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I had the fun opportunity to pick up an unusual 37 in 12 gauge last week at an auction. It appears to be a Trap Model, or Trap Grade gun. Rather than the typical “Full choke” script typically seen on the 30″ barrel, it says “Choke”.
The kicker- it has a Vent Rib (on a Winchester Steelbilt barrel)! The wood is a far higher grade than what I have seen on the hundreds of Model 37’s that I’ve seen and held over the years. My question to those knowledgeable about the history of the 37, and the special order guns that were available (I have read that different chokes were available on request)- could this be a “factory” vent rib and wood, or is this something that someone has upgraded? I read of a renowned Trap Shooter in the 50’s using a model 37 in Regional and National Trap competitions, but no reference to the type and quality of the Model 37 he used.
I’ve also read that Winchester employees and higher ups also made custom guns at the factory- perhaps this is one of those? Would love to hear from the group…
Photo now attached…
If the rib is factory the proof mark will be offset to the left. And yes Winchester did make employee guns and presentation guns that were not cataloged.
Holy Geeeeezus,
That is one nice Winchester Model 37, with a vent rib and recoil pad.
Excellent figured wood, appears to be a Special Shaped forend, with the wood having a high gloss finish.
Maybe you could figure the approximate mfg date, by the type of recoil pad that’s on it? When that style and mfg was in business and made.
All I know about the Model 37, is that it was my first shotgun I ever bought, paid $15.00 used, 51 years ago.
Winchester, Model 37, Red Letter, Pigtail, 16ga, 28″ barrel, full choke,
And I still hunt with it, during small game season and turkeys.
Took it to a block shoot when I was a kid, won 7 turkeys and 2 hams with it that day.
"I Would Have Rather Lived Through The Industrial Revaluation"
"Instead of The Space Age"
From
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Thanks for the feedback CJS57 and Hokie!
Attached are more photos-
1. There is only one identifying mark on the vent rib, which is an oblong, circular on the ends, slot or cutaway, on the top center of the rib, its 1 3/8″ in from the breech end of the barrel, and its 7/8″ long. Inside are simply round swirl marks. I don’t own any other vent ribbed Winchesters from that period, so I can’t compare the design of this one to one of that period- but I can haul it around to area gun shops and compare them at some point…
2. The “CHOKE” choke designation on the side of the barrel. As stated earlier, its an original Steelbilt Winchester Model 37 barrel, it says so right on the barrel. Personally, I’ve never seen anything other than a FULL choke on all of the 37’s I’ve ever seen. I have read that you could “special order” Modified and Improved, but never a mention of a CHOKE choke.
I acknowledge the strong likelihood that its an aftermarket vent rib, but it is curious that its a factory “CHOKE” barrel, and it has such nice wood-
The recoil pad is a Pachmyr “White Line” padded, brown in color, with both a black (@ 1/4″ thick) and a white (@ 1/8″ thick) spacer plates between the pad and buttstock. The fit and finish is very nice.
Thanks for sharing in my curiosity!
I personally have not seen a ribbed 37. All the ones I have are designated “choke”. That is my understanding to mean full.
44
November 7, 2015
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First pic in post 4 looks like something was removed with a mill. Have you measured the choke?
I agree. Maybe a brand name of another gun or vent rib manufacturer. Looks like it was router-ed out. I have not yet measured the choke.
The fit and finish on everything is so nice. If not factory original, someone spent a lot of time to turn this in to a pretty trap gun. I’ve read of a few guys using them for that, most notably Arnold Reigger, a member of the Trap Shooting Hall of Fame.
I like my 37 “Trap”, it’s a poor man’s BT-99…
November 7, 2015
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I like it too, I think I need a Winchester trap gun to shake things up at the club now and then. See lots of Brownings, Barrettas, Krieghoffs and Perrazzis but can’t recall seeing a Winchester. Next I’d want a 21 for the days I feel like shooting skeet, lol.
That’s funny you mention the Model 21. I have the “Poor Man’s” version of that gun, too, a Model 22 by Winchester (see my other topic on that gun). Albeit very rare, not a 21.
If you’re noticing a re-occurring theme in my posts (the poor man reference)- you’re not mistaken!!
Take care!
November 7, 2015
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Yes, was enjoying the 22 thread as well. I’m pretty sure a 21 or even a 37 is a bit out of reach for me right now but research and enjoying other members’ guns is fun.
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