Ithaca 37 20ga

Like most gun companies, the Ithaca Gun Company has had a checkered path in terms of successes and failures. Founded in 1883 in Ithaca, N.Y., by William Henry Baker, Dwight McIntyre and John Vanatta, its original plan was to build fine double-barrel shotguns. Baker was a longtime gunsmith with a good reputation for design and execution, but like many gunsmiths, he had relatively little capital to work with, which sent him on an endless search for underwriters. By 1887 Baker had left Ithaca, and McIntyre, Vanatter and L.H. Smith, brother of L.C. Smith, continued to run the company.

With the depression dragging on and war looming on the horizon, it was possibly the worst time to introduce a sporting arm. That this shotgun survived WWII is a testament to the soundness of the design. Many sporting arms manufacturers ceased production entirely during the same period, but Ithaca produced shotguns for military use during the war, as well as M1911 45 cal. pistols and M3 Grease Guns.

Perhaps the most unique feature of Ithaca shotguns is the bottom ejection port. The ejection port works double duty for the shotgun. Here the hunter may load either 2-3/4 inch or 3 inch shells. When the shotgun action is cycled, the spent shells will discharge from this same port.

The bottom ejection and loading port help to maintain a clean barrel by protecting it from the weather and reducing the likelihood of rust. Snow, rain, and ice may be well-known companions in the duck blinds, but this feature helps to maintain a properly functioning firearm for many years to come. Left-handers will appreciate the bottom ejection port on Ithaca shotguns because the spent shells will kick down and out, not across and into their face.

Another groundbreaking feature introduced by the Model 37 was the use of a lightweight alloy receiver. This made the shotgun significantly lighter and more manoeuvrable, a crucial advantage for law enforcement officers and military personnel in close-quarters combat situations. Additionally, the Model 37’s simplicity of design and ease of disassembly made it easier to clean and maintain, further enhancing its appeal.

The Ithaca Model 37 pump shotgun’s journey from a simple farming tool to a legendary firearm is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Ithaca Gun Company. Its unique features, such as the bottom ejection system and lightweight alloy receiver, set new standards in the shotgun industry. As the Model 37 continues to be cherished by shooters and collectors alike, its legacy as a true American icon lives on.

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