Cleaning Up Grandad's SHotgun

[FFMedic]

Just today while I was helping my Grandma out with some repair work she asked if I would like "some old gun" of my grandpas that had been in the basement. Being the only gunny in the family and of course not wanting to fathom what could happen to my late grandfathers gun if I did not take it in, I of course said yes.

So under a bunch of "junk" in the basement I found a Winchester Model 37 "Steelbilt" in 16 GA. It has lots or dime or smaller sized spots of surface rust and the wood was dark and dusty. I checked the chamber, empty. No dents but the bore has plenty of crud in it. The cocking lever and trigger worked fine too.

So now I'm at home with it. I have taken it appart and the metal is currently bathing in CLP. I'm thinking a little denatured alcohol and Murphys oil soap on the wood, then just rub in some gun oil to protect it. Steel wool and lots of elbow greese for the metal followed by CLP collector to keep it nice.

I don't plan to shoot it, but if all goes well I will be buying my first house in a few weeks, a log cabin actually, and Grandpa's old shotgun will be front and center above the mantle.

I know it's a "cheep" gun and quite old. I think it even has a 3 digit SN. It just might be my favorite gun though even if I never fire a shot through it.

Does anyone have any tips for a major shotgun cleaning/restoration or and advice they think I should hear? I'm all ears.

Thanks,
FFMedic

 

[Speedo66]

I think that model is one of the best singles around, all steel receiver and barrel.

Google it, I believe someone won a national shooting championship with one.

Look on Gunbroker, good ones are not cheap.

You've got a nice gun in addition to a keepsake.

 

[jpatterson]

Pictures?

 

[machinisttx]

I know it's a "cheep" gun and quite old

I wouldn't bet on that. Old Winchesters, even the "cheap" ones, are often worth more that would be expected.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Arnold Reiger was the guy who shot his way into the Trap Hall Of Fame with a 37 Winchester.

The 37 was made with a steel, not iron frame. Old ones are snapped up by the card shooters and used as the base for custom guns.

The last 37 I saw for sale was not in perfect shape and listed for $300.

Clean it up, shoot it and think of your Grandfather.....

 

[FFMedic]

I spent a good while cleaning it today, still have to do a bit more. Didn't even get to the bore and I need to pick up more CLP and a 16 GA brush.

What I thought was the SN was actually the chamber length, so it has no SN at all. The markings on the gun indicate it is "patent pending" so it must be even older than I thought.

The large "winchester" stamp appears to have had red enamel paint in the letters a while back. There is also a very small "47" on the barrel. I noticed a small metal circle with some tiny letters and numbers on the bottem on the grip part of the stock as well, not sure what it is.

Pics will have to wait a few days. I'm on duty tommorow and will be building a deck for my brother over the weekend then I'm back on duty Monday as well.

FFMedic

 

[Speedo66]

The red enamel models are collectables, value just went up.

Google that gun, there are many threads and information on how to approx. date them.