Winchester Model 37

Winchester Model 37 shotgun

Type Shotgun
Place of origin  United States
Service history
Used by US National Guard
Production history
Designer Winchester
Designed Circa
Manufacturer Winchester Repeating Arms Company
Produced 1936–1963
Number built 1,015,554
Variants Model 37, Model 37A
Specifications
Weight 6 lbs. (2.7 kg)
Length Various
Barrel length Various

Caliber 12-gauge, 16-gauge, 20-gauge, 28-gauge, and 410-gauge
Action Break-action
Feed system Single Round
Sights Front Bead

Contents

Overview

The Winchester Model 37 (M37) Single Shot Shotgun is an American firearm. It was in production from 1936-1963 with 1,015,554 units made. This model was developed by Winchester with a standard visible hammer action for many years. The Winchester Model 37 uses a top-cocking lever, breakdown type of action with an automatic shell ejector. The first M37 shotguns were delivered on February 10th, 1936 according to factory records. Notably M37 shotguns were not serial numbered.

Technical Specifications

The M37 came in two styles, Standard and Boy's Model (introduced 1958). Modified choke or cylinder bore was furnished at no extra charge on special order only. The M37 was chambered in the following gauges and shells respectively: 12, 16, 20, 28, and 410 using 2 3/4", 2 3/4", 2 3/4", 2 7/8", 3" shells. The M37 unit weight was between 5 3/4 to 6 lbs, the fluctuation was dependent on the chambered gauge.

History

During World War II, the National Guard soldier used Winchester Model 37 12 gauge shotguns.

Production

Production changes included the folded sheet metal "pigtail" omission in the second year of production to a solid steel construction. The 410 gauge production started in the second year (1937). Early Winchester models referred to as "Red Letter" shotguns were stamped with the Winchester name and filled with red custom enamel paint until 1948. Unfortunately, M37's were manufactured without date stamps or serial numbers. There are no factory records for the yearly number of shotguns produced from 1936-1963 the entire production run.

Sources: The History of Winchester Firearms 1866-1992 By Thomas Henshaw