Ithaca 37

The Ithaca 37 is an efficient pump action shotgun used by the military, law enforcement and even civilians. One of the oldest shotguns still in production, it has seen a lot of action, serving right through the World War II, Vietnam War and is even in operation today.

The two best known versions of Ithaca 37, are' Stakeout' a standard police issue, and 'Homeland Security' designed for civilian use.

The Ithaca 37 'Stakeout' is a powerful 12 gauge gun. With a length of 1003 mm, weighing 3 kilograms when empty it is easy to use in closed rooms and crowded places. This is chambered for of 2mm and 3/4th inch lugs and can go up to 4 to 7 rounds on standard models. It features a tubular underbarrel magazine, and the barrel is locked by tipping the back of the bolt up into the recess inside the receiver roof. The stamped stainless receiver is strong enough to handle 3 inch magnum shells. The window at the bottom of the receiver loads the magazine and removes the spent cartridges. The gun has a cross-bolt, push button type manual safety that is behind the trigger in the triggergaurd. Ithaca 37 is slightly old fashioned to look at with simple bead sites and wooden exteriors.

In the Vietnam War a version was issued to the US Navy Seals with a 'duckbill' choke attachment. Though this was useful for multiple targets; it had inherent limitations, and one of them being the quick spread of shots that made it ineffective.

Some of the other popular versions of the guns are Featherlite and Ultralite which have aluminum receivers, Deerslayer with a shortened barrel and rifle-style sighting system and a Deerslayer Police Special that is a military and police version.

The Ithaca 37 has been a benchmark of quality. Its popularity over time reflects the ability to deliver products that understand the needs of its varied users.