Make: Ithaca Gun Co.
Model: 37 Featherlight
Serial Number: 371101594
Year of Manufacture: 1970
Caliber: 20 Gauge, 2 ¾” Shells
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun Fed by Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 28” Round
Choke: Fixed Full
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a pink Raybar insert in a base that is fixed to the barrel above the muzzle.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece press checkered walnut with fleur-de-lis accents, a capped pistol grip, fluted straight comb, and an Ithaca orange rubber ventilated recoil pad. There are some scuffs and scratches that have removed some finish on the forearm. There are some other minor compressions and light draglines throughout. The press checkering is intact. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 14” from the front of the trigger to the back of the recoil pad. The recoil pad is soft with only faint wear. This stock rates in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion,this bore rates a 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. There are some scattered little nicks and scratches throughout. There is finish wear on the edges. There is operational wear on the mag tube. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun will slam fire by design. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: The Ithaca Model 37 was introduced to compete with the famed Winchester Model 12. The Ithaca shotgun was based on one of John Browning’s patents which had been used to create the Remington Model 17 and did not expire until 1932, which delayed the introduction of Ithaca’s shotgun. Although Remington discontinued the Model 17 in 1933, improvements had been made to the design which were also covered by a patent owned by Remington until 1936, delaying the Ithaca project further. Finally, the Remington patents expired and Ithaca applied for and were granted their own patented improvements made by Harry Howland. The new shotgun was finally released in 1937, hence the designation Model 37. The Model 37 proved an extremely successful shotgun, and was even adopted in limited numbers by the US military during WW2 as a “trench gun”. The Model 37 shotgun was called the Featherlight when it was introduced, although its weight was not significantly lighter than most other shotguns, but such trifles should never get in the way of good marketing. Ithaca Model 37s made prior to 1975 were configured in a manner that allowed them to be slam fired.
This Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight was made in 1970, meaning it can slam fire, and is in Fine condition. It shows light wear, and has been well kept over the past 50 or so years, with sound mechanics and a bright bore that will still be able to deliver lead as aimed. The shells eject out the bottom, making this a great option for both right and left-handed shooters. This handy 20 Gauge shotgun will come up fast, and is a solid choice for shooting clays or hunting.
Shotgun