Hi everyone!
I recently acquired an old Winchester Model 370 in 16 Gauge and I'd like to know more about the build quality from the Winchester aficionados.
From what limited research I could source, the Model 370 was made in the old Cooey factory in Ontario after the Winchester takeover in 1967. It was introduced after the legendary "steelbuilt" Model 37 single shot was discontinued and production stopped in 1973 after Winchester replaced it with the Model 37-A single shot.
I've also read that Winchester Proof Steel (Chrome Moly) was actually much stronger than the carbon steel found in modern firearms made by Winchester's competitors, this is supposedly the reason why old Winchester Model 12 pump guns and M37 single shots are still being used after 70+ years of hard shooting.
Apparently, Winchester was the only US manufacturer to proof their steel at 150%, as opposed to 120-130% for Remington, Mossberg, Savage, Browning, etc.
I really like how this gun carries in the hand and it shoots Federal 2 3/4" #1 buckshot and slugs really well. I might even use it over my bait pile this Spring for black bear.
These old single shot guns used to be everywhere here in rural Eastern Canada before every man and his dog jumped on the pump action and semi-auto bandwagon. These were used for everything from putting grouse and rabbits in the cook pot to taking care of problem black bears and wolves around the cottage door.
I'd like to know more about the build quality of these old workhorses. Methinks I have a shotgun here that will outlive me on a good day! Now I just have to get a metal forend spacer and replace the plastic one which is known for breaking in cold weather.
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I recently acquired an old Winchester Model 370 in 16 Gauge and I'd like to know more about the build quality from the Winchester aficionados.
From what limited research I could source, the Model 370 was made in the old Cooey factory in Ontario after the Winchester takeover in 1967. It was introduced after the legendary "steelbuilt" Model 37 single shot was discontinued and production stopped in 1973 after Winchester replaced it with the Model 37-A single shot.
I've also read that Winchester Proof Steel (Chrome Moly) was actually much stronger than the carbon steel found in modern firearms made by Winchester's competitors, this is supposedly the reason why old Winchester Model 12 pump guns and M37 single shots are still being used after 70+ years of hard shooting.
Apparently, Winchester was the only US manufacturer to proof their steel at 150%, as opposed to 120-130% for Remington, Mossberg, Savage, Browning, etc.
I really like how this gun carries in the hand and it shoots Federal 2 3/4" #1 buckshot and slugs really well. I might even use it over my bait pile this Spring for black bear.
These old single shot guns used to be everywhere here in rural Eastern Canada before every man and his dog jumped on the pump action and semi-auto bandwagon. These were used for everything from putting grouse and rabbits in the cook pot to taking care of problem black bears and wolves around the cottage door.
I'd like to know more about the build quality of these old workhorses. Methinks I have a shotgun here that will outlive me on a good day! Now I just have to get a metal forend spacer and replace the plastic one which is known for breaking in cold weather.
