Winchester · Shotgun
Winchester Model 37
Break action · 12 Gauge · introduced 1936
Also known as Model 37 Single Shot, Winchester 37
About the Winchester Model 37
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.
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.
Winchester Model 37 specifications
General
- Type
- Shotgun
- Action
- Break action
- Firing mechanism
- Hammer-fired
- Trigger
- Single stage
- Calibres
- 12 Gauge, .410 Bore, 16 Gauge, 20 Gauge
- Magazine capacity
- 1 rounds
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 711 mm (28.0 in)
- Overall length
- 1130 mm (44.5 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 2.72 kg (6.00 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling
- None
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Steel
- Stock
- Wood
- Finish
- blued
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 400 m/s (1312 fps)
- Effective range
- 40 m
History
- Introduced
- 1936
- Discontinued
- 1963
- Production status
- Discontinued
- Country of origin
- US
Available calibres
Features
- Break action
- Top lever
- Single barrel
- Exposed hammer
- Semi hammerless
- Automatic ejector
Safety
- Automatic ejector block
The earliest examples are nicknamed 'red letter' guns for the red-painted 'WINCHESTER' rollmark. It was succeeded by the Model 37A in 1973.
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