Winchester Model 37 Red Letter Steelbilt 16 Gauge Single-Shot, 28 Inch Full Choke, 2 3/4 Inch Chamber
This Winchester Model 37 Red Letter Steelbilt stands out for its forged steel construction, distinctive red enamel "WINCHESTER" receiver marking, and classic 16 gauge configuration. It features a 28-inch full-choke barrel, a 2 3/4" chamber, and a bright, clean bore. The top-tang opening lever and exposed hammer spur deliver the familiar Model 37 handling that many shooters appreciate.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Specific Condition Notes: There are handling marks from prior use. Light, beginning surface rust and scattered pitting are visible throughout. Please refer to the photos for a close look at these areas.
What’s Included
- Winchester Model 37 Red Letter Steelbilt 16 Gauge single-shot shotgun
The Red Letter designation is identified by the receiver bottom roll-stamped "WINCHESTER" filled with red enamel, a hallmark collectors associate with early Model 37 production. The Steelbilt marking on the barrel denotes forged steel construction, and the full factory rollmark text is present, including the model, gauge, and choke information from Winchester Repeating Arms Co., New Haven, Connecticut.
Barrel configuration is true to spec: a 28-inch round, tapered steel barrel with a fixed full choke and a 2 3/4" chamber. Sight picture is simple and effective with a brass bead front and no rear sight, as issued.
The action is a break-action, single-shot layout with a top-tang opening lever, an exposed hammer spur, and a single trigger. Capacity is one round. Length of pull measures 14 inches, delivering a traditional fit for a field-style shotgun.
Stocks are walnut with a pistol-grip and straight comb, paired with a matching walnut forend. No serial number is observed on this example (serial number exempt), consistent with the model’s production practices. The clear barrel rollmark includes "MODEL 37 — STEELBILT — 16 GA. — WINCHESTER — TRADE MARK — CHOKE —," aligning it with the Red Letter Steelbilt series from Winchester’s New Haven facility.
Key features include its 2 3/4" chamber and fixed full choke, a bright bore, and the Red Letter receiver marking—all traits that define this specific Model 37 configuration.