Ithaca Shotgun Serial Numbers
The Ithaca 37 is a pump-action shotgun made in large numbers for the civilian, military, and police markets. It utilizes a novel combination ejection/loading port on the bottom of the gun which leaves the sides closed to the elements.
- Shop for the original Ithaca Model 37 Shotguns, handguns, and firearms, pistols, hunting rifles & accessories from the Official Website of Ithaca Gun Company.
- Oct 03, 2006 What is the serial number range of years of manufacture of the Ithaca 37? Ithacanut Post subject: Re: Ithaca Model 37 Featherweight serial numbers? The gun is now at Ithaca being repaired and reblued. I'll be like a 14 year old again when it gets home.
Enlighten me >I have got an Ithaca Weapon Co 12 Gauge Shotgun. Serial Number 73XXX (all parts matching numbers), on the best of the barrels it states 'Krupp Fluid Steel', undernieith scans 'Liquid Steel - Krupp Essen (?), Undér the BBLS ón the receiver can be 2 over 12 (framework dimension and gauge)? And it is definitely engraved very perfectly.
The BBLS are but 18 3/16' in size and provides a metal top bead sight. From what I have got gathered, it had been produced in 1901 but I can not discover a research to this shótgun in a 'brief clip or barrel' in my lookup. The BBL'Beds appear 'factroy' as the top of them are lead filled as they should become. Is usually this a cut-down version which had been completed after it remaining the stock or could it be equivalent to a WeIls-Fargo or Guard Shotgun??? It'beds a mean looking House Defense Weapon!!!
Furthermore, I am asking yourself if it is certainly a 2 1/2' or probably a 2 9/16' chamber rather of a 2 3/4' step. Thanks In Progress. Rebel, With that serial amount, I suspect your Ithaca increase could end up being a Crass model or the later on Lewis model. The Lewis design offers some much better features, ie, coil suspension springs, etc. Does the serial quantity on the clip or barrel have the same quantity as on the receiver? You say all #'s complement so I suppose they do. Cause I state this is usually almost all of the Ithaca doubles produced around 1901 experienced damascus or perspective stell barrels.
The number '2' over the '12' indicate the weapon can be a number 2 grade in 12 measure. The number 1 grade had been the minimum grade they produced at that period. A Krupp Metal barrel could become appropriate because Ithaca and additional US manufacturers started using Krupp Metal barrels around that period. 18 inches barrels are thé minimum legal Iength for shotgun barreIs. Any shorter ánd thé BATFE might not like it.
Also, the minimum amount overall legal dimension for a shotgun is definitely 28' I believe. Your weapon probably offers 2 5/8' chambers. If the barrels and the sleep of the gun is sound, shoot just light field tons, and carefullly. I suspect someone in the past cut the barrels back to 18 3/16'. If possessed by Wells Fargo Company., the weapon would probably be ski slopes but usually somebody else will indicate guns 'WF Company' and try out to complete them off as first. Proceed with extreme caution if you find any ski slopes this way. Hopefully, someone else may offer some thoughts.
Wish this assists. Jolly Bill, Thanks for the info Sir. Certainly it is definitely (do some more reading) a 'Crass' Design and from the SN will appear in the 1901 variety of serial numbérs.
The BBLS, Receiver, Wood Hands Guard Hands Guard Steel All Are The Exact same Serial Amount. The 18 1/2' Two times Barrels and the general duration of 35' are of suitable size. (Obtained My Good Tape Gauge Out). The end on the Shotgun is usually 'Shiny' with nó pitting and l reckon whoever do the 'Alterations' to the BBLS has been 'Professional' as it shows up in Great Problem. Beings the step is probably 2 5/8' would it be Alright to use 2 1/2' shells??? I did find a firm, 'RST' in Friendsville, Pennsylvania that markets 2 1/2' 12 Measure 'Lighting' Covers specifically for the old 'One Doubles' in several different shot dimensions. The 12 Measure shells operate right at $100.00 per situation of 250.
Would that become appropriately shot in this 'Aged Winchester 1897?' I are going to have got it examined out by a professional Gun Smith in the near future, as I would like to touch a few times off in the Mountains before Labor Day time. If I can obtain a several good pictures of the lthaca I'll post them on right here if you'm like to find them. Once again, Thanks 'Jolly Costs' For The Details Sir!.
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Ithaca Model 37 Serial Numbers
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Shotguns possess acquired a long, but usually unheralded, tenure of assistance with Usa'h armed forces. Also before the Revolutionary War, smoothbore flintlock “fowling pieces” were frequently pushed into assistance in the hands of militia and other irregular soldiers. Shotguns were often employed, especially by Confederate cavaIrymen, during the United states Civil Battle. Also, shotguns followed soldiers during the Traditional western Enlargement from the past due 1860s through the 1880s. A few shotguns had been obtained by the military services during this period for “foraging” use, such as hunting wild birds and various other small video game to complement the common salt pork and hardtack fare. In the instant consequences of the Spanish-American War of 1898, the U.T. Military procured shotguns specifically for fight purposes when a couple hundred commercial Winchester Model 1897 slide-action “riot” shotguns (20' clip or barrel) had been issued to United states soldiers fighting Moro tribésmen in the PhiIippines.
While certainly not a large component of our armed service small arms arsenal, escalating numbers of shotguns saw program in all following U.T. Military issues.
During Globe War I, a version of the Model 1897 fitted with a ventilated metallic handguard and bayonet adapter had been released for fight use, along with a smaller sized amount of similarly altered Remington Design 10 shotguns. Dubbed “trench guns,” these arms produced during Globe War I stayed in program with the U.Beds. Military between the wárs, but no brand-new combat shotguns were produced after cancellation of the 1918 contracts. After the Armisticé, civilian gunmakers concentrated on rifles and shotguns fór the civilian spórting/hunting market. Due to the expanding reputation of the Winchéster and Remington sIide-action shotguns, lthaca Weapon Co.
Sought a gun of this type to keep pace with its two main competition. In 1937, Ithaca released its 1st repeating shotgun, the Model 37. The gun was an enhanced version of the John Browning-designed Model 17 that had become a popular vendor for the Remington Hands Company.
The style differed from almost all other slide-action shótguns as the shells were packed and ejected from the bottom of the recipient rather than the bóttom-loading and sidé-port ejection settings discovered on most of the competing styles. This function become a huge hit to numerous customers, and the Model 37 quickly became known for its workmanship and reliability. From the time of its introduction until the eve of North america's i9000 entrance into WorId War II, lthaca focused on commerciaI sales of thé Model 37, and the company made little effort to attract law enforcement or military customers. However, with the ever-increasing possibility that the United Says would be attracted into the battle raging in European countries, the U.Beds. Army Ordnance Dept. Began arrangements to procure shotguns for armed service use.
Ithaca Double Barrel Shotgun Serial Numbers
It had been envisioned that such arms would quickly be needed for training and combat purposes. To that finish, the U.Beds. Military Ordnance Dept. Issued Order No. 17074 on August. 7, 1941, which standardized the sticking with shotguns for “riót and sporting usé”: Winchester Model 97, Winchester Model 12, Ithaca Design 37, Remington Model 31 and Savage M620.
11, 1941, (much less than a 30 days before the attack on Pearl Have), the U.H. Ordnance Dept.
Placed orders with Winchester Repeating Arms Co. For 1,494 Design 97 “trench guns,” the 1st new military combat shotguns to become procured since the finish of Globe War I actually. Anticipating extra orders from the government for combat shotguns mainly because nicely, Ithaca designed a “trench gun” version of its Model 37 huge range gun (20' barrel) installed with a hándguard/bayonet adapter quite identical to the Winchester style. Since the Design 37 had been one of the weapons previously standardized by the 0rdnance Dept., the trénch weapon variant was quickly authorized for procurement, aIong with a number of short-barrel riot weapons (without bayonet adaptérs) and longer-barreI training weapons. In the springtime of 1942, the federal government placed orders for 1,420 Model 37 trench weapons designated in Ithaca manufacturer records as “Model #37, 12/20'- Huge range Kind Shotguns with Bayonet Attachments.” While the term “trench gun” has been never official federal government nomenclature, it is useful terminology to distinguish the versions fitted with bayonet adaptérs from the pIain-barrel “riot” weapons. The Model 37 trench guns were shipped from the Ithaca factory to Augusta Menu between August 27 and Come july 1st 20, 1942. Manufacturer records reveal that two additional Model 37 trench weapons were delivered to the Néw Cumberland (Penn.) Source Depot on Sept.
Ithaca Gun Company
4, 1942, which resulted in total manufacturing of 1,422 weapons. The per-unit price to the authorities had been $33.60. The Entire world Battle II Ithaca Design 37 trench weapons were completed in Ithaca't attractive commercial-grade blue. The receivers did not have the engraved “game scenes” simply because found on most of the earlier riot weapons procured under authorities agreement. Some of thé initial-production Planet Battle II Model 37 trench guns' shares had been checkered on the grip region and the slip deal with, but most guns experienced unadorned (not really checkered) solid wood.
Unlike the various other producers, the Entire world War II (and almost all post-war) Ithaca armed service shotgun creation records survived intact, therefore precise serial numbers are recognized. Although the weapons were not consecutively serial numbered, the Globe Battle II-production Model 37 trench weapon serial numbers rangéd from 57,820 to 61,450. If a weapon found today is not in this serial number variety, it can be not really a legitimate World War II-production Model 37 trench weapon. The wartime Ithaca trench guns were runs on the left side of the recipient with the 0rdnance “flaming bomb” insigniá, “R.M.M” (initials of Col. Bowlin, mind of the Rochester Ordnance Region), and a little “P” (proof) stamps. Unlike some armed forces shotguns produced by various other companies, the Ithaca Model 37 shares were not runs with examination or resistant rubber stamps. In inclusion to the 1,422 trench guns, Ithaca furthermore delivered a quantity of Design 37 riot weapons to Uncle Sam.
To satisfy the preliminary contracts, numerous of these 20' plain-barrel shotguns had been taken directly from civilian creation inventory and rubber-stamped with martial márkings-generally á “U.S i9000.” stamp, the Ordnance “fIaming bomb” insignia ánd a “P” próofmark on the receiver or clip or barrel. Many of these early riot weapons had highly polished blued metallic with commercial-type etched “game scenes” on the receiver and carefully checkered high-grade solid wood.
Ithaca manufacturer records furthermore suggest that the Condition of New York acquired a couple hundred Model 37 huge range weapons with 22' barrels in past due 1941 and earlier 1942 as nicely. In inclusion to the huge range weapons and trench guns, the federal government obtained 4,534 long-barrel Model 37 training shotguns between Summer 1941 and September 1942.
In past due 1942, Ithaca started production of the M1911A1.45 ACP pistol under authorities agreement. The Ordnance Dept.
Determined that the war work would be better served if the company concentrated on produce of the gun, and military services production of the Model 37 shotgun ceased for the duration of the war. The limited quantity of weapons manufactured resulted in the World Battle II-production Ithaca Model 37 getting the rarest standardised U.H. Armed service trench weapon of the battle. After 1945, the supply of Planet War II-made shotguns, like the relative handful of Design 37 trench guns, along with the much larger number of Winchester and Stevens guns, was enough to meet the immediate post-war requirement and further manufacturing of armed service shotguns ceased. But, in earlier 1962, the need arose for additional quantities of armed forces fight shotguns with which to arm our Sth Vietnamese allies as the battle in Southeast Asian countries began to develop exponentially.
Beginning in Nov 1962, Ithaca obtained the very first of a collection of government agreements for (Model 37) “Shotgun, 12 Ga. Huge range Type, Glide Actions, 20' Barrel or clip, in compliance with Armed forces Specifications MIL-S3443, Type IIIA.” The per-unit price had been $36.61, which incorporated a cleaning up fishing rod and web sling.
A overall of 22,000 of these Design 37 shotguns has been shipped to the Saigon authorities between Nov. 14, 1962 and January. Serial numbers rangéd between 50,000 and 71,999. Since the guns were not made for the U.Beds. Military services, they had been not noted with United states martial markings. They were plain-barrel huge range guns and had been not equipped with bayonet adaptérs, but they had been installed with sling swivels.
As the United Claims' involvement in Vietnam started to turn further, the supply of World Battle II-production shotguns grew to become used up as the guns, once again, demonstrated their worth to our troops. Starting in 1963, the U.S. Government positioned orders with Ithaca for Model 37 riot guns for concern to our equipped makes. They were mechanically identical to the weapons previously made for the Southerly Vietnamese government but were not equipped with sling swivels. The serial numbers experienced an “S” prefix and were in a lower range (Beds1000-S23000) than the weapons made earlier. The guns were proclaimed “U.S i9000.” on the right aspect of the recipient with “G” proofmarks on the receiver and clip or barrel. The shares had been unmarked.
Like the Sth Vietnamese riot guns, these “S-prefix” U.T. Military Design 37s had been not fitted with bayonet adapters. One exception has been a later on (1963) U.T. Air Pressure purchase for 206 weapons of this type fitted with the exact same general kind of handguard/bayonet adapter used with the Globe War II Design 37 trench weapons. In Might 1966, the U.Beds.
Naval Procedures Support Team ordered an extra 3,000 Model 37 “Shotguns, Riot Type, Specific Objective, 12 ga.” from Ithaca at a contract cost of $37.60 each. Movie scripts online. They had been serial numbered in the 900 range. They had been shipped to the U.S. Naval Amphibious Base in San Diego for following distribution to Navy and Ocean Corps staff. Except for the serial amount marking format, the weapons were identical to the earlier “S-prefix” Model 37 huge range guns.
In the middle of the-1960s, Frankford System played around with with a “spréader choke” for shótguns that would produce a wider pattern of chance dispersion to enhance the “hit possibility.” This analysis resulted in the advancement of the só-called “duckbill” choké which created an elliptical shot design. Some of these experimental chokes, usually attached to Model 37 huge range guns, were used by U.T. Navy Closes and U.S.
Sea Corps reconnaissance teams in Vietnam. The results of combat use of the choke were mixed, and it was eventually motivated that the gadget was better appropriate for riot control programs than for fight use. In 1967, the U.H. Government placed orders with Ithaca for a relatively small volume of Design 37 trench weapons that differed in various minor respects from the even more than 200 “S-prefix serial quantity” USAF trench guns ordered earlier. These afterwards Vietnam-era Model 37 trench guns were really related to the Entire world War II trench guns except for getting a Parkerized surface finish (rather than bluing), a different serial quantity range and different type of martial markings. Unlike the earlier Design 37 armed forces shotgun agreements, factory creation and delivery records for the later on guns have got not ended up found. The small number of noticed genuine individuals typically drop around the 980,000 serial amount range.
Along with the regular commercial markings (including Ithaca's proprietary “Roto-Forge” logo design), the guns were ski slopes “U.T.” on the recipient with “G” proofmarks on the barrel. Ithaca furthermore produced a amount of basically identical Model 37 trench weapons for the civilian and legislation enforcement marketplaces that were not stamped with martial markings and were in a higher serial amount variety. It is certainly fascinating to notice that these 1960s-manufacturing Model 37 trench guns, like the World Battle II trench weapons, were outfitted with bayonet adapters for use with the Model 1917 “U.S i9000. Enfield” gun bayonet. As the source of Planet War I Meters1917 bayonets became depleted, contracts for brand-new bayonets of this design were provided to two firms; General Cutlery and Europe Strategy.
These Vietnam-era bayonets had been installed with plastic material grips and were not simply because well crafted as the 1917-1918 bayonets made by Remington ánd Winchester. The most widely released shotguns during the Southeast Asian countries conflict had been the Ithaca Design 37 and Stevens Model 77E. While issued in large numbers, the Design 77E has been plagued by some nagging reliability troubles, but the Design 37 generally gave exceptional program and was highly deemed by the majority of its users. By the past due 1960s, newer styles, including the Remington Model 870 and Winchester Model 1200, arrived on the picture, and many of the Model 37s (and 77Eh) had been eventually withdrawn from military service. Nonetheless, the Model 37 carried on to become a well-known law enforcement left arm, and numerous are nevertheless in use today. Armed service shotguns are usually extremely well-known with today's armed service arms collectors, and costs are increasing at a fast price.
As discussed, one of the rarest good examples of the genre is usually the Globe Battle II Design 37 trench weapon, but all óf the Ithaca military services shotguns are highly appealing purchases for a collector. Sadly, the extremely limited supply and higher demand has resulted in several fakes coming on the market today. These consist of long-barrel civilian Design 37s with cut-down barrels and duplication handguard/bayonet adapters added. Some false Vietnam-era Design 37 trench weapons with bogus “USSF” (allegedly “United Expresses Particular Forces”) markings have furthermore been noticed. Potential customers should perform their research before committing to the purchase of supposedly genuine Design 37 military shotguns. Although overshadowed today by the bétter-known and even more widely used armed forces shotguns-such ás the Winchester Design 1897 and Design 12-the Ithaca Model 37 remains one of the greatest shotguns actually issued to our military.
Its procurement ánd issuance from 1942 through the late 1960s is certainly ample testimony to the worth of the Ithaca Design 37 to our armed forces.
Your gun was made in 1977. I wear't how to clarify who he is definitely but I can tell you I think he is usually the foremost professional on Ithaca'h and he provides a great deal of the information from the older Ithaca. Both of his textbooks are superb with all the courting to figure out when a weapon was produced. He regularly says the forums and if provided a guns serial number I are told he can tell you precisely how it left the factory.
The altered choke capturing question will be harder to respond to because because it is certainly more a issue of opinion but I have got a 37 in 20 ga with modified choke and I would look any small video game with it. Distance is definitely the aspect you would need your pictures to be close I would say no even more than 30 yds. Okay, I will purchase Walt'beds reserve - but who can be Walt and what is definitely the publication on Ithaca Model 37'beds? And can you inform me when this one was produced: Ithaca Design 37 Featherlight, SR#371295675? What type of shooting is revised choke best appropriate for? Thanks for your professional assist.
Walt is usually Walter Snyder, thé ex-Ithaca histórian who, literally, wrote the bibles ón Ithaca shótguns. His Ithaca 37 guide is called 'Ithaca Featherlight Repeaters, The Greatest Gun Proceeding' and will be, as well as Amazon, Ray Rilings ánd other booksellers.
Yóur Michael37 has been produced in 1973.