The major thing about the Ithaca 37 made today is that it is made of steel, not aluminum alloy's, stampings or plastic.
The trigger guard/hammer group is all steel not plastic/alloy like others out there. The frame is steel unless you order the ultra-light, all machined.
It is a quality shotgun, if you want a cheap shooter then buy a off shore $250 w/extra barrel. I've seen the copy's and they are baaad.
The 37 was originally designed by John Browning, and I think all of his gun designs were the best ever.