**An Ithaca 37 clone** (often misspelled "Ithica") is a pump-action shotgun that copies the classic Ithaca Model 37 design. The original Ithaca 37, introduced in 1937 and still in limited U.S. production, is itself a refined version of John Browning's earlier Remington Model 17 (a 20-gauge design from around 1917 that Ithaca scaled up, simplified, and strengthened for 12-gauge use after patents expired). ### Core Design Features The defining trait of both the original and its clones is the **bottom-loading and bottom-ejecting action**. Shells are loaded and spent casings are ejected through a single port on the underside of the receiver. This leaves the sides of the receiver completely closed and "slab-sided" (smooth, solid sides with no ejection port). Benefits include: - True ambidextrous operation - no hot shells flying past the face for left-handed shooters. - Better protection of the action from dirt, debris, and weather. - A clean, classic look that also allowed for engraving on the receiver sides of original guns. Other typical characteristics: - Manually operated pump (slide) action with a tubular magazine under the barrel. - Single action bar on the original Ithaca design (some Chinese clones used dual bars). - Cross-bolt safety at the rear of the trigger guard (often reversible) and a pump-release button usually located at the front of the trigger guard. - Interrupted-thread barrel-to-receiver attachment on many originals for easy takedown; clones vary. - Slim, relatively light handling for a pump gun, with a reputation for a smooth action when well-made. - Capacity typically 4+1 or 5+1 in standard configurations (higher with extended tubes or mini-shells on some modern versions). - Chambers commonly 2 3/4" on older guns; many modern clones and current Ithacas use 3". The design is mechanically simpler in some respects than side-ejecting pumps like the Remington 870 or Mossberg 500, though it lacks side-port loading convenience. ### Common Modern Clones Because genuine Ithaca 37s (especially new production or desirable configurations like the Deerslayer or trench/riot guns) have become expensive and less common, several affordable clones have appeared, mostly Turkish- or Chinese-made: - **Panzer Arms PA37** (one of the better-known current options): A fairly faithful Turkish reproduction. 12-gauge with 3" chamber, 18.5" barrel threaded for choke tubes (usually ships with cylinder, modified, and full), steel receiver, heat shield over the barrel (evoking trench-gun aesthetics), fixed front sight, and Turkish walnut or black-finished wood furniture. It typically includes both a full buttstock and a bird's-head pistol grip that can be swapped. Capacity is listed around 5 rounds (higher with mini-shells). Available in blued or nickel finishes. Overall length roughly 38", weight in the 7-9 lb range depending on configuration. Reviews note a generally smooth pump action and classic look, though some users report the need for minor fitting/tuning (e.g., shell stops, chamber finish) for optimal reliability. - **Rock Island Armory TPAS** (Trench Pump Action Shotgun): Another Turkish-made Ithaca 37-style clone, often configured in a trench/riot aesthetic with wood furniture and a heat shield. 12-gauge, roughly 18.5" barrel, ~5-round capacity, weight around 8-8.5 lbs. Similar bottom-eject design; marketed at a budget price point (historically in the $500 range). - Older **Chinese copies** (Norinco and similar, sometimes sold under various importer names): These appeared in past decades. They generally followed the bottom-eject layout but were not exact dimensional clones. Differences often included dual action bars (versus the original's single bar), a different magazine-tube attachment (sometimes screwing into the receiver with a locking bracket), and variable parts interchangeability with genuine Ithacas. Quality was mixed-some ran acceptably, others needed work. There have also been limited U.S. replicas or collaborations (e.g., Inland Manufacturing's M37 trench-style shotgun produced with input from Ithaca), which stay closer to original specifications and finishes (parkerized, heat shield, bayonet lug on some versions). ### Typical Specifications for a Modern Clone (e.g., PA37-style) - **Gauge/Chamber**: 12-gauge, 3" - **Barrel**: 18.5" (common defensive/trench length); often threaded for chokes - **Action**: Pump, bottom load/eject - **Capacity**: ~5 rounds in the tube (+1 in chamber); mini-shell compatible on some models for higher capacity - **Sights**: Fixed front bead or blade; some have rifle-style sights - **Furniture**: Wood (walnut or stained) full stock + optional pistol grip; heat shield common on "trench" versions - **Safety**: Cross-bolt - **Weight**: Typically 7-9+ lbs - **Overall length**: ~38-40" ### Context and Trade-offs Original Ithaca 37s are prized for smooth actions, durability in police/military use (WWII trench guns, Vietnam, and many U.S. police departments), and the unique handling. Clones aim to deliver the same aesthetic and ambidextrous bottom-eject functionality at a fraction of the cost of a new or high-condition original. Quality varies by manufacturer-Turkish examples like the PA37 are generally regarded as solid value pieces for the price, though they may not match the fit, finish, or long-term refinement of a genuine Ithaca. Parts interchangeability with originals is limited or nonexistent on most clones. In short, an Ithaca 37 clone is a slab-sided, bottom-ejecting pump shotgun that captures the distinctive look, ambidextrous operation, and classic handling of one of America's longest-running pump designs, usually in a short-barreled defensive or "trench gun" configuration at a more accessible price.