Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.

Model: 1887

Serial Number: 34987

Year of Manufacture: 1891 / Antique

Caliber: 12 Gauge, Black Powder

Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Shotgun

Barrel Length: 19 1/4" Chopped

Choke: Cylinder Bore, Fixed

Sights / Optics: The receiver has a shallow groove and a brass bead front sight. The sight is not original to the gun.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are walnut with a two-piece forend and one-piece buttstock with pistol grip and checkered steel buttplate. There is a "saddle ring" on the left side of the receiver that has been added after factory. There is a crack in the top of the wrist at the rear left end of the upper tang. There are some scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is some light paint splatter on the buttstock. The LOP measures 12 5/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has moderate wear and erosion. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color

Finish Originality: Most remaining finish is Original, some worn areas on the barrel show treatment with cold blue.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray. There is scattered erosion and pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 5% of its metal finish. There is infrequent finish in protected areas or around raised features. Most surfaces have muted or gone to a light patina. There are some areas that show treatment with cold blue. There is some scattered light surface erosion and oxidation. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with usable slots. Receiver markings are clear, there are no legible markings on the barrel. Overall, this shotgun is in Good condition as custom Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired 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 Winchester Model 1887 was the first truly successful repeating shotgun. Its unique lever-action design was chosen by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, and designed by the legendary designer, John Moses Browning to complement their popular lever-action rifles. The whole firearm itself is a remarkable engineering accomplishment. Originally chambered in 12 gauge only, 10 gauge was added in 1889. This 12 gauge example was produced in 1891, shortly after the 10 gauge was introduced. The bore shows use with black powder, but it functions beautifully and is a nice artifact of the American West. This will make a fine addition to the collection of any Winchester or fine antique firearms collector, or aficionados of the American West.