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Ithaca model 37 experts, help needed.

2K views 12 replies 4 participants last post by  dfariswheel 
#1 · (Edited)
Friends,

I have found & am about to purchase an ITHACA MODEL 37 TRAP-GUN WITH VENTED RIB from 1949, SN 896XX, that is in GREAT MECHANICAL SHAPE but that needs COMPLETE COSMETIC REFINISHING.
(I can do a creditable job of the furniture refinishing, as I've refinished antique furniture for >4 decades.)

BUT I need at least 3 things that I DO NOT HAVE/KNOW ABOUT:
1. GOOD photos of HIGH-GRADE ITHACA MODEL 37 shotguns, which have ENGRAVED RECEIVERS,
2. A competent REBLUING SERVICE, with name/address/website & phone
AND
3. A GOOD ENGRAVER, who won't "RIP ME OFF" and/or think that I'm rich.
(As the receiver has several scratches that would be difficult to remove W/O damaging the "lettering" & numbers, I plan to have the scratches camoflaged.)

Opinions of our "team of firearms experts", i. e., the GREAT MEMBERS of www.gunhub.com's ADVICE is SOLICITED by the undersigned on info & general opinions.

Yours, sw
USA, Retired & certified EOF
 
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#5 · (Edited)
=

csmkersh,

A cylinder bore barrel, NEW or USED, in 20-24" is PRECISELY what I'm looking for, = THANKS.
(I'll LIKELY scope the barrel with a 1950s 2X Leopold that I found at a garage sale. = A 12 gauge SABOTED slug works FINE for deer/bear/Texas exotics & is A KILLER out of a smooth barrel, IF the tube is OK.)

yours, sw
 
#4 ·
Be careful who you trust to do the bluing, all too many these days are butchers that will ruin a fine gun.
Here's some who are well regarded in the industry and who are known for quality work.
Note that these days you can get cheaper bluing or good bluing....choose ONE.
And even the crappy cheap bluing is expensive due to the hand labor involved.

Ithaca themselves offer refinishing and possibly reworking of the engraving.

https://ithacagun.com/

http://www.gunbluing.com/
For sheer quality Glenrock has about the best reputation. They're used by many custom gunsmiths who need the finest workmanship for high dollar custom guns.
The offer various level polishing up to full Colt Python type mirror blue.

https://apwcogan.com/
Possibly the best all around gun refinisher. The offer up to a 400 grit polish, which is about that used by gun makers in the past.

https://fordsguns.com/
Ford's may offer rework of engraving.

https://precisionbluing.com/

http://www.ronsgunshop.com/
Ron's is a firearms restoration service, said to be almost as good as the hyper-expensive Doug Turnbull company.
 
#7 ·
Be aware that older Ithaca barrels CANNOT be dropped in, they require machine work to install.

Full details on this and barrel fitting service is on the Ithaca site.

I don't remember when Ithaca changed their manufacturing process to make barrels interchangeable without fitting, but a 1949 definitely will not accept an unfitted barrel.
 
#8 · (Edited)
dfariswheel,

UNDERSTOOD.

BTW, I found a 12-gauge WESTERN FIELD PUMP at a local garage sale for 100 bucks & probably SHOULD have bought it, about 1700 SAT afternoon. = A "plain Jane" Remington (I think) made for WESTERN AUTO STORES, years ago.

I may drive over to the house tomorrow & see if he still has it for sale.
(IF he does, it will be bought & "sawed off" to just over 18" & the old Ithaca will be left "factory stock" after refinishing.)

FWIW, as the "sawed off" will be a HOUSE & PICKUP shotgun, I'm afraid that a refinished Model 37 Trap-gun will just get "screwed up" again, IF I started carrying it every day in the truck/trunk.

yours, sw
 
#9 ·
dfariswheel,

FWIW, as the "sawed off" will be a HOUSE & PICKUP shotgun, I'm afraid that a refinished Model 37 Trap-gun will just get "screwed up" again, IF I started carrying it every day in the truck/trunk.

yours, sw
Use some kind of rack or scabbard, check local laws, if it actually bounces around BAD things can happen. I saw some very "well proven" guns sold in a local shop. A Grandfather bought them to give to his Grandson as projects. Allegedly these long arms were loose in a steel behind the seat box on some farm trucks and ignored until the farm got developed.

Geoff
Who thought hey needed a LOT of projecting.
 
#11 ·
csmkersh& ALL<

Fwiw, I drove to Blanco, TX this AM to pick-up & pay for the circa NOV 1949 ITHACA MODEL 37-T., with vent rib.

Upon returning home to SA, an inspection of the external surfaces, found a considerable amount of "honest wear" to the bluing & some SURFACE rust to the receiver & barrel top.
An internal inspection reveals that it is essentially "as new" mechanically.
(FINE steel wool & a few drops of lubricant removed 99% of the rust from the external surfaces.)

Further, the stock, under the worn/old/tired factory finish, reveals a REALLY HANDSOMELY-figured stock & slide handle. = NO tiger has many many more stripes than this nice piece of American Walnut.
(PITY that most current US-made shotguns have such poor-quality furniture.)

From that internal/external inspection I deduce that the shotgun as been carried MUCH (including likely in a "truck gun rack", as there is considerable bluing wear in 2 places about 3/4 - 1inch wide) but fired SELDOM.

Readers may consider me VERY PLEASED with my purchase, especailly given th emodest cash price.

yours, sw
 
#13 ·
The John Browning designed Ithaca Model 37 is the last of the old pre-war "Tank" shotguns that were made of forged and milled steel.

In order to do much damage it has to be pretty much by deliberate intent, and they just don't wear out at anything less then one million rounds or so.

If you want to restore it I'd recommend talking to Ithaca, or for just a reblue I'd probably go with Glenrock for absolute top of the line workmanship.
 
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