Is the Ithaca 37 the Best Classic Pump-Action? Full Review

The Ithaca Model 37 stands as one of the most enduring shotguns in American history. This pump-action legend has been in production since 1937 (as its name suggests) and continues to capture the hearts of gun enthusiasts today. 

With over 2 million units produced, the Ithaca 37 is one of the longest-running pump-action shotguns in American history. Though production paused briefly in the 2000s, it remains the only pre-WWII design still manufactured in its original form among classic pump-action shotguns. 

But does this classic still deserve a spot in your gun safe? Let's find out if this old-timer can hang with modern offerings.

Quick Overview: Ithaca 37 At a Glance

Pros

• Short, handy 20-inch barrel
• Bottom ejection works for lefties and righties
• Smooth-as-butter action
• Excellent rifle sights for precision
• Classic wood and steel craftsmanship

Cons

• Can't load through a side port
• Single action bar (less robust than dual bars)
• Limited customization options
• Pricey for new production models
• Not as widely supported as Remington or Mossberg

Specs & Key Features

The Ithaca 37 Deerslayer packs quite a punch in its classic package:

• Barrel Length: 20 inches
• Overall Length: 39 inches
• Weight: 7.5 pounds
• Chamber: 12-Gauge, 2.75-inch
• Capacity: 5 rounds
• Action: Pump (single action bar)

What makes the Model 37 unique is its bottom-feeding, bottom-ejection system. Unlike most shotguns with side ejection ports, the Ithaca features clean slab sides with shells loading and ejecting from underneath. This design creates a naturally ambidextrous platform and helps keep dirt and debris out of the action.

The Deerslayer variant comes equipped with rifle sights instead of a simple bead – a high-visibility triangle front sight paired with an open rear sight. These features help the shotgun live up to its name when putting slugs on target at extended ranges.

The classic corncob forend and beautifully checkered stock aren't just for looks – they provide excellent grip and control during rapid firing or in wet conditions.

The History Behind the Ithaca 37

The Model 37's story begins before 1937. The design was originally created by John Browning as the 20-gauge Remington Model 17 back in 1917. John Pedersen later contributed improvements while working with Remington, but the base design was Browning's. 

Engineer Harry Howland changed the design to make it easier to build. Ithaca also made it bigger as a 12-gauge to sell to more hunters. These changes helped the shotgun reach a wider audience.

But here's the catch – Ithaca couldn't start production until 1937 when the original patents expired. Talk about terrible timing! The company launched right into the Great Depression and World War II. During the war, Ithaca shifted focus to making M1911 pistols and M3 submachine guns, putting their shotgun on the back burner.

After the war ended, the Ithaca 37 gained popularity fast. Police departments across America started using it, including NYPD and LAPD. The military liked it too. Some U.S. Navy SEALs reportedly favored the Ithaca 37 in Vietnam for its sealed action, which helped resist mud and debris. 

The Deerslayer model became a favorite among hunters, along with variants like the "Turkeyslayer" and the famous "DSPS" (Deerslayer Police Special). They even made a "Stakeout" version with a 13-inch barrel, issued to law enforcement under NFA guidelines for quick deployment from vehicles. 

Eventually, competitors like the Remington 870 cut into Ithaca's market share by offering dual action bars and lower prices. But despite this competition, the Model 37 never went away – a testament to its enduring design.

Fit, Feel & Craftsmanship

The Ithaca 37 gives off a special vibe with its blend of American wood and steel. Modern shotguns with plastic parts may work better in tough weather, but they miss the magic these classics have.

The Deerslayer weighs 7.5 pounds, which isn't light compared to newer guns. Ithaca built it with great balance that makes the weight feel less than it really is. This smart design retains the balanced handling that gave rise to the 'Featherlight' moniker on other Ithaca 37 variants. 

You'll find the 13.25-inch stock length sits just right against your shoulder. Its recoil pad helps soften the kick from heavy shells. This makes shooting for hours much more fun.

The checkering on both stock and forend gives you a solid grip no matter your hand size. These cuts aren't just for looks - they help you control the gun during fast movements.

But the true magic happens when you rack the action. The pump glides back and forth with minimal effort, smooth as glass. The safety clicks into position with positive tactile feedback, and everything about the gun feels deliberately crafted.

New production models carry on this tradition of quality, but they come at a premium price. Used models offer better value and often have the patina and character that only decades of careful use can create.

Shooting Experience: Accuracy & Handling

The Ithaca 37 Deerslayer truly shines when you put it to work at the range. Those rifle sights aren't just for show – they deliver real results when precision matters.

With one-ounce slugs, the gun demonstrates impressive accuracy. At 25 yards, it shoots consistently, though you might notice rounds hitting slightly left of point of aim. Apply a bit of correction, and you're good to go.

At 50 yards, the Deerslayer groups slugs remarkably well. The rifle sights make it easy to hold consistent aim, producing accurate groups suitable for ethical deer harvesting within standard slug ranges. 

Even stretching out to 75 yards from a supported position, this shotgun can consistently ring a 10-inch gong. That's impressive performance from a smooth-bore barrel throwing one-ounce lead slugs!

With buckshot, the gun patterns are about as expected for a cylinder bore. At 10 yards, patterns measure around 8 inches, opening up to roughly 13 inches at 15 yards. Premium defensive loads like Federal FliteControl perform exceptionally well, holding tight patterns out to extended distances.

What really stands out is how much those rifle sights elevate the shooting experience. Many modern shotguns come with simple bead sights or complex ghost rings, but the Deerslayer's traditional rifle sight arrangement offers the perfect balance of speed and precision. The large orange front sight catches your eye instantly for quick target acquisition, yet allows for precise alignment when you need to reach out with slugs.

Recoil management is straightforward thanks to the gun's weight and balanced design. The checkering on the stock and forend makes it easy to employ the push-pull technique to further tame muzzle rise. Even with heavy defensive loads, the Ithaca 37 remains controllable and comfortable to shoot.

Who Should Use the Ithaca 37?

The Deerslayer model shows its main job right in the name – deer hunting. It does more than just that one job, though.

This shotgun works great in thick brush and tight spots. The 20-inch barrel moves through dense woods better than longer shotguns. Hunters love it in Florida swamps or any place where moving quickly matters.

The smooth-bore Deerslayer handles both slugs and buckshot with no problems. You can take aim at a deer 50 yards away with a slug. Or load buckshot for those surprise close-range moments during your hunt.

For home defense, the Ithaca 37 has proven itself time and again. Many police departments chose it for years. The barrel length strikes a good balance for moving through doorways and hallways.

Gun collectors often search for the Ithaca 37 due to its long history. Old models become family treasures passed down through generations. Many discontinued versions grow more valuable each year.

What Makes the Ithaca 37 Stand Out?

Mossberg and Remington pump shotguns are tough, cheap, and have lots of parts available. They just don't have the same soul or quality feel of the Ithaca 37.

The bottom ejection design makes this shotgun truly special. This feature allows both right and left-handed shooters to use it with ease. Dirt and debris stay out of the action in rough conditions. Without a side ejection port, mud and snow have fewer places to get into your gun.

The Ithaca 37 moves more smoothly than most modern shotguns on the market. Each pump stroke feels silky and natural in your hands. Its trigger breaks crisp and light, far better than what you'll find on today's mass-produced pump guns.

Quality craftsmanship shows in every part of the Ithaca. The perfectly cut checkering grips your hands securely. Metal and wood fit together with remarkable precision. Such attention to detail has become rare in modern gun making.

This shotgun carries decades of American history in its design. An Ithaca 37 links you to generations of hunters and soldiers. These guns have served in homes, battlefields, and police cars across America for years.

Check out our article for the best 12ga ammo for home defense, if you would like to learn more about the best 12 ga ammo for hunting and home defense.

Upgrades & Accessories for Ithaca 37

The aftermarket support for the Ithaca 37 can't compare to what's available for Remington or Mossberg pumps. But you still have options to enhance your classic shotgun.

Esstac Shotgun Card ($12)

The Esstac side saddle uses Velcro backing to attach to the receiver, letting you carry extra shells right on the gun. The Ithaca's slab sides make it perfect for these cards – you can even mount them on both sides since there's no ejection port to work around.

Magpul MS1 Sling ($27)

If your Ithaca has sling swivels (not all do), a quality two-point sling makes carrying much more comfortable. The MS1 features a quick-adjust tab that lets you add or remove slack on the fly, perfect for transitioning between carrying modes or shooting positions.

Beyond these basics, your options narrow considerably. While large-scale aftermarket support is limited, niche manufacturers and custom shops do offer options for stocks, sights, and tactical modifications. 

This limitation isn't necessarily bad. The Ithaca 37 was designed to work well in its factory configuration, and sometimes the best upgrade is simply practicing with what you have.

Performance Breakdown

Reliability: 5/5

The Ithaca 37 runs without complaint. As a pump-action, most potential issues come down to operator error rather than gun design. It digests everything from light birdshot to heavy slugs without hesitation. The bottom ejection system actually improves feeding consistency compared to side-ejecting designs.

Ergonomics: 4/5

The action is incredibly smooth, and the controls fall naturally under your fingers. The checkered wood provides excellent grip in all conditions. The only notable drawbacks are the lack of an ejection port (which prevents emergency port loading) and slightly more complicated malfunction clearing procedures.

Accuracy: 5/5

Thanks to those rifle sights, the Deerslayer variant delivers exceptional accuracy with slugs. Even at extended ranges, it puts rounds where you aim them. The slight left-bias mentioned earlier is easily corrected and consistent.

Customization: 1/5

This is where the Ithaca 37 falls short. The aftermarket simply isn't there. You can make basic additions like slings and shell carriers, but you won't find the endless array of stocks, forends, and tactical accessories available for more modern shotguns.

Value: 3/5

New production Ithaca 37s command premium prices – often over $1,000. That's steep for a pump shotgun when excellent modern alternatives cost half as much. However, the longevity, reliability, and historical appeal of used models—typically running $400–600 depending on condition and configuration—make them a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers. 

Overall: 3.5/5

The Ithaca 37 isn't perfect by modern standards, but it excels at what it was designed to do. Its combination of smooth operation, accuracy, and classic craftsmanship makes it a joy to own and shoot.

Final Verdict: Is It the Best Classic Pump-Action?

The Ithaca 37 Deerslayer resembles a vintage muscle car among modern hybrids. Newer designs pack more features and run more efficiently. Yet they miss the character and heart found in the original design.

Modern shotguns from Mossberg and Remington offer clear tactical benefits. Their dual action bars make operation smoother. Side ejection ports allow for quick loading in emergencies. Huge aftermarket support gives owners countless upgrade options.

But guns aren't just about practicality. The Ithaca 37 offers something special that new shotguns can't match. Its buttery-smooth action feels perfect in hand. The precise rifle sights help you aim with confidence. Beautiful wood furniture turns this shotgun into an experience, not just a tool.

The "best" classic pump depends on what matters to you. People who love craftsmanship and history will put the Ithaca at the top. It stands proudly next to legends like the Winchester Model 12 in the shotgun hall of fame.

Hunters who value tradition love how the Deerslayer performs in the field. It hits with amazing accuracy when shooting slugs. Its handy size makes it perfect for deer hunting in thick woods.

Collectors prize the Ithaca 37 as a valuable piece of American gun history. Rare models and early production guns keep growing in value over time.

Gun lovers enjoy the satisfaction of each smooth pump action cycle. Shouldering this shotgun just feels right. Every trigger press delivers pure shooting joy.

The Ithaca 37 may not be the most practical pump gun today. But few shotguns match how good it feels to own and shoot. In our throwaway world, a design that stays relevant for over 80 years deserves respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Ithaca 37 use modern ammunition?

Yes! The Ithaca 37 works with all standard 2.75-inch shells in the right gauges. Just don't use 3-inch magnum shells unless your model says it can handle them.

Why does the Ithaca 37 eject from the bottom instead of the side?

This design came from John Browning's original idea. It keeps the receiver cleaner and blocks dirt better. The bottom ejection makes the gun work for both left and right-handed shooters. Empty shells drop down instead of flying sideways toward other people.

How much should I expect to pay for a used Ithaca 37?

Used Ithaca 37 shotguns usually cost between $400-800. The price depends on how good it looks, which model it is, and how old. Special collector models or rare types can cost much more.

Is the single action bar on the Ithaca 37 a reliability concern?

Not really. The single bar has worked well for many decades. Newer shotguns have dual action bars for extra strength against jamming. A well-kept Ithaca 37 hardly ever has problems with its action bar.

Are new production Ithaca 37s the same quality as vintage models?

New Ithaca 37s have great quality standards. They often look better than the old ones. The new models cost more than the originals, though.

Can the Ithaca 37 be used for competitive shooting?

Yes, the Ithaca 37 can be used in traditional shooting sports like trap or sporting clays, but it may not compete with modern designs in fast-paced disciplines.. For traditional contests or games with fewer shots, it does a great job.