Ithaca Gun Co. Model 37 Featherlight Military & Police (M&P) 12 GA 20" Factory FULL Riot Shotgun
Our Assessment: The Ithaca 37 was designed by the company to compete with the Winchester Model 12. The gun was based on one of John Browning's patents which was used to create the Remington Model 17, the patent did not expire until 1932 which delayed the shotgun's introduction. Remington discontinued the Model 17 in 1933 which finally allowed Ithaca to move forward with their project. Since the Model 17 had improvements made to it which were also held by a patent owned by Remington, they were designed by John Pederson, until 1936 the project was further delayed. Finally, the Remington patents expired and Ithaca applied 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 eventually even adopted for use by the U.S. military and numerous law enforcement agencies. The gun was called the Featherlight when it was introduced, although its weight was not significantly lighter than most other shotguns. The Model 37 was produced in a number of configurations, and this one of the more popular for home defense or law enforcement. Its 20" barrel is fast-handling and easily maneuvered. Combine the 37's notably smooth action and ability to slam-fire with an 8-round capacity (7+1) and you have a potent combination that can put plenty of lead on target. In addition to being a gun suitable for defense, it is a nice example of the Featherlight M&P model, great to add to an Ithaca collection. Please see our pictures and good luck!
Make: Ithaca Gun Co
Model: 37 Featherlight Military & Police (M&P)
Serial Number: 371695777
Year of Manufacture: 1981
Caliber: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4" Chamber
Action Type: Pump Action Shotgun Fed By Internal Tubular Magazine
Barrel Length: 20"
Choke: Fixed Full
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bead set on the barrel at the muzzle. The top of the receiver is serrated for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece walnut with grooved slide handle, smooth pistol grip, straight comb and checkered black plastic Ithaca buttplate. There are a few light marks on the forend. There are some minor compressions on the buttstock. There are some scattered little spots of finish wear. There is a mark in the wood on the top of the wrist. There are scattered light handling marks. The LOP measures 14 1/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some scattered light wear. This stock rates in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There are dark areas with erosion in the first few inches from the muzzle. In the opinion of this writer, this bore rates 8 out of 10
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are scattered scuffs and rubs that have thinned the finish. There are scattered oil stains and a few little marks through the finish. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun will slam-fire. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
CA LEGAL: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO
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