Favorite Firearms: The Return Of A Precious Pump

My father had three older brothers, and, in 1938, one of them bought new 12-ga. Model 37 Ithaca shotguns for each of the others—a considerably expensive purchase back then. Dad was only 16 at that time and kept his shotgun for many years. It was the gun I grew up using, and I had always hoped that, one day, it would be mine.

During my senior year, my father needed cash and sold the gun. Many years later, I worked at the same place as the man who had purchased the gun. I pestered that man until he eventually told me that he’d one day sell me the shotgun if I’d wait until he no longer used it. I patiently waited many years, and the gentleman finally came and told me that he was ready to sell it.

I was so pleased that it was home again. Dad used to say that a large pickup truck couldn’t haul all the game it had taken. This old gun shows its years but functions perfectly, and I still use it regularly. I can’t look at it without thinking fondly of dad. Monetarily, it’s not worth a lot, but it’s absolutely precious to me.

—Gary Shyrock, Sr.