Model 37 Remington Targetmaster

[marlinman93]

Sitting at our monthly gun show today when a friend out of the blue asks me if I saw the Remington 37 for $600? I've wanted one for decades, and any priced reasonably are usually well worn. So asked where and he points two tables away from mine! I jumped up and ran to the seller and was pleasantly surprised to see a excellent Model 37 sitting there. But really surprised to see it had a like new 15x Lyman Super Targetspot scope on it! I asked to look at it, and the seller told me the accessories on the table went with it. An Al Freeland adjustable buttplate, and two palm rests!
Looked down the bore and it was as minty as the gun. I noticed no magazine and asked where it was. He said none to be found, so that's a minus as they're VERY expensive; like $350-$450 each used! Still I thought the scope was worth his asking price, and the rifle was basically free.
So paid him and we chatted awhile. He told me several guys had offered him much less because of the lost magazine and he declined. I asked if he might even have the single shot adapter that fills the mag well, but he never had one.
Got it home today and a quick search revealed the sad news. Single shot adapters or magazines are all very expensive and about the same price! Then did more searches and found Steve Earle Products makes and sells brand new magazines and adapters! Mags aren't cheap, but still cheaper than used and $275. But his adapters are only $100 and solid CNC milled! So I'm ordering one of his neat little adapters to finish off the Model 37! I may go ahead and take it to the range as is, as I can easily insert ammo into the chamber to shoot it and not need anything until I get the adapter. I'm eager to see how well it groups!

[Streetstar]

Not the same as the '37, but they have a similar profile --- had a 531T "Matchmaster" for a while - it had the spread scope mounting pattern for Unertl or Lyman scopes too, but the peep on it was so good, i never felt the need

Finally after a range trip , a fellow thought he needed my rifle more than he needed a substantial amount of money that was in his pocket so off it went, as it held no sentimental value for me --- but was a true joy to shoot - although ater 10 or so rounds offhand, it did start to feel pretty heavy

[joepb]

I have a 531 T in the safe. Have not had it out in years. They are good shooters.............Joe

[joepb]

I think I have an extra magazine if they are the same. Let me know if interested...........Joe

[joepb]

I would sell the rifle also if anyone is interested.

[marlinman93]

I think I have an extra magazine if they are the same. Let me know if interested...........Joe

I'm told the 37 mags are unique, thus why they're so expensive used. I did find that Steve Earle Products makes brand new mags, and also single shot adapters. Mags at $275 still spendy! But adapters are $104 and very nicely made. I'll probably just order one of those.
http://steveearleproducts.com/assorted things.htm#rem-37-mag

[6pt-sika]

Never had a 37 but have had several not for sale ones in my hands . Bought a 513T with a Lyman 12x Targetspot on top for if memory serves $375 from a friend in PA about 15 years ago , but it’s gone down the road .

[marlinman93]

A friend was looking over my 37 and told me a funny story. He said there was lots of debate between Model 37 and Win. Model 52 owners about which was more accurate. He heard two guys at a smallbore shoot talking and a 52 owner said, "The Winchester 52 will shoot circles around a Model 37!" To which the 37 owner replied, "Yes, it will, because the 37 keeps all their shots in the center!"
I found that pretty funny.

[marlinman93]

I got a New Years present yesterday! The single shot adapter I ordered from Steve Earle products in Maine arrived in the mail! Like everything SEP builds this adapter is nicer than the originals that Remington made! Fit, finish, and function are perfect, and it's solid steel, not stamped sheet metal!



Now I can get to the gun club this week and get the Model 37 on paper to see how it groups!

[JB]

They're probably the best rifle Remington ever produced in my opinion. I had a first year 37 with the barrel band once.

[Rimfire McNutjob]

Does your new 37 have the original trigger or is it wearing an aftermarket upgrade?

[marlinman93]

They're probably the best rifle Remington ever produced in my opinion. I had a first year 37 with the barrel band once.

I was told by a collector of Model 37's that Remington lost money making them for a few years, but continued to offer them to compete with the Win. 52 rifles.

[marlinman93]

Does your new 37 have the original trigger or is it wearing an aftermarket upgrade?

I don't see any signs of it being changed, but not sure what a replacement looks like? This one has a trigger shoe on it, but haven't removed the shoe to see if there's any markings. Also haven't taken the stock off yet to check. I almost always take guns down when I buy them, and figure I will before I shoot it. It does have a very clean break, and guessing about a 2 lb. pull?

[Rimfire McNutjob]

Does your new 37 have the original trigger or is it wearing an aftermarket upgrade?

I don't see any signs of it being changed, but not sure what a replacement looks like? This one has a trigger shoe on it, but haven't removed the shoe to see if there's any markings. Also haven't taken the stock off yet to check. I almost always take guns down when I buy them, and figure I will before I shoot it. It does have a very clean break, and guessing about a 2 lb. pull?

I know Canjar used to make a set trigger for the 37. Not sure if Kenyon ever did anything but Win 52's.

[BobM]

My grandpa had a 37 that he had restocked with a laminate stock. I believe he had one of those long Lyman 20x target scopes. I wish I’d known he was selling it back in the mid nineties

[EdinCT]

I shot one at JR.Rifle club. It was a beauty that cut one hole if I did everything right. My buddy Tom would shoot the clip on my target with his 37 and disqualify mine if it tore off. He thought that was funny. I bought a 541S for my hunting 22 because of the impression the 37 left on me.

[Walt]

I had a 541S for years. It was a great-shooting, beautiful gun and unfortunately one of the guns that wandered away from me.

[marlinman93]

I've had chances to buy other various Remington target bolt action .22's, and heard good reports about many of them. But I just had it stuck in my head that I wanted a Model 37. I did buy a Model 52 from a friend decades ago because he was selling it cheap, and it was a great rifle; just not a 37. So hope this 37 is all I've heard they are, and I'll find out for sure soon once I get to the range. Been ugly steady, heavy rain all week, so waiting for a break to go.