2 3/4 vs 3 inch receiver model 37

Moderator: ripjack13


Copper BB
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:34 am
PostPosted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 11:12 am
I have a couple of Ithaca shotguns and would like some information please.
One is a serial no. 8808xx with mag etched on receiver with a 2 3/4 or 4" markings on barrel.
One is a serial no. 8686xx with no mag markings on receiver and also has a 2 3/4 or 3" markings on barrel.
Can I use 3 inch shells in these guns?
How can one determine if the receiver accepts 2 3/4 or 3" shells?
Thanks,
Marc

.270 WIN
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 2:40 pm
Hi Marc,

Welcome to the board. I'll start with a couple of questions. 1. Do these guns have the MAG prefix on them or actually start with 3718808xx.

I ask this because with out the 371 or MAG prefix the 88 number also indicates the Trap model of the 40s. And the 88 & 86numbers are also from 1963 and 1964. Should there be none of that then do not use 3" shells.
If it is from the 40s with the original barrel it would have 37 T stamped on it. I know you said you are not sure if the barrels are original but it is a quick visual clue.

If there is a MAG or 371 prefix then they date to 1984 & 1985. Then they should take a 3" shell.

Hope this helps.

.270 WIN
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 2:51 pm
What Chuck said, plus the receivers for 3'' shells are 1/4" longer to accomidate that lengh.

.270 WIN
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PostPosted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 4:15 pm
Mag was used to note a 3 inch receiver in the early days when both 2&3/4 and 3 inch receivers where both being produced. As time went on production switched over to 3 inch receivers only and the Mag was dropped from the serial numbers. If you measure the load / ejection ports on your guns you should find that the space in the Mag gun is about a 1/4 of an inch longer than the non mag gun. This is a fool proof way to identify a 3 inch receiver.

Copper BB
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Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:34 am
PostPosted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:26 pm
Thanks for the replies They both have the 371 prefex and one has Mag with the 371 prefex.
The ejection port on both guns measure 2.855"
As a matter of fact the one with the mag prefex ix a later gun. but the ejection ports measure the same.
Since both ejection ports measure less than 3 inches should I only use 2 3/4 inch shells?
The gun with the Mag 3718808xx measures the same as 3718686xx.
Thanks again,
Marc

Copper BB
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:34 am
PostPosted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 5:33 pm
Thanks for the reply.
Both ejection ports measure the same 2.855inches.
Since this is less than 3" Should I only use the 2.75" shells?
Why would a receiver marked Mag 3718808xx measure 2.855 inches or is that the correct measurement for 3" receivers?
Thanks,
Marc

.270 WIN
Posts: 429
Joined: Sat Jan 21, 2012 8:50 am
PostPosted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 7:00 pm
Looks like you have a pair of 3 inch guns. My mag gun measures roughly 2&13/16 while my 2&3/4 gun measured roughly 2&5/8. A 3 inch shell measures about 2&9/16 while a 2&3/4 shell measures about 2&1/4 inches both measured with the crimp down. Once fired the shells should measure closer to 3 and 2&3/4 inches with the crimp out. Hope this helps.

Copper BB
Posts: 5
Joined: Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:34 am
PostPosted: Wed Feb 27, 2013 7:17 pm
Thanks for the reply, take care& shoot straight....
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PostPosted: Thu Feb 28, 2013 6:35 am
I merged your topics together here. There's no need for double topics. Thanx.
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