Bottom Ejecting Pumps

[BattleRifleG3]

I've been looking at these lately and wonder what experienced folks have to say about bottom ejecting pumps.  The only ones I know of are the Browning BPS and the Ithaca 37.  Any others?  And is one any better than the other?  Or are they any good at all?

[GregP42]

Well,
 
I can only speak for the Model 37. The first one I saw was when I was maybe 4 years old, my grandfather hunted with it. My father has about 6 of them, and I have 2 of them. I have used it for everything from skeet to rabbit, squirrel, dove and deer. I have never had a failure in mine, nor has anyone in my family that has used them over the last 50 years.
 
I hope that helps you some.
 
Greg

[ruger4570]

I have a feeling that the Ithaca 37 or 87 will not be a choice any longer. I have heard from a couple of people I know and on other forums that they may have closed their doors (again). I don't live too far from their plant in Kings Ferry NY so if I get half a chance this weekend I am going to drive over there. They made a fine gun although very labor intensive and therefore more expensive than others. Ithaca's have almost nothing made out of stamped steel, almost every part was machined. I toured their plant a couple of years ago and got to see the entire operation. Even the receivers were machined out of a 6 pound block of steel, which took many operations to finish. I sure hope they get back on their feet, it would be too bad to see this OLD gun company bite the bullet so to speak.

[Ramrod]

The Ithaca model 37 just might be the strongest and best built pump action ever made. But, sadly, like ruger4570 says, it is, and has always been, extremely expensive to make, and can't compete price wise with other designs. It is remarkable that it has held on as long as it has.

[Horsefeathers]

Being originally from NY my self and most locals preffered them. The N.Y.P.D. Bought thousands of them 800 the first order in 1960. They would pattern slugs in the bull constantly at 50 yards. Various barrels are available for quick changing.  A good gun.  Horsefeathers.

[pinduck]

I have a Remington Model 29, that I like however it might be hard to find one, they were the model that replaced the Model 10 and are bottom shuckers.

[Ramrod]

An interesting fact is that the Ithaca model 37 is an adaptation of the earlier Remington model 17. This gun was designed by John Browning. I believe Remington found it too expensive to make also, and dropped it.

[ruger4570]

You are right, Ithaca bought the rights from Remington to this gun and it is very expensive to make them. unfortunately, If Ithaca had been using modern machine to make them that might not be in the fix they are now in. I was surprised when I toured the plant that the machines were older than me..way old...I think the fact that Browning re introduced a bottom ejecting pump proves that it can be done at a profit. I think Ithaca just never made enough money (profit) to be able to buy modern computer run equipment.
The latest news I heard is that they have moved to Auburn, NY and I have not had a chance to look for the plant, but a news article says that the parking lot is empty and no sign of movement. They also don't answer phones and the director of Industrial Development ?? for Auburn has not been able to get a response either. Not good

[Ramrod]

A lot of older gun designs are being made at a profit again, thanks to modern CNC equipment. A company that could not borrow enough to invest heavily in these machines would naturally be doomed. Mis-managment is what usually brings American gun companies down, not bad products.

[Siskiyou]

The M37 I own was purchased by my father-in-law when he was in the army in Alaska in the early "50's."  It is a dependable shotgun.  And I like it.  This is from a guy who hated giving up his M870 riot gun when he retired.  

The ugliest M37's I have come across was carried in L.A.C.S.O. cars.  They had far more exposers then the average duck gun.  Nothing like a racking of a pump shotgun to stop a bad guy.  

I have not handled the China Copies.  It would be the last produce I would buy.

I had to put a recoil pad on mine.  After shooting a limits of Mountain Quail and Grouse  during a week I was rather tender.  I knew I was hurting when I said, ouch when I brought the gun up to shoot another bird.

For years I wanted fit a slug barrel to it.  But I understand the barrel has to be custom fitted.  The barrels and the work are costly.

[Inspector]

I have a Remington Model 29, that I like however it might be hard to find one, they were the model that replaced the Model 10 and are bottom shuckers.

I have a Model 29 also that someone cut the barrel to 18" for some unknown reason. Do you know of any parts source for them where I could buy a replacement barrel?