Snow, rain, and ice may be well-known companions in the duck blinds, but this feature helps to maintain a properly functioning firearm for many years to come. The bottom ejection and loading port helps to maintain a clean barrel by protecting it from the weather and reducing the likelihood of rust. When the shotgun action is cycled, the spent shells will discharge from this same port. Here the hunter may load either 2-3/4 inch or 3 inch shells. The ejection port works double duty for the shotgun. Perhaps the most unique feature of Ithaca shotguns is the bottom ejection port. In contrast, my 1940s model has a solid rib with a barrel length of 26 inches. Modern Ithaca M37 models offer barrel lengths of 24, 26, and 30 inches with a vented rib. In comparison, the modern Ithaca Ultra Featherlight 20 gauge weighs a mere 5.75 pounds, which is a noticeable difference. The 12 gauge, which is the model I carry, comes in at a hearty seven pounds. The Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight is chambered in three gauges: 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauge. The left side features three greenheads flying into a pond while the right side has a pointing dog afield with flying quail. Adding to the aesthetic charm, detail was given to the receiver with an engraved hunting scene on each side. The pump-style forend is deeply grooved and often affectionately dubbed a “corn cob” by hunters. The walnut stock is rich with tightly laid grain patterns. The Ithaca Model 37 is no exception it oozes beauty. They rest side by side in the safe, lined up like soldiers awaiting orders from their drill instructor, destined for glory in the waterfowl marsh and cut corn fields. The same holds true for our love of our shotguns. We humans are visual creatures, drawn to the beauty of our surroundings. Now, years later, I am the keeper of future hunts and forthcoming memories of this vintage pump shotgun. My grandfather used this shotgun a few years after World War II ended, then passed it along to my father, who shot his first turkey with the Ithaca M37. Two previous generations of duck hunters owned and used this very shotgun. For a solid ten minutes I stared at the shotgun in quiet contemplation. I repeated my routine a few times and gently laid the pieces back onto the cleaning mat. I went to work removing the barrel and spraying down the cold steel. In preparation for the upcoming duck season, I spent part of my afternoon cleaning my old Ithaca Model 37 shotgun. A reliable, antique shotgun holds generations of memories in the duck blind
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