Make: Winchester

Model: 1887

Serial Number: 40267

Year of Manufacture: 1892

Gauge: 12 Gauge

Action Type: Lever Action Tubular Magazine Fed Shotgun

Barrel Length: 30"

Choke: Modified, 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, scuffs and scratches with a few more notable dings. There is a tiny loss at the heel. 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 spots of solid erosion and one notable ding in otherwise well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-plus condition as refinished Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. There is scattered light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6-7/10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. Areas around the forend show handling wear and have mostly gone to a light patina. The receiver and lever retain generally good case color with a little muting and handling wear in the tangs and loop. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches and spots of surface oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in Very Good-Fine condition as Antique.

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 & Accessories: None.

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. The action on this shotgun is exceptional and the markings are all still clearly visible, retaining the majority of its original finish. This will make a great addition to your Winchester or early repeating shotgun collection. Please see our photos and good luck!