fnb25, the "superior Winchester single shot" is the Model 20, except that they never made it in any guage but .410. A killing-guaged Mod. 20 would have been a real nice single.
I like the 37; have had one since early 1950s. But you're right, it isn't much of a design although the technology for making the steel reciever was apparently something new for Winchester and the gun world (widely used since, I think, mainly for "rat-tat-tats" of various breeds). I see .410 Model 37s like mine for sale for laughable amounts; even 16s like my other one go for "collector" prices. What fun to...watch!
One thing that strikes me after all my experience with cheap shotguns (mainly what I could afford--my expensive ones are all gifts or inheritance) is how crucial the dang WOOD parts are. Doesn't matter much what wood it is, but the dimensions of the parts your body "interfaces" with, and their angle to the metal parts are the most important factors in whether the gun will actually kill stuff in YOUR hands. Cheapo guns with reliable, clunky actions and a stock that fits, even a "Tenite" or "pallet grade" stock, will kill and kill and kill. All the "technology" and marketing whiz goes into the metal, but it usually isn't what really matters.
Hang Purdey or Parker metal from two ill-shaped pieces of scrumptious English walnut and you have an expensive decoration. Someone will be impressed, but not the ultimate judge, your dog. Dogs don't mind Mossberg or Remo boltguns or 24s or BSEs, as long as they fill the mouth with feathers and blood. There are other kinds of judges (luckily many on this forum) but for me, the bird dog is the "Supreme Court" on shotguns! When you see one in the field grinnin' with his mouth full, your gun is OK too.
