Chiappa Firearms 1887 Like Winchester 12 GA Lever Action Shotgun, MFD 2019

Sold for $2168.67

Make: Chiappa

Model: 1887 (Modeled After Winchester 1887)

Serial Number: 19E01042

Year of Manufacture: 2019

Gauge: 12 Gauge, 2 3/4” Shells

Action Type: Lever Action Shotgun

Markings:

Barrel, top is marked “CHIAPPA FIREARMS, LTD, DAYTON, OHIO”, “Chiappa Firearms ITALY” (the upper part of the “F” in “Firearms” is poorly struck), and “12Ga. 2 3/4” – 12/70”, Receiver, left side is marked with two Italian proof marks. The bottom of the receiver, forward of the lever assembly, is marked with the serial number, “19E1042”. The upper grip tang is marked “Model 1887”. The buttplate features the Chiappa Firearms logo.

Barrel Length: 22?

Choke: This example features threaded chokes; Improved Modified is currently installed. Additional chokes are included, please see the Box, Paperwork and Accessories section for more information.

Sights/Optics: There is a brass bead screwed into the front of the barrel and the top of the receiver is grooved.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are smooth wood with a round-bottom pistol grip, smooth steel butt plate and a two piece forearm. There are very minor nicks dotted along the forearm plates and light nicks and draglines are scattered throughout the buttstock. The LOP measures 13 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate is free of any notable wear or damage. Overall, the stocks are in Fine-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and there is no erosion.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains 96% of its original finish. Minor nicks dot the upper edges of the receiver walls. Case Color has worn away a bit on the surfaces of the lever. There are a few minor scuffs on the magazine tube. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are nearly all clear, but as noted above, the upper part of the “F” in “Firearms” is poorly struck. Overall, this shotgun is in Fine-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This Model 1887 includes its serial-matching box, assorted factory paperwork, two sling studs, a choke key and two additional choke tubes, Cylinder and Improved Cylinder.

Our Assessment: The Model 1887 was one of the first successful repeating shotguns—ever. 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 at the time that the company was known as a “lever-action firearm company”. They 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.

Like many Browning designs, the 1887 has persisted and is still extremely popular. So much so that companies such as Chiappa Firearms of Dayton Ohio contract with Italian gun makers to fashion reproductions such as the one on offer here for import to the US. Myriad Italian companies have a slavish love and affection for the Old West and it shows in their work. This Model 1887 is very modern piece that hues closely to the original, save for the buttplate which features the Chiappa logo and is CAse Colored like the lever, receiver, and so on. Good luck and happy bidding!