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I just picked up a Model 37 from a local gun shop. It’s a 410 with 26 inch barrel. I was wondering how old the gun might be. I have read that they were made from 1936 to 1963. I’m attaching a few photos, but this is the first time I have tried this, so I hope they are ok. The writing on the barrel reads “Made in U.S.A. Winchester Repeating Arms Co. New Haven, Conn. Patents Pending. Model 37 – Steelbilt- 410- 3 in. – Winchester Trade Mark – Choke.” The buttplate says “Winchester Repeating Arms Co.” and there are proof marks on the barrel and the receiver. It had been tagged at $430, but they marked it down to $380 yesterday for Black Friday, and I decided to buy it to add to my small Winchester collection.
Thank you for any assistance.
John.
November 7, 2015
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Nice! I’ve been meaning to add a 37 to my modest collection but most seem to have led rough lives guarding chickens and gardens. A better pic of the stamp on the barrel may help the more knowledgeable folks around here.
Mike
Take it down and inspect the bottom of the barrel near the lug for a 2-digit number. Based on the type of break open lever and hammer it has, my guess is that it was manufactured sometime in the Post-WW II years.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thank you for the quick responses. At least we can be sure it’s a “pre-64”! I have ordered a reproduction owners manual, and it should tell me how to remove the barrel. I had an old side by side shotgun where the fore end just pulled off, but the Model 37 fore end has a screw on the bottom of it, and I don’t want to mess anything up. I looked at a you tube video, and wasn’t sure if what they were showing was the proper take down procedure.
I don’t think you need or should remove the barrel. Just remove the forend.
The foreend will pull off like most other single barrel shotguns but the design of the M37 requires a bit more pressure than other brands.
Also, from the looks of your forend, I would venture to guess your shotgun to be made prior to 1948. Look under the receiver and see if the Winchester logo is on the receiver filled with red ink. These are knows as “red letter” guns and were made from 36 to 48. They usually command a bit of a premium over the later guns although not functionally different.
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