Well, the dove opener was pretty much a bust. We got our favorite spot, but were surrounded and got few opportunities to shoot. More than I deserved: I hit nothing I shot at. The "new" M-37 wasn't much help. Still dumping rounds out the bottom. I bought some parts from Numrich and I'll add them to the gun when they arrive & see if it works right.
Another of the parts sites I looked at warned that replacing several of the shell stop parts require factory fitting because of a "timing problem". This may be what I already have.
Would some one describe for me/ post a photo of an original older model left-side shell stop coil spring?

You need to do a indepth cleaning of the action, removing the shell stops and cleaning
out the old oil/grease. Relube with a good oil and you should be good to go.
If the old owner polished the receiver he may have not disassembled the action and
there is old grit and polishing compound in the action. That will bind up
the shell stops causing your shell dumps.

Didn't get the shell dumping till after the cleaning.

How did you clean the gun, gun scrubber?
Or take it completely apart to the last pin?

If you cleaned it completely then a new shell stop spring is needed,
just call Ithaca they have all the parts you will ever need.

Sometimes it's just not that easy. I tried every suggestion that I could find when my M37 started dropping shells, and nothing worked. I really do think that "timing" comes into play, but have no idea how to check it or adjust it. The gun is near and dear to my heart, having been bought new for a little over $100 back in '69 when I was just 20, so I wound up sending it to the old master, Les Hovencamp at Diamond Gunsmithing. I'm not sure exactly what he did, but the gun functions flawlessly and shells drop no more.

I would start with a new spring, fixing the broken slide retainer pin, and a deep cleaning. If there are problems after that then yes it is probably a timing issue, I believe that can be cured by adjusting the shell stops.

I doubt it is a timing problem since the shell stops are heat treated and
shell base's are brass or brass plated.

That's where I'm headed.

Well, finally got back to working on my beater 37. Thinking about how to mark the position of the bolt to drill thru and push the pin out. Looked some more at how to get the bolt out. Tried Ohio Mike's advice- holding the spring pin back, laying it on it's side and tapping with a plastic mallet. Ta Da! and Vee ola". The section of pin that fits in the slide bar was, indeed, broken completely off, but dropped out and allowed the bolt and carrier to come out.
I have the replacement parts and will install them and see how it goes. Thanks again for all the help and advice.


I started the carrier soaking in Liquid Wrench penetrating oil. I tapped on the retaining pin and it doesn't appear to be moving much, if at all. Mostly, I was surprised I actually have the right size pin punch for that pin.
Anyone care to relate their experience removing this pin? What have I got to look forward to?

The carrier sat in the Liquid Wrench for 3 days. Using a better anvil, the pin came right out. I'd bought a replacement, but I put the original one back in.
All the new parts are in, and still appears to be dumping shells from the magazine when the action is run to load the next round.
I thing that is a problem with the right magazine check (?). Since I have 2 of those now -the original and the replacement I bought, I may try bending it to see if it will start doing its job.