Introducing the historical and iconic Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight, a 16 Gauge Pump Action Shotgun. This fine piece, manufactured in 1953 in the United States, stands as a testament to classic American gun craftsmanship. The overall condition is very good, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use. Despite some handling marks, scratches, dings, and scrapes in the wood and metal, and light pitting in the metal, it retains its charm and functionality. The bore condition is excellent, boasting a clean mirror finish with no signs of wear, embodying the true quality of Ithaca's production.
This shotgun features a blued finish with a wooden stock and forend adorned with checkering, grip cap, and buttplate. It sports a 28" plain barrel and a brass front bead sight/optic. The pump-action mechanism offers a 4+1 capacity, a full fixed choke, and a 2 3/4" chamber. The length of pull measures at a comfortable 14".
The Ithaca Model 37 was introduced in a challenging time in history, with the Great Depression and World War II looming. Despite the unfavorable circumstances, Ithaca stood firm and continued to produce this model along with other war necessities such as the M1911 pistols and M3 submachine guns. The Model 37 has the longest production run for a pump-action shotgun in history, surpassing even the Winchester Model 12, its original inspiration. It holds the unique distinction of being the only pre-World War II shotgun still in production. As of 2003, more than 2,000,000 Model 37s have been produced, with the one-millionth Model 37 produced in 1968.
Owning this piece not only means owning a functional shotgun but a piece of American gun history.