Remington Model 17

John Browning has been renowned as America’s most inventive and prolific gunmaker. Among his many designs was the Model 17 shotgun produced in 1913 in 20 gauge only. Actual production of this model did not begin until 1922 as facilities were dedicated to arms production for the first World War. The Model 17 was, arguably, the first successful hammerless shotgun, and as shells were ejected from the bottom it was easily used by right, or left handed shooters. John Pedersen improved the patent and over 73,000 Model 17’s were produced in Ilion, NY from 1922 until 1933 when the last barrel was date stamped. Production continued until 1937* when the patents expired and Ithaca introduced their Model 37 a near perfect replica of the Model 17 with some minor improvements. (Most notably the Model 37 receiver was slanted at the rear which considerably reduced stock splitting and cracking, a common problem on Model 17’s. Many parts from 17’s and 37’s are interchangeable although such should not be attempted by other than a qualified gunsmith.)

*(Although production ceased, Model 17’s made from spare parts were shipped until sometime in 1941. There is considerable  speculation about the actual start and end of shipping and production dates at Ilion.)