortened to 20" and threaded for Truchokes, and then parkerized it.

I am concerned about the pump action on this gun. Before getting it, I had never even held a 37, much less cycled one. The forend on mine is quite loose, which I guess is to be expected with a single action bar. However, while I don't mind the rotational twist so much, I could do without the 1/8" of forward & back play in the forend when the action is locked up. I understand that there should be no fore/aft play when the action is locked. Is this right? Also, is there any quick & easy way to tighten up some of the forend/action slop?

Also, when pumped the forend slows up and binds at it's rear most travel. It takes a good deal of force to get it all the way back and then to get it moving forward again. The gun is well oiled, and snap caps cycled through it perfectly, but with all I've read about these guns on the Net I can't help but think that the action should be smoother and more effortless than this. Is mine in need of some 'smithing, or is this just the way that all Model 37s work?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[guntech]

Remove the buttstock and see if that frees up the action on it's rearward movement. It is possible you have some interference from the stock or stock screw. 37's normally are very smooth.

 

[Leg]

If your forend is loose than it is possible that it is binding against the barrel as you pump, just a guess.

 

[Tyockell18]

If your forend is loose than it is possible that it is binding against the barrel as you pump, just a guess.

Yea this would be my guess. I know that my forend stock is quite wobbely to.
My Bolt also has some play as well even when locked, it has always been like that and has always worked flawlessly.]

I think they are ment to have 1/8th of an inch or so play.
The binding up on the end of the stroke though, like mentioned before sounds like it is rubbing somewhere on the barrel.

Only other thing I could mention is perhaps take apart the reciever and give it a good cleaning.
When I bought mine used, there was ALOT of lead buildup in the back of the reciever behind the bolt, and it was causeing action problems.

 

[shelby]

Thanks for the replies guys. I just checked the gun over again, and the forend is nice & tight (it has the larger forend - not the little rat-tail one you often see on the 37.) I am going to borrow a long blade screwdriver and remove the stock to see if that is an issue.

I did just notice that the slide binds a bit even at its start. It takes some concentrated effort to get it started on it backward motion. This is very different from the slick, easy actions of my 870s. I swear those guns can almost pump themselves.

 

[shelby]

Problem solved. It was operator error w.r.t. the front nut on the forend. It has a groove cut in it to match the groove in the forend wood. If it is not lined up, the action will bind on the barrel when pumped all the way back. I moved mine off center when I unpacked the gun, hence the binding. She's all trued up now, and shucks very smoothly and smartly. What a nice gun!