You really want an Ithica 37 or Browning BPS then - bottom feed, bottom eject, totally ambidextrous

The Ithica is out....don't want a pistol grip, and god bless JMB....his designs have been ejecting crap in front of my face for 40 years...doesn't faze me at all, nor will I chop one of his beauties :(. Appreciate your input and suggestions....safeties don't bother me either....I just adapt, but the Mossbergs have me going....hmmmm :)

I LOVE the 3 dot high visibility sights on my new Diana air rifle fwiw....I can put pellets inside a tennis ball at 30-40 yds...offhand :). They might come in handy....nothing wrong with a bead either....decisions, decisions, decisions :). Thanks all!

The Ithica 37 wooden stock is about the same as a Remington 870's. I'm not sure about 3" magnum shells in the Ithica. You really need to start haunting local mom and pop gun shops. Pump shotguns are not bringing big money right now. Saw a Mossburg 500 with an 18.5" barrel and sights for $250 earlier this month.

Local gun show about a month back one booth had two Ithaca Model 37 pump shotguns . They were in 9 out of 10 condition I could have snagged one for 200.00 I wish I had but bought a Ruger pistol instead . I killed my first deer with a 37 wish I never would have sold it .

I bet you look funny with 5 ears :). I just recently gave away the only one I inherited when I was eleven... 16 ga double bbl....belonged to my great, great, great grand grandfather....new owner can add another great :).

If I go with a synthetic stock on either an 870 or a 590, are the new ones just as good...or close? Is a Parkerized one worth an extra 150?
I'm AFRAID to go in spoon stores or attend shows....will end up costing me a LOT more in the long run...I know me :)

It isn't like the enablers here are going to help you save any money. :)

if it's just a shooter go to Big 5, usually if they don't have it they will order it for you.
I bought my Mossberg at Big 5 and I think it was in the $350 bracket.

Just my $.02, if you are not familiar with shotguns. You can use a 2 3/4" shell in anything chambered for 2 3/4" and up and this round is cheaper, widely available, and very effective especially at short range. A pump will deliver more recoil to you than will a semi-auto (weight and distribution of energy.

It is my opinion that for far less money you can find used Stevens shotguns based upon the Browning A5. I have one chambered in 2 3/4" 12 gauge and it is very nice. We use it quite often and the operation is same as our Brownings.

The build quality on the older spoons is far superior to almost all the modern stuff.

I might have one. Just not with that barrel. I put that length barrel on my 1100. Pretty fun to shoot.

My stepdad was a shotgun hoarder. Looks great on paper, but still a PIA.

OK, so it's turned into a windy, misty day, so I changed plans this morning and decided to swing by Gander Mtn. and take a gander. Looked at both a 870 and a 590 with synthetic stocks, and neither one felt "right" to me...unlike my new Diana which is quality through and through. I feel like a cheap ho' and in need of a shower for even going there :).
The search continues...

OK, it's been a nasty afternoon, so I've been learning and looking. I'm starting to think an Ithaca 37 might just be what I NEED :). I'm just hesitant to buy online....I need to handle one first...thanks all!

Those look nice, would it be a Turkey gun?

KC911 do they hold gun shows near you ? Great place to touch/feel a potential purchase . And if you are not opposed to buying used generally there are some sellers there.

After today, I'm thinkin' one made for slugs might need to be my Turtle gun. Took two big ol' snappers (close to 2' in diameter) with my .357 Marlin earlier....158 gr. hollowpoints aren't effective....3 well placed shots into their shell, and both were still moving a bit....head shots finished them off....head wasn't visible initially :(. At the distance I was today, I could have used my M629 JHP or JSP no problem, but it wasn't there....I've gotta rethink this....I want quick, clean kills. I haven't even made a dent in the huge snapper population.

There's a sweet Ithaca 37 deerslayer on Gunbroker....20" bbl with optic sights....don't know if it's rifled or smooth bore though. How hard/easy is it to swap bbls on an Ithaca? I intend for it to be primarily a home defense spoon, but am tempted :).

I'm gonna hit a few local stores and see if I can handle one firsthand, even if it has a longer bbl. Then if I can't locate one that suits me, there is a local spoon show in a few weeks, and another, larger one in a few months....but I NEED one now :). Oh yeah...I don't want a long bbl, but 20-24 might work....decisions, decisions....thanks for your input guys....appreciate it!

Don't assume swapping barrels on an Ithica 37 is as simple as on a Mossburg 500.

https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=417383

Also when I was checking I didn't find Ithica barrels to be as available or economical.

I have not taken apart my 870 but are not barrels exchangeable If you really want a 18"?

I have a Ithica 37 wood stock 24" vent rib 1980's vintage never been shot asking $300 (seeing as beat up ones on gunbroker are going for that price.) Pretty sure it only take 2 3/4 inch shells.

Dunno about that link but my Ithica you just unscrew tube plug, twist the barrel and it pops right out.

I was going to convert the Ithica to an 18" barrel but just went to Big 5 and got a black 870 with an 18" barrel and plastic stock.

yup. i dont think Remmy makes the 18" anymore..but Hastings(?) has the copy that is fine. those remingtons are the easiest things to take apart..the first half is like opening a coke bottle. you twist off..

and as far as fit..i dont think a mass produces budget shotgun is gonna be some shiny star of comfort. they feel very good, but not great to me. my brother's 20- ga 870 has wacked some dozens of bunnies..i cant hit a dove with it. but mentally, i am fine with my shortie 1100. virtually the same fit. its wierd. probably a choke thing, now that i am thinking about it.

I'm not locked into it being a short barrel, and I'm fine with 2 3/4....I'm thinkin' I might need a turtle spoon :). I'm gonna send you a PM.

Hey Vash, I went by the grass carp place yesterday, and spent 14 bucks each on them critters...the man says they're some good eatin'. Dumped 'em in my big pond, and the bass started chasing them....they were over 12" long, but the big ol' bass must agree with y'all....I'll never know :). Hope they made it...