Having got no reply from Ithaca regarding parts, I guess they are like all US companies now, not supplying gun parts outside the USA and Canada, Numrich making that same statement and Brownells UK having the grand total of 4 Ithaca parts, I decided to fabricate.
My initial intention was to turn the parts on a lathe but with a broken cutter I was forced to re-think. I sourced some 4.5 mm steel rod (luckily exactly the right size!) and determined that
1, the pin did not need to rotate and
2, by leaving more material in the pin it would be somewhat stronger.
As stated by Cutcher, the pins are all the same size, not calibre dependant so I made two and left one of them in my 1965 go-to pigeon gun. If it was going to be unreliable I would soon know!
I cut a slot for the check pin 1.5mm deep using the original to give the dimensions. Refitting, I marked the shallow scooped out area that aligns with the slide underside and then shaped with a half round file, finishing with a screwdriver slot for taking down. Although it is free moving, it is quite a snug fit, so I turned a small oil way groove to retain a little lube. Re-assembling proved the part to be fit for purpose so I will shortly be able to take possession of 2 new (to me) 37's. There is a necessary delay as once the guns are back in one piece they have to go to the proof house for restriction certification (Red Tape!)
In case any other reader has this problem, (manifested by being unable to remove the forend when pulling the slide pin back) This is the procedure;
Lay the gun on a flat surface, on its right hand side, with the receiver on a piece of wood to raise it and so lay perfectly flat (action bar uppermost)
Hold the slide pin across to release (will be downwards with gun on its side)
While holding the pin, tap the receiver on the left side with a soft rubber hammer or protected by wood, this will cause the broken piece of the pin to fall into the pin cavity so you may now pull the slide assembly clear
It took me a while to work this out as taking down this assembly is usually done with the gun upside down. Hope if you break a pin this helps (of course in the States you can get a new pin for pennies!
For what its worth, the check pin is driven out from the bottom to the top of the slide and yes it is re-usable
- 37 slide pin (1).JPG (177.89 KiB) Viewed 35661 times
- 37 slide pin (2).JPG (85.62 KiB) Viewed 35661 times