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< 16ga. General Discussion ~ Need Help with Ithaca 37 Featherlight |
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Posted:
Sat May 26, 2018 4:55 pm
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Joined: 07 Feb 2018
Posts: 29
Location: New York, USA
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Hey everyone,
I was at my local gun shop and came across a gem of an Ithaca on the shelf. The owner of the store had gotten his hands on an Ithaca 37R Deluxe Featherlight in 16 - which, of course, I needed to get my hands on.
This gun happens to be one of three Ithaca pumps in my possession now, but the first and only to have the solid rib that is so elusive to find.
Now that I have it -- I have a couple of questions. First, I want to date this gun. I have searched high and low to get an accurate idea of what it could be but all serials I pull up seem misleading. The stamped serial is six digits long, starting with 681XXX-2. Can anyone tell me what year it was manufactured?
Also, the previous owner (only one person owned this gun before me) happened to make some modifications to the stock by shortening it. However, after inspecting the wood and finish, I am beginning to wonder if this was the original stock that came with this gun. It happens to look eerily similar to some of the old Herter's stocks that were made for the Ithaca's.
If anyone can get back to me with some answers to either question, it would be much appreciated. In the mean time, enjoy the pics!
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Posted:
Sat May 26, 2018 5:00 pm
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Member
Joined: 08 Oct 2006
Posts: 1395
Location: Tappahannock, Virginia
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Forend and stock look like a pretty good match, so my vote is it’s original.
Love the solid rib guns. Late 40’s or early 50’s? Serial number should confirm... |
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Posted:
Sat May 26, 2018 5:07 pm
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Joined: 16 Nov 2006
Posts: 367
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1956 ended about 652000, 1957 ended 704000.
Likely early 1957
Does the barrel have the same SN about the five o'clock position??
If not have the headspace checked before using.
THEN ENJOY IT!!! |
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Posted:
Sat May 26, 2018 5:09 pm
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Joined: 07 Feb 2018
Posts: 29
Location: New York, USA
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Thanks guys, I was figuring that too for year but can't seem to find anything confirmatory about it through Ithaca's serial records. The gun has the same SN for the barrel and the receiver, which is marked on the face next to the barrel and magazine tube |
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Posted:
Sat May 26, 2018 5:26 pm
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Joined: 16 Nov 2006
Posts: 367
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all pre-855,000 SN's (1963) are stamped there,
Post 855,000 are above the trigger on right receiver face, after 1968 the 37 characters were leading the SN.
Any barrel you find, will need the SN on the barrel and headspaces before use. |
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Posted:
Sat May 26, 2018 5:45 pm
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Joined: 13 Jan 2018
Posts: 32
Location: North Georgia
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Beautiful wood, handsome gun...he said enviously! |
_________________ can't never could...wont never will |
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Posted:
Mon May 28, 2018 8:13 am
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Joined: 17 Mar 2017
Posts: 2817
Location: Endless Mountains of Pa
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AKOSS1923,
Very nice Ithaca 40 -50's guns, looks like the 1st owner kept her in real nice shape.
Enjoy
Pine Creek/Dave |
_________________ "L.C. Smith America's Best" - John Houchins
Pine Creek Grouse Dog Trainers |
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Posted:
Mon May 28, 2018 11:05 am
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Joined: 09 Mar 2016
Posts: 757
Location: Mn.
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Your 37RD was made in 1957. The stock is correct checkering for a 37RD and 37RDV. Although obviously not the recoil pad, an Ithaca Sunburst pad would be period correct for you gun.
Congrats on a great and rare 37RD! Been looking for one in 16 ga. to go with my 16 ga. 37RDV
Both are kind of rare birds. |
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Posted:
Mon May 28, 2018 11:13 am
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Joined: 17 Mar 2017
Posts: 2817
Location: Endless Mountains of Pa
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Cold Iron,
I agree a real nice Ithaca Pump Gun, my best friend has one. He will never give it up. Watched him shoot more than a few True Double, down thru the years with that gun, in the right hands they are one deadly shotgun.
Pine Creek/Dave |
_________________ "L.C. Smith America's Best" - John Houchins
Pine Creek Grouse Dog Trainers |
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Posted:
Tue May 29, 2018 1:56 pm
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Joined: 24 Jul 2016
Posts: 548
Location: Ohio
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If it were mine I'd get a Sunburst pad from CSMC, $30 plus shipping. That's a exceptional find, you did well,very well. Might add there are at least 2 folks on this thread that would be happy to relieve you of the stress of caring for it for a nominal fee.I would like to stress again that beauty needs a old timey red Sunburst! OR there's one like on Cold Irons gun on Ebay right now for 20 some bucks. |
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Posted:
Thu May 31, 2018 5:58 pm
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Joined: 07 Feb 2018
Posts: 29
Location: New York, USA
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Thanks everyone for the info! This one will cherished for a long time. |
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