The Winchester Model 370 (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 370 uses a top-cocking lever, breakdown type of action with an automatic shell ejector. The first M37 shotguns were delivered on February 10, 1936 according to factory records. Notably M370 shotguns were not serial numbered.
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.
This shotgun is indeed a Red Letter model as Winchester is marked on the bottom, so it was made before 1948 and it is most likely a "Full Choke" model.
Last edited by Bugger; 02/24/21.
I prefer classic. Semper Fi I used to run with the hare. Now I'm envious of the tortoise and I do my own stunts but rarely intentionally
Deep in one of my Winchester books I just found this reference to the choke options on Model 37's: "In sales from 1936 to 1943 (of Model 37's!), 87% of all guns had FULL chokes, 11% had MODIFIED chokes and 2% were CYLINDER BORE or IMPROVED CYLINDER chokes". From "The Winchester Handbook - pages 254 and 255.
Had one in 12 ga like the man said they feel good to shoulder . Won a lot for money at local shoots but just like many others in the last 45 years she's gone
More Model 37s were manufactured by Winchester than any other shotgun model. They are solid value.
I still have my Model 37 .410 with 28" bbl. bought for $23.50 at a hardware store in Santa Rosa CA in 1951 when I was nine. No ID, no adult, no hassle, just cash money and 1% sales tax. Normal for those days--every rural family had a .410.
Shells cost six bits plus tax for a box of 3" red paper Winchester #7 1/2s.
Was Mike Armstrong. Got logged off; couldn't log back on. RE-registered my old call sign, Mesa. FNG. Again. Mike Armstrong
