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Forums10
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Jun 14th, 2026
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,064
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,064 |
I read somewhere that the former master gunsmith at the old Ithaca works said that steel shot is okay in Mod. 37's bored modified or Improved Cyl. Anybody else remember his making this announcement. My son-in-law has a vintage (pre-54) 37 in 20 ga. Modified choke and would like to shoot doves in non toxic areas. Thanks. Chopperlump
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,000 Likes: 200
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,000 Likes: 200 |
Maybe because of the open chokes you might be able to do it. But if you have a nice one, why chance it? If it is an older one I wouldn't. But, the newer ones are probably made for steel. So, why not just buy a newer one? Just my opinion. Good luck.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,205 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,205 Likes: 1 |
Use another type of non toxic shot.
Ole Cowboy
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 803 Likes: 2
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 803 Likes: 2 |
Barrels of that vintage are hard to come by. I agree with Don.-Dick
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,726 Likes: 129
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,726 Likes: 129 |
Buy a Hastings Barrell as an extra for your gun and shoot all the steel you want. Be sure to specify the serial number range for your gun so the barrell will fit...Geo http://www.hastingsbarrels.com/barrels.htmlLooked again and it appears Hastings is not selling M37 20ga barrels except in paradox or slug-gun configuration and even the 12ga wadlock barrels are limited to later model serial number ranges...Sorry, Geo
Last edited by Geo. Newbern; 10/10/09 12:09 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,082
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,082 |
You may be talking about Les at Diamond gunsmithing. Like others have said, I would use bismuth and be safe. Cheap insurance.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,353 Likes: 1788
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,353 Likes: 1788 |
The typical 20 gauge Ithaca 37 from that era has seen lots of use. It is not a terribly expensive gun to replace. Does your son in laws gun reside, unfired, in it's original serial numbered shipping box?
I doubt it. But, if it does, tell him to leave it there and buy a Mossberg 500 to shoot. I'd bet his 20 has thinning blue, and a few scars on it's stock, or an aftermarket recoil pad fitted-20 gauge 37s have a tendance to "kill on both ends" when fed high brass ammunition, and I'd bet this one has seen plenty. They were bought back then to shoot. People did that.
If the gun looks a lot like the second description I put up, tell him I said its OK to use it with anything. He will enjoy it, and won't hurt the thing a bit, even with modern steel loads.
Best,
Ted
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 386
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 386 |
Yea, Les says they're all fine if the chokes are IC or Mod. Ithaca was pretty loose with thier chokes, most of the ones I've had are .014 for mod in 20g. People fear steel some times more than makes sense. Another option if it's a high condition gun. I have a 1947 12g that was in 99%+ condition and Sharps guns in Ontario had roto forged barrels from the 70s that were made for pre 855,000 guns that are steel safe. I had a 26" one fitted to mine, bored .005, and will probably use it with 1 1/8oz steel loads for jump shooting woodies and lead for grouse and bunnies. I had it serial numbered to the gun as well by Les when it was fitted which I thought was a nice touch. 
Last edited by Tim Frazier; 10/11/09 08:14 PM.
"Not all who wander are Lost"
-Hoppie 14'
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,524 Likes: 169
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,524 Likes: 169 |
generally, any shotgun barrel made prior to the late 1980's is not suitable for steel shot.
keep it simple and keep it safe...
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,353 Likes: 1788
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,353 Likes: 1788 |
Uh huh. Generally, hitting old doubles with a torch isn't suitable, either.
Best,
Ted
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