Approximate DOM for Model.37 16 gauge|Page 2|Winchester Shotguns|Forum|Winchester Collector

Nevada Paul said

Zebulon said

Nevada Paul said
Bill, I can’t help you determine a DOM directly for your M37, but I can pass along some of what I learned while attempting to do the same some years ago:
Many years ago, I decided to try and collect an example of every firearm Winchester manufactured during by birth year (1948).  The model 37 was one of many with no serial numbers.  Research I did at the time allowed me to narrow down the DOM to a few years, but I could never be absolutely certain of a particular year. 
As I recall, (this is from memory, and may not be completely accurate) the shape of the fore end, the shape of the action release lever and tang, and the lettering were all in play.  I honestly can’t recall if the nature of the butt plate/recoil pad was of any help.  And I seem to recall that the ‘Steel Built’ stamping was red for a few years.
I know this doesn’t help, but maybe you can research some of the same, subtle features and arrive at a time range.
 
Paul
  

Paul, I just saw your post. Thanks for the information. I have all the Gun Digests – certainly all of them edited by John Amber, which were the most useful. I will browse the pictures and see if there are visible clues. 
Bill
  

Found this with a quick Google search:  
Approximate the date of manufacture
The “Red Letter” receiver (1936–1948)
Check the underside of the shotgun’s receiver. Early models featured the “WINCHESTER” logo stamped on the receiver with the letters filled with red paint. These are called “Red Letter” shotguns. 

Presence of red letters: Indicates production between 1936 and 1948.
No red letters (“Blue Belly”): Indicates production between 1948 and 1963. 

The “pigtail” lever (1936–1938)
The earliest Model 37s can be identified by a “pigtail” style top-cocking lever, which was made of stamped sheet metal with a folded tang. 

“Pigtail” lever present: Indicates production in 1937 or 1938.
Solid steel lever: Indicates production after 1938. 

Other variations (1936–1963)
Other subtle changes made throughout the production run can help narrow down the period of manufacture. 

Buttplate logo: Early models featured a round Winchester logo, while later models had the name spelled vertically.
Hammer style: The hammer design was modified at least four times over the course of production.

 
In addition to the above, my recollection is that there were some changes in the shape of the forearm, finger grooves, wide vs narrow, etc., but I can’t confirm this or find a reference.
Hope this helps. Let me know what you determine. FWIW, I ended up with 3 different model 37’s while trying to ensure I had one from 1948. None of mine had the 2 digit stamp referenced by Bert.  
Paul
  

Paul,  It’s taken awhile but I finally loaded up the 1954 Gun Digest – the one with the Cole Agee engraved Colt SAA on the cover — and looked up the listing for the Model 37 shotgun. Good old John Amber was a bear for plentiful and accurate information. The forearm is described as a “semi-beavertail” and all gauges are choked “full”, which clarifies the “choke” rollmark.  So, without doubt this is a “bluebelly” postwar gun. 

Thanks again so much for your help.  At the very least, after it gets a pad this one is going to shoot a round of trap, assuming I can find some 16 gauge shells loaded with #8 or #9 shot (club rules.)