Inland Trench Guns

[Aragorn243]

I can't really justify that kind of price for a reproduction that I could find for about the same or a bit more perhaps. I did spend a good deal on a Thompson but as I can't possibly ever afford a real one that makes a bit more sense.

[Sentryduty]

I just realized they're going to be $1200 USD, so they're going to be $2000 CDN...

Ah, that is different, someone will buy a few, but I won't be one of them.

[scosgt]

When I saw them advertised, I knew I had to have one.
Then I saw one.
To say they screwed it up would be an understatement.
Remember, this is an "official" factory gun.
So, here is the issue:
The original WWII Ithaca Trench guns were BLUED. Not parked, not "M&P". They were blued commercial guns. They had another distinctive feature - they are SOLID FRAME. The barrel does NOT have the 1/4 turn removal feature.
The replicas are parked like the Viet Nam issue guns.
The problem is, the VN guns are marked "U.S." on the right receiver, NOT the WWII markings as on the replicas
Also, the bayonet adapter, specifically the handguard portion, is just not right. It is not made right, it does not look right.
Compare to the Chinese WWI M97 trench gun replicas, they are pretty much an exact copy. They sold new at about $400, and have started to become collectible in their own right, now bringing about twice that in new condition.

The 37 trench replica was a great idea, but sadly it is very poorly executed.

[browningautorifle]

The 37 trench replica was a great idea, but sadly it is very poorly executed.

Agreed, but here in Canada I doubt there are half a dozen in collections and then only maybe. I'd just want this one to shoot the crap out of and for it's LCF only. I'll never even see a real one here...as many things today the new made aren't close to the original. Also the price will be prohibitive for us.

[scosgt]

I have owned two real ones.
But as a long time trench collector I can say that I am only aware of around a dozen in existence in the world.

[browningautorifle]

around a dozen in existence in the world.

That would explain why none have surfaced here in Canada.

[cipherk98]

What is actual street price on these? I know their list on their 1911 is around $750-800 but I see them for $700 at the few vendors that have them, and their Carbines are actually discounted as well from what they suggest. I'd be interested in part because I believe Ithaca is making the receiver and most of the parts on these and Inland is just doing the finishing work. However, what is the market like for commercial guns done up like M37s? I know with 1897s you can find chopped up commercial guns for $500-650, sometimes less. Not a practice I agree with but once it's been turned into an M1897 clone no going back.

[Slater]

I would completely agree with all the previous comments. It's neither fish nor fowl - not correct for a WW2 example or a later Vietnam version. And it's expensive. At the time, Bud's Gun Shop had a layaway option - pay over a three-month period - so I opted for that. I suppose I'm in the "close enough" crowd. I really like it's looks:

[browningautorifle]

I really like it's looks:

So do I, always had a soft spot for '37's. The short ones that is...I wouldn't mind one of the 8 shot '87's either.

[LithgowMKIII]

Close enough for me also: