ANTIQUE Winchester Model 1887 12 Gauge 32" Lever Action ShotgunOur Assessment: The Model 1887 was one of the first successful repeating shotguns. Its lever-action design was chosen at the behest of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, best known at the time as manufacturers of lever-action rifles such as the Winchester Model 1873. Designer John Browning suggested that a pump-action would be much more appropriate for a repeating shotgun, but Winchester management's position was that, at the time, the company was known as a "lever-action firearm company", and felt that their new shotgun must also be a lever-action for reasons of brand recognition. Browning responded by designing a breech-loading, rolling block lever-action. The action on this shotgun is exceptional and the markings are all still clearly visible. You'll want to replace the front bead, but this otherwise a neat old Winchester.
Make: Winchester
Model: 1887
Serial Number: 12239
Year of Manufacture: 1888
Caliber: 12 GA
Action Type: Lever Action Tubular Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 32"
Choke: Full
Sights / Optics: The front bead is missing, there is white residue around the hole for the bead. There is an after-market metal mid-bead installed. There is a groove in the chamber ring which serves as a rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are three-piece smooth walnut with two forend panels, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has scattered wear and oxidation. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 5 or 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 10% of its metal finish. There are scratches, scrapes, finish loss and some other marks that have taken on a patina. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Very Good condition as ANTIQUE.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
CA LEGALITY: CA Classified ANTIQUE: YES
SHOTGUNS