I do not like auto-safeties. If I remove a stock on a double-gun I will remove the auto-safety rod and work it as a manual safety. I am used to manual safeties on my hunting guns and there's nothing more annoying than an auto-safety on a target gun!!
I too shoot a Ithaca M37. The only time I use the safety is if I hunt with it, otherwise it's fun to shoot in competition as the safety remains off. I just have to remember to pump!!