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The Ithaca 37 is an American-made pump-action shotgun.

Overview[]

First appearing in 1937, the Ithaca Model 37 is sometimes called the "Featherlight" due to its light weight.

Usage[]

Operation Snake Eater[]

See also: Virtuous Mission and Operation Snake Eater

The M37 was used by the Spetsnaz in Tselinoyarsk, during the time of Operation Snake Eater in 1964. Forces under Colonel Volgin added the M37 to their arsenal in order to utilize the effectiveness of shotguns in combat, as observed in Malaysia by the British SAS. The M37 was used by attack teams and members of the elite Ocelot Unit. It had a sawn-off barrel and stock, further reducing the weight to 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs), which is exceptionally light for a shotgun. It carried four 12-gauge shells in a tube magazine and operated using a pump action, meaning there was a delay in between shots.

San Hieronymo Incident[]

Main article: San Hieronymo Incident
Warning: The following information is from outside Hideo Kojima's core "Metal Gear Saga." Its canonicity within the continuity is disputed, therefore reader discretion is advised.[?]

Various Red Army and FOX Unit soldiers utilized the M37 Shotgun during the San Hieronymo Incident in 1970. In addition, ex-GRU major Ivan Raidenovitch Raikov carried an M37 as his primary weapon upon being recruited by Naked Snake's resistance.

Non-"Metal Gear Saga" information ends here.

Peace Walker Incident[]

Main article: Peace Walker Incident

During the Peace Walker Incident in 1974, the CIA mercenary group Peace Sentinel used the M37 shotgun. During this time, the Militaires Sans Frontières also procured design specs for the weapon. The MSF developed and improved upon the M37 designs, including increasing its ammo limit and barrel, improving its firepower, and eventually adding a suppressor onto the model. The MSF also discovered that they could increase the barrel's length to increase its accuracy, add in a rifle stock, and later made an accurized model.

Behind the scenes[]

The M37 Shotgun made its first appearance in the non-canon sequel to Metal Gear, Snake's Revenge as a procurable shotgun, although the manual mistranslated it as the M31 shotgun. The M37 wouldn't make a canonical appearance in the series until Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.

Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater[]

M37

M37 icon in Metal Gear Solid 3.

The player can obtain the M37 in Rassvet during the Virtuous Mission, though it is lost when Naked Snake is thrown off the bridge in Dolinovodno. During Operation Snake Eater, the shotgun can be found in Chyornaya Peschera Cave, immediately before the battle against The Pain.

The M37 is extremely powerful, capable of blowing enemies away and doing serious damage. Most guards will be killed in one blast, but the shot's effectiveness decreases over range. It is also a countermeasure against attack team troops carrying bullet-proof shields, since most guns can't penetrate the shield without using almost a full magazine. The Pain's hornet shield can be penetrated by three shotgun blasts, leaving him vulnerable. The M37 also has a slow reload rate and this can be a deadly giveaway in combat since it only carries 4 rounds. A strategy to prevent such reload is to quickly un-equip it and re-equip it again which then is present with a full magazine.

"The M37. An American-made shotgun. The stock and barrel have been sawed off to reduce the weight. Carries four 12-gauge shells. 2.9kg."
―M37 description in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater

Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops[]

IMG 0167

M37 in Portable Ops.

The M37 can be procured at the Rail Bridge in Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops. A Spy Unit will report the shotgun's presence if placed in this location, prior to the player obtaining it.

"This 12-gauge shotgun, known as the Featherlight," is almost 1 kg lighter than other guns in its class. It features a unique mechanism where the feed on the lower part of the receiver also functions as the ejection port.
The U.S. military currently uses a large number of this weapon in the conflict in Vietnam.
Holds four shells.
"
―M37 weapons description in Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops

Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker[]

M37 2-300x170

M37 Rank 1.

M37 lb 4-300x170

Long barrel M37 (modified M37 with a rifle stock).

M37 lb 5-300x170

M37 Accurized model (Long Barrel M37 w/scope).

In Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, the player can obtain design specs for the M37 during an Extra Op, in which the MSF steal an enemy supply crate at Aldea de los Despiertos. The player has the option to further customize and enhance the weapon, via Mother Base's R&D Team.

"A pump-action shotgun. Shells are loaded and ejected through the same opening. This makes the gun sturdier by reducing the number of apertures while also allowing for a more slender and hence lighter frame - almost a kilogram lighter than similar products of the same generation. It is popular among military, law enforcement, and civilian users alike.
(Rank 2) While not big on ammo capacity, it packs plenty of firepower - good for those unexpected close encounters.
(Rank 3) The tube magazine has been extended to increase its ammo capacity.
(Ranks 4-5) Equipped with a limited-use suppressor. The suppressor will eventually wear out, so use it prudently.
"
―Model Viewer description of the M37 in Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
"Fitted with a rifle stock for improved firing precision."
―Model Viewer description of the M37 Long Barrel in Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker
"Fitted with a rifle stock and a scope and adapted to fire slugs. These modifications have improved its long-range firing precision to the point where it can even be used as a substitute for a sniper rifle in some conditions."
―Model Viewer description of the M37 Accurized Model in Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker

Gallery[]

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