New guns - 870 wingmaster vs Ithaca 37

[Purebred Redneck]

So the Mrs wants to buy me a gun for a wedding present so I figure I better start looking around. I am looking for new only, not used for this type of gift.

I think a really nice shotgun would fit the bill as I would use it the most. A matte/synthetic 870 with fully adjustable rifle sights doesn't quite look right when you are upland/rabbit hunting.

I think I would like to stick to a pump because I have not had a lot of success with semi-auto 22's in winter time and this shotgun would see the bulk of it's use in temps around freezing. And I think it's important to have a 3rd shot. But I am not ruling out a good semi or double; that is a thread for another day though.

After seeing what pumps are out there, I've narrowed it down between the 870 Wingmaster and the Ithaca 37.


The 870 is a few hundred dollars cheaper. However, I'm a little worried about the quality of Wingmasters nowadays as Remington seems to be sliding down.

The Ithaca is, obviously, a very nice shotgun. Ordering it directly from the company means I could have them cut the LOP down to 13 1/2" because 14" snags on my winter coats. My biggest concern though is the bottom eject. The fact it's made for both righties and lefties really doesn't matter because I'm right handed and that's not going to change. There are times when hunting when things happen quickly and there is confusion on whether or not I have a shell in the chamber. With a side eject, you can just open the receiver a half inch and check. It's been about 10 years since I have shot an Ithaca, I forget if there is a similar quick way to check (with a partial opening of the slide...without jamming it) or if you have to go through the (loud) hassle of fully pumping the shell out of the gun and then having to reload it again. It doesn't happen often but does several times a year. I'm not sure if that's a reason not to get it...

Thoughts?

[jmarriott]

I am partial to the wingmasters in general. I would just get a used one in LNIB shape so I did not have to worry about the quality. Then Again most stuff made since 1990 seems to be of less Quality the pre 1990. Rem does know how to make the 870 as they have had millions of them to work out any bugs. More aftermarket barrels stocks lights you name it than any other shotgun. Look to someone like davidsons for a special edition or deluxe. Some have some neat options. That is if it has to be new.

Nothing wrong with any Ithaca 37. Had a 20 gauge for a bit but traded it off for a marlin 39a. I did replaced a broken firing pin in it that I figured was whT made it unfireable and cheap for me to buy. The bottom eject is no big deal and it does seem to keep the dirt out a bit. As far as checking if you have a shell in it I just use my brain to remember if it has one in it. If I forget I just pump it And pick up the shell. The quality of the wood was not as good as the 870's and the metal not as dark with blue. The frame was smaller and I could almost get my hand around it like the win model 12.

For a box to unwrap in front of the others I would get one of the breakdown shotgun cases stuff in a 1980's wingmaster in 2 3/4 inch and the bride to be would never know it was a used shotgun and the savings would be placed in the case and a box of shells. 870 are like dimes in the collection plate at church plenty of them out there. The 1980's had the dark Rich walnut wood after all the barrel has the date code not the reciever.

[jmarriott]

I am partial to the wingmasters in general. I would just get a used one in LNIB shape so I did not have to worry about the quality. Then Again most stuff made since 1990 seems to be of less Quality the pre 1990. Rem does know how to make the 870 as they have had millions of them to work out any bugs. More aftermarket barrels stocks lights you name it than any other shotgun. Look to someone like davidsons for a special edition or deluxe. Some have some neat options. That is if it has to be new.

Nothing wrong with any Ithaca 37. Had a 20 gauge for a bit but traded it off for a marlin 39a. I did replaced a broken firing pin in it that I figured was whT made it unfireable and cheap for me to buy. The bottom eject is no big deal and it does seem to keep the dirt out a bit. As far as checking if you have a shell in it I just use my brain to remember if it has one in it. If I forget I just pump it And pick up the shell. The quality of the wood was not as good as the 870's and the metal not as dark with blue. The frame was smaller and I could almost get my hand around it like the win model 12.

For a box to unwrap in front of the others I would get one of the breakdown shotgun cases stuff in a 1980's wingmaster in 2 3/4 inch and the bride to be would never know it was a used shotgun and the savings would be placed in the case and a box of shells. 870 are like dimes in the collection plate at church plenty of them out there. The 1980's had the dark Rich walnut wood after all the barrel has the date code not the reciever.

[jmarriott]

I am partial to the wingmasters in general. I would just get a used one in LNIB shape so I did not have to worry about the quality. Then Again most stuff made since 1990 seems to be of less Quality the pre 1990. Rem does know how to make the 870 as they have had millions of them to work out any bugs. More aftermarket barrels stocks lights you name it than any other shotgun. Look to someone like davidsons for a special edition or deluxe. Some have some neat options. That is if it has to be new.

Nothing wrong with any Ithaca 37. Had a 20 gauge for a bit but traded it off for a marlin 39a. I did replaced a broken firing pin in it that I figured was whT made it unfireable and cheap for me to buy. The bottom eject is no big deal and it does seem to keep the dirt out a bit. As far as checking if you have a shell in it I just use my brain to remember if it has one in it. If I forget I just pump it And pick up the shell. The quality of the wood was not as good as the 870's and the metal not as dark with blue. The frame was smaller and I could almost get my hand around it like the win model 12.

For a box to unwrap in front of the others I would get one of the breakdown shotgun cases stuff in a 1980's wingmaster in 2 3/4 inch and the bride to be would never know it was a used shotgun and the savings would be placed in the case and a box of shells. 870 are like dimes in the collection plate at church plenty of them out there. The 1980's had the dark Rich walnut wood after all the barrel has the date code not the reciever.

[jmarriott]

Looks like it took my posts a few times. I got a beer server error. I am not just trying to up the old post count.

[Purebred Redneck]

I should also mention I think the new wingmasters come with a middlebead - which I am not at all fond off.

You bring up good points on a used 870. And if in the end a 870 is the better choice, I may consider that. Or I may get something like a new Win 70 and then buy the 870 at a later time.

[jmarriott]

With all of the guns available and her wanting you to get one that you will always use the shotgun makes the most praticAl one available. It will do everything from tree rats to brown bear. My mom bought my dad a browning auto 5 shotgun for there first aniversery and he still uses it to this day.

Now the new to used thing. It really makes little difference other than cost. The second bead I like and I shoot trap much better with one because I am left eye dom and right handed. It help level out the barrel and I do not shot under the clay.

Barrels for 870's are in every gunshop in your state. I have 7 870 barrels and 2 shotguns. I have none with chokes you can take out. From a 32 inch extra full to a 26 inch improved and a couple Of 18
Inch open choked smooth bores I set Up for homeland security.

Remember the barrels contain the date code. I set one up with a scope that I had the reciever drilled and taped. Just a 4 x and it does coyotes and made a fox. The 1980's one just has open sights. There are so many that they will never go up in price but everyone should have an 870. Maybe a marlin model 60 and a marlin336 also it should be a law like taxes. I shotgun a rifle and a four wheel drive.

[dovehunter]

There's nothing at all wrong with the Ithaca but I personally have always preferred the 870 Remington. I think it's the benchmark by which other pump shotguns should be measured. After having two Winchester model 12's (and had extraction/ejection problems with both), I would take an 870 any day over the model 12. I also like the Mossberg pumps but, since I know you don't like them, will not recommend one of them. Either gun will serve you well and I don't think you would be disappointed with either. I have not been favorably impressed with the Benellis either. IMHO, they cost a lot more and are not worth it.

[Jack]

Checking the Ithaca 37 is no different than checking the 870 - you look in the bottom rather than the side is the only difference. Something that will take a whole 15 seconds for you to get used to.
I am not much of a Remmy fan, so, I don't know what to tell you. The Ithaca 37 is a classic, and every one I've seen has been a quality product, but I have not seen a recent one.
If I were to look at a new shotgun, I'd give the Winchester SX3 auto a very thorough look, but, you said you don't want an auto.. . . . .

[twomoons]

The Wingmaster in the deluxe version is still a real nice gun. The Ithaca is somewhat over priced and is not that common. You will find a LOT more parts and acessories for the Wingmaster than the Ithaca. The only advantage the Ithaca has is if you are a lefty and like the bottom eject.

[jimh]

Get a Beretta Urika 2 and be done with it. That gun will cycle in any weather and in any condition (read that as filthy and neglected) and has a quick adjustable stock for length of pull. Best dang gun I've ever picked up and believe it or not, one I won't trade away one day down the line.

[Purebred Redneck]

Perhaps the Remington custom shop could take their wingmaster and tweak it a little bit. I'm not sure what the price would be...but I can't imagine a factory gun with no mid-rib and a 13.5" lop would be outrageous. You'd lose the big box retail discount though...

Jimh, let me look around more at the various types of semis (gas, recoil, and inertia) and makes/models that are in the price range. I'll start a new thread in the future one I organize my thoughts.

[jimh]

Red, more important, take my Beretta for a few weeks and test drive the SOB.

[Purebred Redneck]

I'd need more time, I'm barely allowed out of the house. I have already lost control of all aspects of my life

[jimh]

Well you set up a rabbit hunt this winter and I'll bring it and leave it for you but I need it back bt spring turkey season.