New Ithaca Field Grade

Ever find yourself standing in a field at dawn, wondering if your shotgun can handle the season ahead? You’re not alone. I’ve been there, watching the sun come up over a Grand Forks slough, hoping my gear is as reliable as my aim. That’s the moment you need a tool you can trust, not just a purchase you hope works out.

Imbertsmithersarms is a Grand Forks, ND-based retailer specializing in firearms for hunters and outdoorsmen. The New Ithaca Field Grade is a modern pump-action shotgun built on a legacy of American reliability. It delivers classic performance without the collector’s price tag. Available now for $711.97, a solid discount from its regular $800.99 price.

Why This Shotgun Belongs in Your Gun Safe

I’ve handled a lot of shotguns over the years, from budget pumps to custom over-unders. What strikes me about the New Ithaca Field Grade is its honest approach. It doesn’t pretend to be a fancy competition gun. It’s built for the realities of a hunting season—mud, cold, rain, and the occasional bump against a tree stand. This is a working man’s shotgun. It’s the one you grab when you know you’re going to put miles on your boots, not when you’re trying to impress someone at the club. For the price, you’re getting a firearm with a proven action, a finish that can take some wear, and the kind of straightforward handling that makes sense when you’re wearing gloves. In the world of concealed carry and everyday preparedness, having a dependable long gun is just as important as your sidearm. This Ithaca fills that role without draining your wallet.

New Ithaca Field Grade Specifications

How It Stacks Up: Field Grade vs. The Competition

Feature	New Ithaca Field Grade	Budget Import Pump (e.g., Turkish ~$350)	Premium American Pump (e.g., Remington 870 Wingmaster ~$900+)
Material	Solid steel receiver & barrel	Mixed metals, thinner steel	High-grade steel, polished
Quality	Commercial hunting grade, functional finish	Basic, functional, may have rough edges	High-polish, exhibition-grade wood & blueing
Compatibility	Standard 12ga chokes & accessories	Proprietary parts, limited aftermarket	Vast aftermarket support
Shipping	Same-day from ND, discreet	Variable, often drop-shipped	Often backordered, longer lead times
Lifespan/Durability	Built for decades of hunting use	Suitable for light/occasional use	Heirloom quality, multi-generational
Price	$711.97 (Sale Price)	$350 – $450	$900 – $1,200

The table tells a clear story. The Ithaca Field Grade sits in the sweet spot. You’re not paying for the fancy finish of a Wingmaster you’d be afraid to scratch, but you’re also not gambling on an import with unknown long-term support. You’re getting American-made durability at a price that lets you actually use the gun hard, which is the whole point.

The Good, The Bad, and What to Do About It

What works:

• ✅ Proven Platform: The Ithaca 37 action is time-tested. It’s simple, strong, and easy to maintain in the field.
• ✅ Budget-Conscious Quality: The money is in the metal and the machining, not a high-gloss finish. This is a smart way to build a reliable gun.
• ✅ Bottom Ejection: Keps shells and debris from falling back into the action. A real benefit in a duck blind or a dusty field.
• ✅ Classic Handling: The walnut stock and forearm have a good shape. It points naturally, which matters more than anything when a bird flushes.
• ✅ U.S. Manufacturing: Built here, with parts and service support you can count on. That matters for your long-term Ithaca credit rating with the brand.

What to consider:

• ❌ “Field Grade” Finish: The bluing and wood are functional, not flawless. You’ll see some machine marks. If a pristine, showroom finish is your priority, this isn’t it. Check out our Premium Shotguns for more refined options.
• ❌ Weight: At 7.5 lbs, it’s not the lightest pump on the market. For long days still-hunting in the mountains, some may prefer a lighter synthetic option.
• ❌ Limited Configurations: It comes as a traditional field gun. If you need a tactical model with a rail and extended tube, you’ll need to look at a different line.

Who This Shotgun Is For (And Who Should Pass)

Buy the New Ithaca Field Grade if:

• You’re a hunter who uses their gear and expects it to work, not sit in a safe.
• You want an American-made shotgun without a custom shop price tag.
• You appreciate classic design and handling in a modern, new firearm.
• You’re building a practical battery of firearms for hunting and preparedness.
• You’re tired of disposable imports and want a gun your kid could eventually use.

Look at something else if:

• You demand a flawless, mirror-like finish on metal and wood. (See our Premium Shotguns).
• You need an ultra-lightweight gun for high-country hunting.
• Your primary use is 3-Gun competition or tactical training (we have dedicated models for that).
• You’re looking for the absolute cheapest possible option, regardless of origin.

Common Concerns, Straight Answers

“Is ‘Field Grade’ just a fancy word for ‘cheap’?” No. In firearm manufacturing, grades (Field, Slug, Trap, etc.) denote intended use and finish level. Field Grade means it’s built to commercial hunting standards. The focus is on durability and function where it counts—the action, barrel, and lockup. The cosmetic finish is less refined to hit a price point for hunters who will put wear on it anyway. It’s not inferior, it’s purpose-built.

“How does it handle 3-inch shells?” Just fine. The action is designed for them. As with any pump, running a mix of 2¾” and 3″ shells, you’ll feel the difference in recoil and slide effort, but the gun handles it without issue. I’d recommend sticking with one shell length for a given hunt to maintain your rhythm.

Frequently Asked Questions

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