A Legacy Forged in Steel and Innovation
The world of shotguns boasts a rich history, filled with innovative designs and enduring classics. Among these legends stands the Ithaca Model 37, a pump-action shotgun that has earned a reputation for reliability, durability, and a unique character that sets it apart. This review delves into the Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight 12 Gauge, exploring its design, features, performance, and enduring appeal. We’ll examine what makes this shotgun a beloved choice for hunters, sport shooters, and firearms enthusiasts alike.
The story of the Ithaca Model 37 begins with the Ithaca Gun Company, a name synonymous with quality firearms for generations. The Model 37 itself owes its lineage to the Remington Model 17, a groundbreaking design from John Pedersen. Ithaca acquired the rights to this innovative design and, with some refinements, brought the Model 37 to market in 1937. This pump-action shotgun quickly gained popularity, known for its smooth action, bottom ejection, and a design that would become synonymous with reliability.
Throughout its long production run, the Ithaca Model 37 saw various iterations and improvements. The “Featherlight” moniker, in particular, reflects a focus on reducing the shotgun’s overall weight, making it easier to carry and maneuver in the field. This focus on user-friendliness has made it a favourite among hunters who value both performance and comfort during extended hunting trips. The Model 37 has survived wars, economic downturns, and changes in the firearms industry, a testament to its solid design and enduring appeal.
Unveiling the Featherlight: Design and Construction
The Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight stands out thanks to several key design elements. One of the most distinctive features is its bottom ejection port. Unlike most pump-action shotguns that eject spent shells to the side, the Model 37 ejects them downwards. This design contributes to the gun’s smooth operation and allows for ambidextrous use, as it eliminates the need for a right or left-handed action.
The Featherlight designation reflects the manufacturer’s efforts to use materials and engineering techniques that reduced weight without sacrificing structural integrity. This shotgun is known for its trim dimensions, which enhance maneuverability in tight spaces, making it ideal for hunting in dense cover. The construction typically involves a steel receiver for strength and durability. The stock and forend, historically made of walnut, provide a comfortable grip and classic appearance. The attention to detail in the Featherlight’s construction is a hallmark of the Ithaca Gun Company, reflecting their commitment to quality craftsmanship.
The tubular magazine, another design element, adds to the gun’s smooth lines and contributes to its reliability. This magazine design is less prone to jamming and provides a consistent feeding mechanism, which is vital for pump-action firearms. The barrel of the Featherlight is often fitted with interchangeable chokes, allowing users to customize the shot pattern for different hunting scenarios and target shooting applications.
Examining the Arsenal: Features and Specifications
The Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight 12 Gauge is a versatile firearm, and its specifications are fundamental to understanding its capabilities.
The primary specification, of course, is its 12-gauge chambering. This is the standard gauge for many hunting applications and offers a wide range of ammunition options. The capacity of the magazine can vary depending on the model and whether the magazine is plugged for hunting regulations. The barrel lengths can vary depending on the specific model, but are typically available in a range of lengths from shorter barrels, making it great for home defence, to longer barrels suitable for hunting and target shooting.
The overall weight is one of the key factors that make the Featherlight so desirable. The reduced weight aids the user during long treks in the hunting field. The length of the shotgun is also a crucial characteristic. It affects how the weapon swings and points, making the Ithaca model adaptable to many hunting and shooting applications.
In terms of features, the pump-action system is central to the gun’s operation. The user manually cycles the action by pulling back and pushing forward on the forend, ejecting the spent shell and chambering a fresh round. The safety mechanism is typically a crossbolt safety located behind the trigger, offering a simple and easy-to-use system. The sights are usually a bead front sight, which offers quick target acquisition and simplicity. The stock and forend, typically made of wood, not only provide a comfortable grip but also add to the gun’s aesthetic appeal.
The choice of choke is a crucial aspect of the Model 37’s versatility. Interchangeable chokes allow shooters to fine-tune the shot pattern to suit the specific application, from tight patterns for long-range shots to wider patterns for close-range targets.
Performance in Action: Handling and Precision
The Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight 12 Gauge’s performance is best appreciated when handling and shooting it. The smooth pump action is a joy to operate. The well-engineered design allows for fast follow-up shots, particularly important in hunting situations or competitive shooting.
The recoil impulse is manageable, even with heavier loads. The Featherlight design, while focused on weight reduction, manages the recoil adequately. The ergonomics of the stock and forend allow the shooter to have a comfortable and secure grip. This design enables the shooter to maintain good control during rapid firing.
The accuracy of the Model 37 is another positive characteristic. The shot pattern is generally consistent, making it a good choice for hunting at medium ranges. The selection of appropriate ammunition can further enhance the gun’s performance. Choosing the right shells will make a huge difference in the shotgun’s range and its ability to hit the target.
The reliability of the Model 37 is also a major point of note. The gun is known for its solid construction and dependability, especially in adverse conditions. The bottom ejection system prevents the gun from jamming, making this firearm a safe and reliable pump-action shotgun.
The Upsides and Downsides
Every firearm has its advantages and disadvantages, and the Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight is no exception. Let’s consider the positives first.
The Featherlight’s unique design and bottom ejection are among its key selling points. The bottom ejection makes it appealing for both right- and left-handed shooters. The lightweight design makes it comfortable to carry for long periods, making it a strong choice for hunters. The Model 37’s reliability is a critical advantage. The gun’s simple design has proven itself over the years and is known to be exceptionally dependable. The Featherlight’s historical significance and collectibility are also important factors for many shooters.
Of course, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. Finding some parts or accessories may be challenging, depending on the age of the gun. The price and availability of used models can vary. The recoil, while manageable, can still be noticeable, especially with heavier loads. The bottom ejection design, while offering advantages, can be an adjustment for shooters accustomed to side ejection systems.
Comparing the Competition
The pump-action shotgun market is competitive, with many excellent firearms vying for the shooter’s attention. The Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight can be compared to other popular pump-action shotguns, such as the Remington 870 and the Mossberg 500, to understand where it fits in the market.
The Remington 870 is a widely popular and affordable option, with a vast aftermarket for accessories. The Mossberg 500 is known for its robust build and versatility, along with the option of a dual-action bar design. The Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight, while sharing the pump-action design with these guns, offers distinct characteristics that set it apart. The bottom ejection is a feature found in few other shotguns and makes the Ithaca Model 37 a distinct choice. Each firearm has its strengths and weaknesses. The Ithaca Model 37 is best known for its smooth operation, reliable bottom ejection, and lightweight design.
User Experience: Voices from the Field
The experiences of users provide an invaluable insight into the real-world performance and enjoyment of the Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight. Many owners and users of the Model 37 praise its reliability and smooth action. The bottom ejection is frequently mentioned as a key feature, and the shotgun’s comfortable handling receives positive feedback. The Featherlight is known for being a great gun to hunt with, especially when moving around the hunting area.
The gun is well-suited for a variety of uses. It has served hunters well for many years, and is a favourite in areas with heavy cover. The gun’s compact size makes it a great choice for home defense, while the simple operation and reliability make it easy for new shooters to learn.
The care and maintenance of the Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight are relatively straightforward. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection can help keep it in excellent condition. Many owners find the Featherlight to be a gun that will last for many years, provided the proper maintenance is performed.
Final Thoughts: A Classic Still Reigns
The Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight 12 Gauge is a classic pump-action shotgun that continues to earn the respect of shooters. The design of the gun and its dependability, coupled with the gun’s unique ejection system, ensure it is a top choice for many. The Featherlight is still used to protect the home, and it’s still a solid choice for hunting.
The decision to acquire an Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight often comes down to individual needs and preferences. The Featherlight is a suitable option for those seeking a reliable, lightweight, and well-designed pump-action shotgun. The gun’s history and design add to its appeal, making it a rewarding choice for collectors and enthusiasts.
This timeless firearm offers a combination of performance, legacy, and usability. For those seeking a quality shotgun, the Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight is certainly worth considering.
