Winchester model 37 history

gunandknifeman

I am relatively new to this and am trying to obtain all the information on the Winchester model 37s that I can as I have started to collect them. Thanks to this forum and knowledegable people like Bert H,
Only Winchesters and other nice members, I have learned a lot.
As I understand it the model 37 red letters were made from 1936 to 1948 in 12,16,20,28 qnd 410 guages. The model 37s made after 1948 did not include the 28 guage. My question is where does the model
370 and 37A fit in? Any info concerning dates manufactured, Guages,
and quanity manufactured would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Terry[:)]

Bert H.

Hello Terry,

The Model 37 was discontinued in 1963, and was always manufactured at Winchester's New Haven, Conn factory. The Model 370 was a slightly modified continuation of the Model 37, but it was manufactured in Cobourg, Ontario Canada, and is often referred to as a "Cooey" built gun. Production was short lived (I do not remember the exact dates, but I will look it up later this evening for you). The Model 37A was the next evolution of the Model 370, and it too was manufactured in Canada. Producion ceased in the mid 1970s. Both the Model 370 and 37A were manufactured in 12, 16, 20 gauges, and .410 bore (I can not remember if 28 gauge guns were available or not, but will look that up as well).

gunandknifeman

Bert,

Thanks again Bert. I appreciate the information and look forward to
the additional info you are checking on.

Terry

hedgehopper62

hello
I collect the 37's also i have a 28 ga. in the 37A ser. no C1063XXX it was made 1973 to 1980 the 370 was made 1968 to 1973.the hammer is smaller on the red letter and steelbuilts and is below the top lever to open the gun. i have all the models and gages except the 20 ga in the steelbuilt.tks hedge

gunandknifeman

Hedge,
Thanks for the info. You are where I want to be, I have just started
collecting these awesome guns.
So they did make the 370 and 37a in the 28 gauge?
Thanks
Terry

only winchesters

Hello gunandknifeman: Simple answer, yes the Models 37A & 370 both came in 28ga.

To be honest, I'd concentrate on the Md 37, many "rare" versions that can still be picked up reasonably. All except the 28ga. Saw one NIB sell for $4300. Not a bad $29. investment back in 1946.

Regards Dave

bigcountry_75214

Do ya'll think that the 370 and 37A were of the same quality as the 37? Better or worse quality?[?]

select-fire

I think they all will become more valueable . I only own one. A 37A 12 gauge with a 36" full. That gun is a hoot to shoot.

Bert H.

OK, I finally got around to digging out my reference document;

The Model 370 was introduced in 1968, and discontinued in 1973 with a total of 221,578 manufactured in gauges 12, 16, 20, 28, and .410 bore. All guns were made with a Full choke except for the Youth Model 20 gauge which was available with an Improved Modified choke.
12 Gauge, 30-, 32-, or 36-inch barrel, 3-inch chamber
16 Gauge, 30-, or 32-inch barrel, 2-3/4-inch chamber
20 Gauge, 28-inch barrel (26-inch for the Youth Model), 3-inch chamber
28 Gauge, 28-inch barrel, 2-3/4-inch chamber
.410 Bore, 26-inch barrel, 3-inch chamber

The Youth Model was made in both 20 gauge and .410 bore, and will have a rubber recoil pad instead of the standard black non-skid butt plate.

The Model 37A was introduced in 1973 as a replacement for the Model 370, and was discontinued in 1980 with a total production numbering 395,168. It was nothing more than a jazzed up Model 370, and included a roll-engraved receiver, a gold-plated trigger, a new checkering pattern on the pistol grip and the bottom of the forearm, and white spacers between the pistol grip cap and butt plate. All other specifications were identical to the Model 370.

Hopefully, that will help to answer your questions

gunandknifeman

As always, thanks for all the information. I just noticed that gunbroker has a model 37 red letter 28 gauga for sale at 3900.00.
You are so right, wish I had been around to buy a few of those
at the 1936 price.
Thanks again,
Terry

only winchesters

Good morning Terry: Yes I saw that Md 37 28ga too! way over priced since it doesn't have the box or any paperwork. From what I've seen guns w/o box and paperwork are selling between $800-$2000 depending on condition.

The problem with Winchesters in 28ga. (Models 12, 21, 37) they made so darn few of them it's really a sellers market. But for $4000 I'd be buying a Md 12 28ga, or any Md 21! Definately a better investment.

Regards Dave