Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight 12 GA Slam Fire Pump-Action Shotgun, MFD 1975

SOLD FOR: $1385

LSB#: 211016GS01

Make: Ithaca

Model: 37 Featherlight

Serial Number: 371493073

Year of Manufacture: 1975 (Per the Ithaca Serial Number Lookup and the book included with this example, Walter Claude Snyder’s Ithaca Featherlight Repeaters… The Best Gun Going)

Gauge: 12, chambered for 2 3/4” Shells

Action Type: Tubular Magazine Fed Slam-Fire Pump-Action Shotgun

Markings: Barrel left shoulder marked “MODEL 37 – FEATHERLIGHT® – 12 GA – 2 3/4 CHAMBER – PROOF TESTED / ITHACA GUN CO. INC. ITHACA, N.Y. MADE IN U.S.A. – ROTO FORGED®” and “CYL”. There is an image of an anvil between “ROTO” and “FORGED”. Receiver left side marked with serial number, “371493073”. Receiver sides marked with game scenes. Barrel right side and receiver right side marked with anvil proofs.

Barrel Length: 20”

Choke: Cylinder, Fixed

Sights/Optics: A beaded post is fixed to the front of the barrel.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two piece wood with ribbed forend, slim straight semi-pistol grip, fluted straight grip, and serrated composite buttplate. Buttstock and grip have scattered light nicks and compressions along with a few areas made darker by handling. Underside edges of the forend have light nicks. The LOP measures 14″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the pad. There is light-to-moderate scuff wear at the heel and toe and several spots where the serrations are nicked. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good-to-Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized.

Finish Originality: Original.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and there is no erosion. Minor stubborn fouling can be seen throughout.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 88% of its metal finish. The magazine tube has moderate operational wear/finish loss. The receiver and barrel both have light scuffs and minor nicks throughout. A few nicks on the barrel go through the finish and there are a few darker drag lines on the left side. Screws are sharp with usable slots. Markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates Very Good-to-Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This shotgun will slam-fire as designed. The shotgun ejects out the bottom of the receiver. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork and Accessories: This Model 37 ships with Walter Claude Snyder’s book, Ithaca Featherlight Repeaters… The Best Gun Going as well as a few printed articles on the shotgun.

Our Assessment: The Ithaca 37 enjoys a good reputation for its durability, ambidextrous ejection design, smooth action, and of course, for being one of few pump shotguns which can be slam-fired, meaning that with the trigger depressed, pushing the slide handle forward and locking the action will allow the chambered round to be fired without needing to reset the trigger. In addition to seeing use by bird and deer hunters for generations, the Model 37 has served in WWII, the Vietnam War and in countless law enforcement agencies across the country. This example is a 20” 12 gauge with very little meaningful wear that will make an ideal home defense weapon, compact as it is. The parkerized finish makes for an imposing aesthetic, too. Included in this auction is Walter Claude Snyder’s Ithaca Featherlight Repeaters… The Best Gun Going, a book that serves as a true authority on the subject of Ithaca Model 37 shotguns. Good luck and happy bidding!

Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight 12 GA Slam Fire Pump-Action Shotgun, MFD 1975
Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight 12 GA Slam Fire Pump-Action Shotgun, MFD 1975