Ithaca has brought all of these features together to make a nearly perfect rendering of a duty 1911. The pistol was even finished with tried and proven Parkerizing. This finish is low gloss and absorbs lubrication to help in preventing corrosion in wet climates.
Durable and Accurate
While looks are important for a duty pistol, performance is the biggest concern. To evaluate Ithaca's new 1911, I rounded up ammunition from Atlanta Arms and Ammunition, Black Hills, Remington, and Winchester, and headed to the range.
Prior to testing the pistol for accuracy, I fired nearly 200 rounds of mixed ammunition to test its reliability. It never missed a beat and fired hollow points, full-metal jackets, and semi-wad cutters with boring consistency.
After the reliability test, it was time to evaluate the Ithaca 1911 for accuracy. I had some 230-grain hollow points from Remington and Winchester and some 185-grain hollow points from Atlanta Arms and Black Hills. The Ithaca showed no preference for bullet weight or manufacture; it simply shot well. It printed sub-two-inch, eight-shot groups from a rest at 25 yards. That's eight shots compared to the standard five or three, which translates to one fine shooting pistol.
The Ithaca M1911 I have been testing is a fine pistol. It shoots well and is dead nuts reliable. Ithaca's 1911s are not cheap, but they are worth every penny. You will find this pistol more than up to the task of duty, CCW, and even competition.
The new Ithaca Gun Company is carrying on the heritage of Ithaca and then some. The M37 Defense Gun shotgun and M1911 handgun are built for a wide variety of applications, and their accuracy and reliability make them ideal choices for law enforcement duty. These two weapons will meet and exceed your accuracy requirements and will serve you well for years to come.
Scott Smith is a former federal police officer for the Department of Veteran's Affairs who currently serves as a reserve officer and is a contributing editor to POLICE.
Ithaca M37 Defense Gun Specs:
Caliber: 12 gauge
Capacity: 8 rounds
Barrel Length: 18.5 or 20 inches
Overall Length: 38 inches
Weight (empty): 7.1 pounds
Trigger Pull: 4 to 6 pounds
Sight: Brass bead
Stock: Synthetic (available in walnut)
Price: $519
Ithaca 1911 Pistol Specs:
Caliber: .45 ACP
Capacity: 7 rounds
Barrel: 1-16 inches, left-hand twist
Weight (empty): 2.6 pounds
Barrel Length: 5 inches
Overall Length: 8.75 inches
Height: 5 inches
Width: 1 3/16 inches
Trigger Action: Single
Safeties: Manual thumb, grip
Sights: Novak or BoMar available
Price: $1,599 and up