Ithaca 37: They Live’s Alien-Killing Shotgun

John Carpenter’s They Live (1988) is a cult classic that blends sci-fi, action, and biting social commentary. At the heart of the film is professional wrestler-turned-actor Roddy Piper, who plays the drifter John Nada. One of the most memorable elements of the film is the shotgun Piper wields—the Ithaca 37, a rugged and reliable firearm that perfectly suits his character’s no-nonsense approach to fighting alien oppressors.

In this deep dive, we’ll explore the history of the Ithaca 37, its role in They Live, and why it remains an iconic piece of cinematic weaponry.

The Ithaca 37: A Brief History

The Ithaca Model 37 is a pump-action shotgun that has been in production since 1937, making it one of the longest-serving shotguns in American history. Designed by John Browning and John Pedersen, it was based on the earlier Remington Model 17, but Ithaca improved upon the design to create a lighter, more durable firearm.

Key Features of the Ithaca 37

• Bottom-Ejection Design: Unlike most shotguns, the Ithaca 37 ejects spent shells downward, making it ideal for left- or right-handed shooters.
• Slam-Fire Capability: Early models allowed the shooter to hold the trigger and rapidly pump the shotgun, firing as soon as the action closed.
• Lightweight & Durable: Made with steel and walnut (or later, synthetic stocks), the Ithaca 37 was built to last.
• No Disassembly Required: The gun could be field-stripped without tools, making maintenance easy.

The Ithaca 37 saw extensive use in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, where its reliability in harsh conditions earned it a stellar reputation. It was also popular with police departments and civilian shooters.

The Ithaca 37 in They Live

In They Live, Roddy Piper’s character, John Nada, stumbles upon a box containing sunglasses that reveal the hidden alien overlords controlling society through subliminal messages. Once he realizes the truth, he arms himself with an Ithaca 37 (likely a 20″ barrel Police Model) and goes to war against the extraterrestrial oppressors.

Why the Ithaca 37 Was the Perfect Choice

1. Working-Class Symbolism – The Ithaca 37 was a no-frills, dependable shotgun, much like Piper’s blue-collar character. It wasn’t flashy, just brutally effective.
2. Intimidation Factor – The pump-action sound alone is iconic, and Carpenter uses it to great effect in the film’s action sequences.
3. Practicality – The shotgun’s slam-fire capability (though not explicitly shown) fits Nada’s aggressive, take-no-prisoners attitude.

Memorable Scenes Featuring the Ithaca 37

• The Bank Robbery Shootout: After putting on the sunglasses and realizing the truth, Nada grabs the shotgun and storms into a bank, delivering the legendary line: “I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass… and I’m all out of bubblegum.”
• The Alley Fight: Before the famous brawl with Keith David, Nada uses the Ithaca to fend off alien cops.
• The Final Battle: The shotgun plays a key role in the climactic showdown at the TV station.

Legacy of the Ithaca 37 in Pop Culture

While They Live is one of the most famous appearances of the Ithaca 37, it has popped up in other films and TV shows, including:

• The Terminator (1984) – Used by the Los Angeles Police Department.
• Heat (1995) – Carried by Val Kilmer’s character during the bank heist.
• The Walking Dead – Various characters wield the Ithaca 37 in later seasons.

Its association with tough, no-nonsense characters makes it a favorite among filmmakers.

Collecting an Ithaca 37 Today

If you’re inspired by They Live and want your own Ithaca 37, here’s what to know:

• Police Models (like the one in the film) are highly sought after.
• Used Market: Pre-1975 models are considered the most durable.
• Modern Versions: Ithaca Gun Company still produces the Model 37, including tactical variants.

Prices range from $400forolderusedmodels\ast \ast to\ast \ast$1,000+ for tactical or rare versions.

The Ithaca 37 in They Live isn’t just a prop—it’s an extension of Roddy Piper’s character, embodying resistance, grit, and firepower. Its rugged design and cinematic impact ensure its place in firearms and movie history.

Next time you watch They Live, pay attention to that shotgun—it’s as much a star as Piper himself.

“You know, you look like your head fell in the cheese dip back in 1957.” – And now you know what gun he said it with.