OT - Winchester 37 shotgun

[rjohns94]

Need your opinions on the Winchester 37. What should I look for. Found some nice ones with clean wood and bluing. I am hoping to get some good feedback. Did they have a hamerless and hammered version? I think they were offered in 5 calibers, .410, 20, 16, 12, and ???

[C. Cash]

All Mod. 37's were "Semi-Hammerless"....the hammer does not strike the firing pin itself but just operates to pull back the internal mainspring/firing pin, which is what strikes the primer. They are solid, full choked guns and great for turkey or rabbits. They have some class to them that other singles do not in my opinion and feel wonderful in the hand. They were made from 1937-63....over a million produced. The "Red Letter" versions bring more...having a redlettered "Winchester" on the bottom of the receiver. The rarer gauges also bring more money. The followup Winchester single shot, the Canadian made Mod. 37A was brought out in the 70's and is a different gun...worth a good bit less but a solid gun. The fore end/barrel attachement thing on the Mod. 37 is kind of a nightmare until you figure it out, but I can do it blind folded now. I treasure mine as it was my Grandfather's gun

[Old Savage]

C Cash is well armed right there.

[Lefty Dude]

They also had a 37Y model in 20 ga. which was a youth model. Stock was shorter. Both my Son's learned to shoot SG, with the 37Y.

[gamekeeper]

I had one in 20GA and it would kill crows at a measured 50 yds. It sold me on 20 gauge guns.
I lost it once under a snow drift when it bounced out of the back of my Land Rover, the local preacher found it with his metal detector. Tough well made guns!

[C. Cash]

Thanks OS. I would add that they were offered in all the standard Gauges.....with 28 Gauge being the most rare and valuable. In my old 1992 Gun Traders guide it lists the 28 Gauge at over 600 dollars in pristine form. I don't know what current Mod. 37's are going for, but if you really wanted one you could be picky/patient and get a good one for 300 bucks or less in the other gauges.

[Comal Forge]

I had a 12 ga my dad bought in Karnes City in the 50's for $5 and I sold it about 15 years ago for $75. It was death on your shoulder but killed equally well on the other end. My uncle shot a few bear and mountain lion with it in the 60's before he moved away from their ranch in New Mexico.

[buckeyeshooter]

I inherited a 12ga. with a 36" full choke barrel. I do not believe it has ever been shot. What would it be worth?

[rjohns94]

depends on condition, at 98% in 12 ga with goose barrel, $350 or so.

[C. Cash]

I inherited a 12ga. with a 36" full choke barrel. I do not believe it has ever been shot. What would it be worth?

Well I disagree with Mike....since you inherited it, it PRICELESS!

[rjohns94]

C. Cash, I stand corrected sir, you are correct!

[OD*]

Very nice, Chris!

[buckeyeshooter]

actually, my father collection was quite large. This particlar gun does not have sentimental value. The remington 22 pump that his dad bought in 1917 that my dad, my self and my brother all learned to shoot on. That one is priceless! thanks guys!