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November 19, 2006
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George Madis mentioned in The Winchester Handbook that in 1958, Winchester introduced a, “beginners shotgun” in 20 gauge with a 26 inch barrel and a recoil bad. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen one.
Here’s a page from the 1962 catalog:
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How commonly encountered are these? I have no idea on the production numbers but it seems production spanned at least four years. Was there any other Model 37 manufactured with a recoil pad?
I believe that the beginner’s Model was the only Model 37 with a factory recoil pad. I don’t think that many were made. I have only seen afew in 40 Plus years of collecting Winchesters. I have found just because a Winchester is rarely found does not make it desirable, or costly. Since no one replied to your post that kinda tells something! I think they are neat guns. With the shorter LOP, red dot safety, and 26 inch modified choke I think it is a pretty neat gun. Maybe some day it will get the respect it deserves!
November 19, 2006
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Bo –
Thanks for the response. It’s interesting to know how rarely encountered these “Beginner’s” are – from the perspective of someone who has had his eye open for them for many years. I know M37’s have a collector’s following. I noted this recent grouping sold pretty well:
That was a very nice group of Red Letters! I’m sure that the 28 gauge took a large percentage of the price! Some guns
take along time to have a demand, and some guns may never have much interest. I can remember when you could buy a 1887, or 1901 lever action shotgun for a song! Also, the Pre 64 Model 94 was a dog which could of been bought for under $250.00 all day long. Now, all three of these fine firarms are desirable, and have a strong market value.
September 21, 2016
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Steve,
I’ve picked up a few 37s through the decades. The first I brought home was a 20 gauge found at a yard sale for $40 (1995ish).
-26” barrel
-modified choke
-13” lop
-red Winchester pad
it wasn’t until years later that I realized it was a less commonly found “beginner” variation.
I had it in my head at one point to collect every sub variation of every chambering… but that hasn’t (yet) happened.
They are reliable, easy pointing shotguns. I lost count of the amount of game I’ve taken with this 37, but needless to say it’s been put to use.
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September 21, 2016
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Although after looking at the advertisement above, it appears the pad was solid.
And after a quick web search, the handful of pics I’ve seen seem to only show solid pads…
Anyone out there have one of these “beginners” with a perforated pad like mine?
It’s also quite possible my pad was swapped.
I got my first new shotgun in 1966. It is the model 37. It’s 16 gauge in choke barrel. It’s like new but I have never been able to find a serial number. Any advice?
April 15, 2005
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Joe,
The Model 37 was not serialized. Winchester ceased production of it in late 1963, almost 5-full years before the Feds made it mandatory for all firearms to be serialized (the GCA or 1968).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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