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Ithaca Model 37

"I like to keep this handy, for close encounters."
―Cpl. Hicks (from Aliens)

The Ithaca Model 37 is an American-made pump-action shotgun chambered for 12 gauge cartridges. It is known for its novel combination ejection/loading port on the bottom of the gun that leaves the sides closed to the elements; since shells load and eject from the bottom, operation of the gun is equally convenient for both right and left hand shooters. This makes the gun popular with left-handed shooters.

Overview

Designed in 1933 and first manufactured in 1937, the Model 37 utilizes a novel combination ejection/loading port on the bottom of the gun that leaves the sides of the weapon closed to the elements. Additionally, since shells load and eject from the bottom, operation of the gun is equally convenient for both right- and left-handed users. As a direct result, the weapon is popular with left-handed shooters.

Notable Users

Corporal Hicks notably carried a cut-down version of the Model 37 (fitted with the pistol grip of an MP 40 submachine gun) during the mission to Hadley's Hope, first drawing it when the unit was denied use of their other weapons during the ambush in the Hive. The gun was actually an old family heirloom handed down through generations of Hicks' family, thus explaining the presence of such an antiquated weapon in 2179.[1] After using it to kill a Warrior attempting to board the Marines' APC, the weapon was destroyed by acid and not used again.

A few Marines, especially those from long-serving military families, often brought their weapon passed from parent to child as part of the "personal items". A Marine from the UAS Endeavor is known to possess a similar shotgun.

A militarized version of the Model 37 "Stakeout" was issued to the United States Colonial Marine Corps, named the M37A2 Pump Shotgun.

Trivia

  • Hicks actor Michael Biehn also used a full-size Model 37 throughout The Terminator, which was written and directed by Aliens director James Cameron.[2]
  • The weapon make an appearance in the game Aliens: Fireteam Elite under named "Heirloom Standoff". It was part of the "Endeavor Veteran Pack" DLC.

Appearances

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ Alan Dean Foster. Aliens, p. 149 (2014), Titan Books.
  2. ↑ James Cameron (writer and director). The Terminator (1984), Orion Pictures [DVD].