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{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Ithaca Model 37
| image              = Ithaca 37.jpg
| image_size         = 
| caption            = Riot model with black [[pistol grip]] and green [[Sling (firearms)|sling]]
| origin             = United States
| type               = [[Shotgun]]
| is_ranged          = Y
| used_by            = See ''[[#Users|Users]]''
| wars               = [[World War II]]<br />[[Korean War]]<br>[[Vietnam War]]<br />[[Cambodian Civil War]]<br />[[Rhodesian Bush War]]<br />[[1989 attack on La Tablada barracks]]<br />[[1992 Los Angeles riots]]
| designer           = [[John Browning]], Harry Howland
| design_date        = 1933
| manufacturer       = [[Ithaca Gun Company]]<br>Industrias Marcati
| production_date    = 1937–present
| weight             = Varies
| length             = {{convert|29.9|to|39.6|in|mm|sp=us}}
| variants           = Bataan Modelo 71<ref name=argieithacaclone>{{cite web | url=https://armasonline.org/armas-on-line/a-industria-de-armas-na-argentina/ | title=A Indústria de Armas na Argentina | date=23 August 2011 }}</ref><br> Ithaca Model 87
| part_length        = {{convert|13|to|30|in|mm|sp=us}}
| cartridge          = 12, 16, 20, or 28 gauge
| feed               = 4, 5, or 7-round [[Magazine (firearms)#Tubular|tubular magazine]] ([[riot shotgun|riot]], standard, and extended tube versions)
| action             = Manually operated, [[pump-action]]
}}

The '''Ithaca 37''', also known as the '''Ithaca Model 37''', is a [[Slide-action shotgun|pump-action shotgun]] made in large numbers for the civilian, law enforcement and military markets. Based on a 1915 patent by firearms designer John Browning for a shotgun initially marketed as the [[Remington Model 17]], it utilizes a novel combination ejection/loading port [[Downward ejection|on the bottom]] of the gun which leaves the sides closed to the elements.

==History==
Following the [[World War I|First World War]], the [[Ithaca Gun Company]] sought to produce a pump-action shotgun to compete with the ubiquitous [[Winchester Model 1912]]. They used the Remington Model 17 as their model and made modifications—such as simplifying and cost-saving alterations of the firing pin and ejection mechanism, the work of Ithaca designer Harry Howland in 1931<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2016/8/25/a-look-back-at-the-ithaca-model-37-shotgun/|title = An Official Journal of the NRA &#124; A Look Back at the Ithaca Model 37 Shotgun}}</ref>—while waiting for related patents to expire. After gearing for production of their new shotgun as the Ithaca Model 33 in 1933, Ithaca discovered a Pedersen patent that would not expire until 1937, and production had to be delayed. In 1937, it was released as the Ithaca 37.

With [[Great Depression|the depression]] dragging on and [[World War II|another war]] looming on the horizon, the Ithaca M37 suffered the fate as other sporting arms within that period, ceasing production entirely. While Ithaca did produce some shotguns for military use during the war, they also produced [[M1911 pistol]]s and [[M3 submachine gun]]s.

After World War II, Ithaca resumed production of the Model 37. Made in many different models, the Ithaca 37 has the longest production run for a pump-action shotgun in history, surpassing that of the Winchester Model 12, the original inspiration for Ithaca's entry into the market. Ithaca has suffered many setbacks in its history and changed hands numerous times. At one time, the Ithaca 37 was renamed the Model 87, although it was soon changed back in one of many ownership changes. Production paused in 2005 when Ithaca once again changed hands. Production has resumed in [[Upper Sandusky, Ohio]].

According to an article by the Ithaca Times dated June 11, 2003, the one-millionth Model 37 was produced in 1968; and as of 2003, more than 2,000,000 Model 37s have been produced. The Ithaca 37 is the only pre–World War II shotgun still in production.

==Operation==
Loading the Ithaca 37 involves inserting shotshells of the proper gauge through the loading/ejection port in the bottom of the receiver and pushing them forward into the magazine until retained by the shell stop. The slide release is pressed and the slide retracted completely then pushed forward. Pulling the trigger fires the gun and releases the slide for reloading. On most models up to 1975, a second sear was installed that would drop the hammer as soon as the gun went into battery if the trigger was in a depressed condition. Thus, holding the trigger down allowed the gun to fire the instant a new round is cycled into the chamber without requiring the trigger to be released; this feature was called "[[Slamfire|slam-fire]]". Otherwise, the Model 37 operates in much the same way as other pump-action shotguns; with the exception that, unlike most pump-action (and semi-automatic) long arms – which usually eject expended shells to one side, usually the right – the Model 37 ejects them downward, through the aforementioned loading/ejection port. This has made the Ithaca popular with left-handed users, who may fear hot shells being thrown at them by other guns.

==Selected versions==
* '''S-prefix''': were manufactured for a 1962 United States military contract. S-prefixed serial numbers ran from approximately 1,000 to 23,000 with "U.S." on the receiver and "P" proof markings on the barrel and receiver. The guns have a [[Parkerized]] finish with a {{convert|20|in|cm|adj=on}} barrel and plain stock with plastic butt plate and no sling swivels. A few later contracts produced smaller numbers of guns with sling swivels and serial numbers in the high 900,000 range. Some had "duckbill spreader" shot diverters for use by [[United States Navy SEALs]]. Others were fitted with a ventilated handguard and bayonet adapter. New bayonets were manufactured by General Cutlery, Inc. and Canada Arsenal, Ltd.<ref name="nra">Canfield, Bruce N. ''[[American Rifleman]]'' (March 2002) pp. 44-47 & 92-95</ref>
* '''Ultralite''': an aluminium receiver variation.
* '''Deerslayer''': a version with a shortened barrel and rifle-style sighting system.
* '''Turkeyslayer''': a Synthetic stock (in black and camo pattern) version designed for turkey hunting.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2016/8/25/a-look-back-at-the-ithaca-model-37-shotgun/|title = An Official Journal of the NRA &#124; A Look Back at the Ithaca Model 37 Shotgun}}</ref>
* '''DSPS''': for ''Deerslayer Police Special.'' A military and police version.
* '''Stakeout''': short version with a {{convert|13|in|mm|adj=on|sp=us}} barrel and [[pistol grip]] stock. Because of its barrel length and overall length, this model is classified under the [[National Firearms Act]] as an "[[Title_II_weapons#Any_other_weapon|any other weapon]]".
* '''28 Gauge''': 28 gauge model built on traditional size 28 gauge receiver.
* '''Defense''': an affordable 12 or 20 gauge model built for home defense purposes. {{convert|18.5|in|cm|adj=on}} barrel with 5-round capacity or {{convert|20|in|cm|adj=on}} barrel with 8-round capacity. Essentially the same as the Model 37 M&P's used by military and police for many years.

==Users==
The Model 37 was used by the [[United States Armed Forces]] in [[World War II]],<ref name=combatshotww2>{{cite book |last1=Thompson |first1=Leroy |title=US Combat Shotguns |date=20 August 2013 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |isbn=9781780960142 |pages=18–19, 48}}</ref> the [[Korean War]], and especially the [[Vietnam War]], where it gained a great reputation for reliability in the jungles of Vietnam when generally used by [[United States special operations forces|special and special operations forces]] like the [[United States Navy SEALs|Navy SEALs]]<ref name="combatshotseals">{{cite book |last1=Thompson |first1=Leroy |title=US Combat Shotguns |date=20 August 2013 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |isbn=9781780960142 |pages=6-7, 19, 59, 62-64}}</ref> and [[United States Army Special Forces|Army Green Berets]].<ref name="greenberet">{{cite book |author1=Gordon L. Rottman |title=Green Beret in Vietnam 1957–73 |date=25 July 2002 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |isbn=9781855325685 |page=42}}</ref>
The largest single users outside the US Military were the [[New York City Police Department]] and the [[Los Angeles Police Department]]. The NYPD used 2 versions of the Model 37: one with a {{convert|13|in|cm|adj=on}} barrel with forend hand-strap for its [[Emergency Service Unit]] and one with an {{convert|18|in|cm|adj=on}} barrel for its [[Highway Patrol]] and solo patrol officers of designated low-crime precincts through a short-lived program spanning from the late 1970s to early 1980s. The Model 37 was issued by the LAPD beginning in the early 1940s and remained in service until the late 1990s. Other users include the [[Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department]] and various military, police, and security agencies and prisons around the world. The Ithaca 37 remains a popular choice among civilians for both sport and personal protection. The Model 37 Featherlight has commonly been seen in the hands of farmers and hunters in the midwestern United States.
*{{flag|Argentina}}: Unlicensed domestic manufacture under the "Bataan 71" moniker<ref name=argieithacaclone />
*{{flag|Bolivia}}.<ref name="SmallArmsToday88bol">{{cite book| last=Ezell| first=Edward| author-link=Edward C. Ezell| title=Small Arms Today| publisher=Stackpole Books| edition=2nd| date=1988| pages=65| language=English |isbn=0811722805}}</ref>
*{{flag|Brazil}} <ref name="SmallArmsToday88bol"/> 50 delivered through US FMS in 1964.
*{{flag|South Vietnam}}<ref name=Dockery>{{cite book|last=Dockery|first=Kevin|title=Weapons of the Navy SEALs|publisher=Berkley Publishing Group|year=2004|isbn=0-425-19834-0|page=382}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Thompson |first1=Leroy |title=US Combat Shotguns |date=20 August 2013 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |isbn=9781780960142 |pages=19, 59}}</ref><ref name=riflemanithaca>{{cite web |author1=Bruce N. Canfield |title=The Ithaca Model 37 In U.S. Military Service |url=https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/the-ithaca-model-37-in-u-s-military-service/ |publisher=[[American Rifleman]] |access-date=7 September 2022 |date=18 May 2015}}</ref>
*{{flag|United States}}:
**[[United States Armed Forces]]<ref name=combatshotww2 />
***[[United States Air Force]]<ref name=riflemanithaca />
***[[United States Army]]: [[United States Army Special Forces|Special Forces]]<ref name="greenberet" /> and [[Long-range reconnaissance patrol#In Vietnam|Long-Range Patrols]]<ref>{{cite book |author1=Gordon L. Rottman |title=US Army Long-Range Patrol Scout in Vietnam 1965-71 |date=10 October 2008 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |isbn=9781846032509 |page=29}}</ref>
***[[United States Marine Corps]]: 1940s to 1980s<ref name=riflemanithaca /><ref>{{cite web |author1=Sgt. Christopher Duncan |title=Evolution of shotguns in the Marine Corps |url=https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Main-Menu/News/News-Article-Display/Article/566146/evolution-of-shotguns-in-the-marine-corps/ |publisher=[[United States Marine Corps]] |access-date=7 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907162623/https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Main-Menu/News/News-Article-Display/Article/566146/evolution-of-shotguns-in-the-marine-corps/ |archive-date=7 September 2022 |date=13 February 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
***[[United States Navy]]: [[United States Navy SEALs|SEAL Teams]] and [[Underwater Demolition Team|Underwater Demolition Teams]], often used with a duckbill muzzle attachment for flatter, wider shot spread<ref>Walking Point, Copyright 1997, Bill Fawcett & Assoc.</ref><ref>https://smallarmsreview.com/treasures-of-the-udt-seal-museum/</ref><ref name=riflemanithaca /><ref name="combatshotseals" /><ref>{{cite book |last1=Liptak |first1=Eugene |title=US Navy Special Warfare Units in Korea and Vietnam - UDTs and SEALs, 1950–73 |date=25 November 2021 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |isbn=9781472846921 |pages=23, 36, 48}}</ref>
**[[Los Angeles Police Department]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=Thompson |first1=Leroy |title=US Combat Shotguns |date=20 August 2013 |publisher=[[Osprey Publishing]] |isbn=9781780960142 |page=71}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Vintage LAPD Ithaca M37 Shotgun Lottery |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/07/12/vintage-lapd-ithica-shotgun-lottery/ |publisher=The Firearm Blog |access-date=7 September 2022 |date=12 July 2016}}</ref>
**[[New York Police Department]]: 1930s to 2009, replaced by the [[Mossberg 500|Mossberg 590]]<ref>{{cite web|title=NYPD's Elite E-Men|date = July 2009|url=http://www.tactical-life.com/magazines/tactical-weapons/nypds-elite-e-men/?scrape=true|publisher=Tactical Life|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140805121222/http://www.tactical-life.com/magazines/tactical-weapons/nypds-elite-e-men/|archive-date=5 August 2014|access-date=26 July 2014}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Combat shotgun]]s
*[[List of shotguns]]
*[[Winchester Model 1912|Winchester Model 12]]
*[[Remington Model 17]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
{{refbegin}}
*Fawcett, Bill.  Hunters & Shooters, An Oral History of the U.S. Navy SEALS in Vietnam. NY: Avon Books, 1995. {{ISBN|0-380-72166-X}}, pp.&nbsp;79–80, especially.
*Snyder, Walter C. ''Ithaca Featherlight Repeaters, The Best Gun Going''. NC: Cook and Uline Pub, 1998. {{ISBN|0-9629469-1-5}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
* [https://ithacagun.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/OwnersManualM37.pdf User Manual]

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{{John Browning}}

[[Category:Pump-action shotguns]]
[[Category:Ithaca Gun Company firearms]]
[[Category:World War II firearms of the United States]]
[[Category:Cold War firearms of the United States]]
[[Category:Shotguns of the United States]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1930s]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1937]]
[[Category:Firearms_by_John_Browning]]