Custom Winchester Model 1887 12 GA Lever Action Shotgun, 1894 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,380.55
LSB#: LSB260708WC011
Make: Winchester
Model: 1887
Serial Number: 55390
Year of Manufacture: 1894
Gauge: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Lever Action Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun
Barrel Length: The barrel has been cut to 18 1/8″.
Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the front of the barrel. The top-front of the receiver is grooved for a sighting plane.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a round-bottom pistol grip, checkered steel butt plate and a two piece forearm. The stocks have scattered nicks, dings, scratches and scrapes. There are losses on the forend panels. There is some cracking at edges. The LOP measures 12 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the rear of the butt plate. The plate has mostly worn to white or gone to a light patina with scattered solid erosion and well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Fair-plus condition as refinished Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. There is scattered light erosion and pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 4+ out of 10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 5% of its metal finish. Remaining finish is case color on interior features concealed when the action is closed. Exposed surfaces have mostly worn to white or gone to a patina. There is evenly scattered surface erosion. There are tool marks on the barrel in front of the receiver. There are scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this shotgun rates in Fair condition as Antique.
Mechanics: During our function check we experienced inconsistent extraction and malfunctions of the cartridge stop interrupting feeding. Otherwise, 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 & Accessories: A magazine limiter is installed, allowing only two shells in the magazine.
Our 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.
This example shows its age, having some mechanical issues and with a barrel cut to 18 1/2″. It will still make a neat addition to your Winchester or early repeating shotgun collection, displays well with its “been there, done that” appearance, and would be a worthwhile restoration project. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud