ANTIQUE Winchester Model 1887 12 Gauge 30" 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 still strong and the markings are all still clearly visible. The barrel has had about 1/4" cut off, but this otherwise a neat old Winchester.
Make: Winchester
Model: 1887
Serial Number: 42625
Year of Manufacture: 1892
Caliber: 12 GA
Action Type: Lever Action Tubular Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to 29 3/4".
Choke: The choke now measures Improved Cylinder, it was likely originally Full
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead at the muzzle. The rear sight is groove in the chamber ring of the receiver.
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 is a thin crack at the front of the left forend panel. The buttstock is generally shy to the metal. 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 as ANTIQUE.
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 a 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 20% of its metal finish. There is even wear and patina with most finish in protected areas or around raised features. There are scattered nicks, scratches and scrapes. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong 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
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