Go for it! I found a M37 SKEET (so marked) 16 ga, on a "poutpourri" gun show table with a lot worse wood that had the BTFE and wide target rib (same as on their SBT guns). I refinished the wood and added some new action screws. You find out how rare they are in designated grades per gauge, then you appreciate how well made and what great shooters they are. Later bought a M37 Trap Grade all original with the epic Ithaca 'Sunburst" pad; gun had some of he most beautiful wood on a repeater I ever owned. They are great guns!

They were finished with lacquer. There is no way to rework it. It can just be touched up to look better. Or refinished.

Thanks as always, Brian!

When I have a gun with stock damage like that, I hit it with some paint remover. That's easy to do. Then I hit it with a little four ought steel wool or fine grain sand paper. A little tru oil or really any kind of wood stain will bring a nice finish. Then some beeswax or other finish. You can get it done in an afternoon. Maybe two days with drying time. It is not difficult to do. But the Ithaca Model 37 is a wonderful gun and well worth the effort to clean it up a bit.

Brett, I've fixed many stocks with similar scratches. I use a little 320 or 400 and wet sand the scratched area with Dembarts checkering oil. Scratch will disappear. May take a couple times. Let dry in between coats. Smooth area with 0000 steel wool or pad, tack rag it, then rub in several coats of Dembarts oil over the next few days. It will look nice again. I know there are many different ways to fix, but this always works for me.

Chris,

Thanks so much for sharing that. I’ll give it a try!

Best,
Brett

An old furniture movers trick works like magic. Spit some tobacco juice on it and rub it in with your thumb. That scratch will disappear.

You can't go wrong with a model 37 this is a 20 gauge and was my first shotgun. Good look with your touch up!

Gary,

Thanks for the well wishes and the wonderful picture!

Best,
Brett

Gary, your Ugly Dog really makes the picture.