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I have a model 37 12 gauge that is stamped US with the flaming bomb above US on the left side of the receiver. I have searched the web and contacted Winchester trying to find out if any were ever used or issued to the military with no luck. Does anyone know if the military ever used the model 37 for anything? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
April 15, 2005
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Winchester sold the government a small number of Model 37 Naval Line Throwing Guns. However, they were equipped with a 14-inch barrel, and chambered for a special 45-70 cartridge. I am not aware of any standard Model 37 12-ga guns ever being used by the U.S. Military.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 17, 2012
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What is the serial number? Is it WWI or WWII vintage?
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
The Government did purchase several thousand Model 37 shotguns around the beginning of WWII. Most were given out to U.S. companies for security purposes, not for use by the Military.
April 15, 2005
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JWA said
What is the serial number? Is it WWI or WWII vintage?Regards,
Jeff,
The Model 37 was introduced in the 1930s, and throughout its production run, it was not serialized.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 17, 2012
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Bert H. said
Jeff,
The Model 37 was introduced in the 1930s, and throughout its production run, it was not serialized.
Bert
Well, that does not help. I don’t own one but I always thought Winchester serialized everything except for the lowly rim fire stuff. Learn something new every day.
Thanks
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
November 7, 2015
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JWA said
Bert H. said
Jeff,
The Model 37 was introduced in the 1930s, and throughout its production run, it was not serialized.
Bert
Well, that does not help. I don’t own one but I always thought Winchester serialized everything except for the lowly rim fire stuff. Learn something new every day.
Thanks
Seems like Uncle Sugar would insist on serial numbers on contract guns but once again, obviously, I’m wrong. Apparently it was decided the Navy had number stamps and knew how to use them if need be. 😉
Mike
April 15, 2005
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TXGunNut said
Seems like Uncle Sugar would insist on serial numbers on contract guns but once again, obviously, I’m wrong. Apparently it was decided the Navy had number stamps and knew how to use them if need be. 😉
Mike
Production of the Model 37 ended in late 1963… 5-years before the GCA mandated serial numbers.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Bert H. said
Production of the Model 37 ended in late 1963… 5-years before the GCA mandated serial numbers.
Bert
Wasn’t thinking of GCA, figured it would help with record-keeping. Just went over the GCA serial number provisions with my brother tonight, he’s been trying to find a serial number on an old shotgun our Dad used to have. When I bought a 69A awhile back at a big box store the clerk spent a lot of time looking for a serial number. I guess telling him “it was there just a few minutes ago” wasn’t helpful. 😉
Mike
