New Ithaca M37 28ga Anybody try it?

[SMK]

I've been on the web looking at the new Ithaca Model 37 shotgun with the scaled down 28 ga frame. Wondering if any of you own one or have had one in your hands? If so what do you think?

I like the looks of what I see except for the pad.

 

[scorvers]

I drool over that pic often. Would love to give one to my Dad for his Bday or Christmas.
I feel the same way about the pad. Why? It's a 28 gauge. All the makers seem to have an infatuation with "recoil" pads nowadays.

 

[Texas Star]

Got a link with pics?

Thanks,

T-Star

 

[chief38]

I curse the day I sold my Ithaca M37 Featherwight, it was in 12 ga. however. I do like the Ithaca M37, but would shy away from 28 gauge because it is somewhat of an obscure gauge. I would opt for a 12 or 20. In 12 ga. there are a gazillion different types and loadings, 20 is at least available in most stores, but 28 ga. is a bit hard to come by these days. What is the primary purpose of this shotgun? If it's for hunting the 12 or 20 will suit most needs, for defense work I would definitely go for the 12, (unless your wife requires a bit less recoil).

 

[NKJ nut]

Got a link with pics?

Thanks,

T-Star

The Ithaca 28 Gauge Model 37 II


I would dearly love to have one but it's not going to happen for a while.

 

[2152hq]

Only seen the pictures.
Going to be a tuff sell I think.

 

[Andy Griffith]

I've wanted one for a bit. I too hate the recoil pad. A nice steel plate would be my first choice, as it's a bird gun and the last thing you need is a pad grabbing your shirt or vest.

Also, I called and talked with the guys concerning the new Fiocchi 28ga tundra 3" loads, and according to them it should feed and eject them if the chamber was lengthened. The chamber on these guns is 2 3/4" as it comes from the factory. Not that I'd shoot many or any of them, but was curious in case I wanted to shoot a honker with it at close range.

They also stated that all the receivers are engraved with that big "28 gauge" billboard, which I don't care for either.
I guess I'll stick with my little Japanese Browning model 12 in 28 gauge for now.

 

[NKJ nut]

I guess I'll stick with my little Japanese Browning model 12 in 28 gauge for now.

You poor suffering soul

 

[Big Cholla]

Re; 28 ga. vs 20 ga. Drop into your favorite big box store selling shotgun ammo and price out a case of 28 ga. shotshells and then price out a case of 20 ga. shotshells. The premium they want for 28 ga. is enough to keep me on the 20 ga. side of the issue. .......... I do like the Ithaca Model 37. ............... Big Cholla

 

[Texas Star]

You poor suffering soul

I've handled those M-12 repros, in the high grade, too. Nice...

One of the best recent shotguns. But I'd prefer the 20 ga.

I think the 28 is mainly a specialty quail gun. Like the 16 ga., shells are harder to find and cost more and lack variety.

I wish that Ithacagun posted sharper photos on their site.

T-Star

 

[zercool]

I wish that Ithacagun posted sharper photos on their site.

*I* wish Ithaca Gun was still made in Ithaca... but I'm biased.

Those 28s sure look elegant, but aren't suitable for the hunting I do (not many upland birds in upstate NY). A lightweight 20ga would be a much better bet - and is on the wish list.

 

[whitecoyote]

I recently purchased this Ithaca 12 Gauge Defender. All I can say is WOW! It's a fantastic shotgun.

 

[Steave]

Neat gun, but as others have pointed out, the pad and the engraving are non-starters in my book. I've got an early '50's M37 in 16 ga. I picked up several years ago, the metal was about 90% and while the wood didn't have any serious dents/dings, it definitely needed to be refinished; a nice gun, but not collector quality, so I didn't mind modifying it. I refinished the wood with a nice reddish/brown finish identical to the finish on pre-'64 Winchester's and had the 28" barrel cut back to 26" and threaded for choke tubes. I don't shoot it that often, but it's a great handling shotgun!

I's like to pick up another 28 ga., but think I'd go after one of the Jap repop M12's in 28 ga. long before the new Ithaca 28 ga in its current config. Make some cosmetic changes and I'd consider it.

 

[Texas Star]

Each to his own, but I like recoil pads on shotguns, especially those as light as the M-37. I like their looks, too.

 

[2152hq]

As a special order item only & requiring 50% down before they start making one,, I guess there won't be too many around to see in shops.

At $1000 for the plain version and those funky lines to the butt stock,,I think I'd rather go for one of the M12 28ga Winchester repros if I was actually in the market for a pump 28.

The original M12 28's were built on the 20ga frame,,I'd guess the repros are too.

I'll stick with the Winchester 42 as long as we're going small.

The Remington Model 17 is a nice alternative in the small bore lightweight pump shotgun market.
Great handling shotgun. Many around have a raised solid rib.
But they're not a 28!,,,and not a new gun by any stretch which is a concern to many buyers.

They don't list the weight of the Ithaca 28 (or else I missed it), but the Remington is around 5 3/4 lbs.

I like the new Ithaca one piece barrel and vent rib lugs. No soldered on lugs.
Perhaps it's just easier & cheaper to produce if you have the correct machine tooling that's available today than the old method but it's still a nice feature.

I'd avoid a pad on a shotgun designed as a lightweight, but don't find them objectionable otherwise if they're leather covered.

 

[Andy Griffith]

The one other option I've looked at, is the Browning BPS in 28ga. Agreed, it isn't American made, it is a nice little piece.

I just hate the fact it has chokes.

 

[44wheelman]

I love my BPS, but since 28ga. ammo is so ridiculously priced...I haven't shot it in years.

I visited Ithaca at the Shot Show, fit & finish on the new guns is incredible... but a price tag to match. Speaking of match, their new .45 acp guns are something to drool over too!

 

[Steave]

I love my BPS, but since 28ga. ammo is so ridiculously priced...I haven't shot it in years.

Yes, but unless you're shooting skeet, and if you are, you're definitely going to be reloading, you will not be shooting that many rounds, so the ammo cost really isn't that much of a concern, IMO. That said, I only have one 28 ga., a Beretta 686, but I don't shoot it that often. Not due to the cost of ammo, I've got almost a full flat of 28's, I seem to prefer shooting a 20 ga.

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

Every time I see something beautiful like that first thing I do is check Ammo prices and general availability.
.28 ga is a special order proposition down here.
Ditto with 45-70. Much as I covet a stainless guide gun or a stainled #1 I ain't paying $36 for a box of 20.
I've got guns that shoot 30-30, 30-06, .223 .44 .357/.38 9mm .45 ACP .22 12ga & 20 ga. Try walking into the gas station in the middle of bumfork and asking for a box of .28 ga spreader loads or some 9mm makarov or some .357 Sig or a box of .567 whompenstomper

 

[35Rem]

I think the 28 suffers for some of the same reasons the 16 does (I love my 16's! They're old.). It's built on the next gauge up frame these days.
I'm pretty sure the BPS is a 20 ga frame, as is the Model 12. This makes the gun heavier, which plain sucks.
Like Steave said, I'd rather shoot the 20...

Now that Franchi 48AL would be a treat! But talk about making expensive empty hulls in a hurry!!