Ithaca Model 37

[Adam Helmer]

Gil.

You are correct on several counts:

1. The used gun rack is a place to find great buys. Most hunting guns get afield a few days or a week per year and most are "Gently" used.

2. The Ithaca Model 37 is an interesting concept with both bottom loading and ejecting. I did once own a 20 gauge M37 and gave it to a young man who needed a hunting shotgun. He got his turkey that year and did ok on grouse this year.

3. I read the article where a NEW M37 was about $1,000. With our current lack of small game due to NO PGC Game Land habitat improvement, I cannot see how a young hunter can justify such an expense to "take a M37 for a walk."

We grew up in an age where a military surplus rifle that was $15-$30 and a $4.00 box of hunting loads made hunting doable. Single barrel US made shotguns were $29.95 in the Sears Catalogue. I cringe when the current hunting magazines review a shotgun or deer rifle and see the price is $650-$3500.

Adam

[GoodOlBoy]

I agree guys. Not only is ammo stupid expensive and hard to find right now, but new gun prices follow right along. I saw a Ted Williams model 99 lever action 30-30 in good condition in a shop before Christmas for $150. Right beside it was two OLD H&R 12 gauge single shots in decent condition for $85 a piece. But naturally all the shop wanted to show folks were brand new pumps for $850+, or semis for $950+. What a shame people ignore those old American made guns with today's new chinese and russian made gun prices.

Richard

[Gil Martin]

There are many excellent used shotguns (and rifles) in the gun shops that I visit. It seems that many older hunters no longer go out and their guns are on the market. The gun shops I patronize know me and offer discounts. The classic older firearms are my preference and they offer real quality and value. All the best...
Gil

[wrenchman]

Give me a 40 year old gun any day that was when they made a gun wood stocks and a gun you would name because you could depend on it or it was part of the family because a loved one hunted with it.
I have my grand fathers old a 5 browning and my uncles 94 and my grand mother's single shot and when I use them it brings back some good times.

[gold40]

While you are correct that there are many used Ithaca Model 37's available, there is clearly a market for NEW ones at $1k.

I think the "targeted buyer" is an experienced hunter, who probably does own an older Model 37, or even several. That person may have been successful in business, and now has "extra money" to spend on his hobby.

The new Model 37's are available in the specific gauge, barrel length, and with choke tubes that the buyer specifies. I recently shot one of the new deluxe Model 37's in 28 gauge, and it was very well finished. I doubt that many older guns were made in 28 ga. or .410. One would look long and hard to find a nice one.

Many new shotguns cost more than $1k - Citori's, Guerini's, Beretta's, etc. The Ithaca price is not that different, or out of line.

I, for one, am very happy that the Ohio company is still making new Ithaca pump guns.

gold40