A substantial number of these Model 37s went to the U.S. forces and marked with the “U.S.” designation. Additional Model 37 riot guns were manufactured for U.S. military advisors to South Vietnamese forces used at least a few of these shotguns. One 1962 contract for 22,000 Model 37 riot guns with 20-inch barrels was for South Vietnamese troops. Use of the Ithaca Model 37 in combat was much more prevalent during the Vietnam War.

This was because the government had asked Ithaca to concentrate on producing Model 1911A1 pistols for the military instead. Only 1,422 Ithaca trench guns were actually delivered during World War II, plus about 5,000 riot guns (most of which had 22-inch rather than 20-inch barrels) and longer-barreled training shotguns. The first military orders for the Ithaca Model 37 were during World War II, when longer-barreled guns for training in aerial gunnery (to teach lead on targets) as well as riot and trench models were ordered. Note that the term “trench gun” normally indicates the weapon was fitted with a ventilated handguard and bayonet lug.

The Model 37 shotgun, in both riot and trench gun formats, also saw substantial U.S. Both the Chicago PD and NYPD also used Ithaca Model 37s at one time. I’ve also been told that as recently as 10 years ago LAPD and/or LA County sheriffs were still using some Model 37s.

Of course, this really applies to any shotgun carried in a patrol car.

RELATED STORY: 12 Mission-Ready 12-Gauge Scattergunsīased on the few conversations I’ve had with LAPD officers who used the Model 37, they always liked the shotgun, though they emphasized that it could not be carried in the patrol car with a round chambered.

Generally, LAPD 37s did not have the full-length, eight-round magazine tube but the shorter four-round magazine. It was the standard shotgun of the LAPD for many years in what is usually referred to as the “LAPD Configuration.” These Ithacas had 18- or 20-inch barrels, though I’ve been told at least some for detectives had 14- or 16-inch barrels. T he Ithaca Model 37 riot gun was never as popular for police use as the Remington 870, but it did have some notable users.

Ithaca 37 shotgun recoil pad