Winchester Model 37

Winchester Repeating Arms Company · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1936

Also known as: Model 37 Single Shot, Winchester 37

Overview

The Winchester Model 37 is a single-barrel, break-action (top-lever) shotgun offered in 12, 16, 20, 28 and .410 gauges. A simple, affordable single-shot designed as an entry-level field and utility gun, it uses an external semi-hammerless hammer and an automatic ejector that flips the spent shell clear when the action is broken open. Over a million were produced before it was replaced by the Model 37A.

Specifications

Weight (empty)	2722 g (96.0 oz)
Overall Length	1130 mm (44.49")
Barrel Length	711 mm (27.99")
Action Type	Break Action
Firing Mechanism	Hammer Fired
Trigger Type	Single Stage
Magazine Capacity	1 rounds
Muzzle Velocity	400 m/s (1312 fps)
Effective Range	40 m (44 yd)
Barrel Rifling	None
Frame Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Steel
Stock Material	Wood
Finish	Blued

Calibers

12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12ga, 12 Bore
16 Gauge — also known as 16 ga, 16 bore, 16/70
20 Gauge — also known as 20GA, 20 Bore
.410 Bore — also known as .410 Gauge, .410 Shotshell, 36 gauge

Features

Firing modes: Manual
Feed systems: Single Shot
Safety mechanisms: Automatic Ejector Block
Features: Break Action, Top Lever, Single Barrel, Exposed Hammer, Semi Hammerless, Automatic Ejector

Variants

Winchester Model 37A — Improved

Production

Estimated total produced: 1,015,554 · Production years: 1936-1963

Over one million produced across all gauges before the Model 37A succeeded it

Origin

Country of origin: United States

Discontinued: 1963

Notes

The earliest examples are nicknamed 'red letter' guns for the red-painted 'WINCHESTER' rollmark. It was succeeded by the Model 37A in 1973.

Background

The Model 37 was a Depression-era budget single-shot that became one of the most-produced break-action shotguns ever made, putting an inexpensive Winchester into the hands of countless first-time and farm shooters.