Ithaca 37s made in Ithaca and Kings Ferry.
The Ithaca's action was only very slight shorter in depth than the 12-gauge action. I've owned both and measured them.
Have owned and hunted a bunch of other 16s, including a Model 12 from the 30s with a 26" modified choke in a rib-free barrel. It was a great, light, good-handling gun--but didn't fit me as well as some others, so eventually went down the road.
The 16s I have now are double or drillings....