Make: Winchester
Model: 1887
Serial Number: 61386
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1897
Gauge: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Lever Action Shotgun
Barrel Length: 30"
Choke: Fixed Full
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a red fiber-optic in a base threaded to the barrel, the sight is not original to the gun. The rear sight is a shallow groove on the top-front of the receiver.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with two-piece forend panels, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with some more notable dings in the buttstock. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 11 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, likely indicating that the stock has been cut. The wood is slightly shy to the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with scattered surface oxidation and well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition as altered Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates about 5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 10% of its metal finish. The barrel is mostly worn to white with tool marks at the chamber and magazine lug. The magazine tube has some finish remaining along the edges of the forend and in front of the forend. The receiver's case color has mostly muted or gone to a nickel-like appearance typical of Winchester casehardening of this era. There is some good color on portions of the breechblock/lever assembly concealed when the action is closed. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs, scratches and light surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to slightly disfigured with usable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Good-plus condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. 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 firearms inventor, 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 1897, just as the 1897 model was introduced, essentially removing demand for lever-action shotguns in favor of pumps. This example shows honest wear for its age, having had the stock shortened a little and a high-visibility sight installed. It still retains strong mechanics and a bit of original metal finish. This will make a neat addition to the collection of any Winchester or antique firearms collector, or aficionados of the American West. Please see our photos and good luck!
