Make: Winchester
Model: 1887
Serial Number: 41934
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1892
Gauge: 12 Gauge
Action Type: Lever Action Shotgun
Barrel Length: 32"
Choke: Fixed Full
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the muzzle. 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 several scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with some more notable dings in the right of the wrist. There is a loss at the toe. The LOP measures 12 7/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with some finish in the checkering cuts, some surface oxidation and well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Good-plus condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Most remaining finish is Original, the barrel and magazine show treatment with cold blue. The lifter-stop screw has been replaced.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 5/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 15% of its metal finish. The barrel and magazine retain finish only in protected areas. Exposed portions of the receiver have mostly muted or gone to a nickel-like appearance, typical of Winchester case hardening of this era. There is a little case color visible in protected areas, mostly covered when the action is closed. There is some scattered surface erosion, mostly on the barrel. There are some scattered nicks and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good 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 1892, just before the pump-action 1893 would be introduced, itself to eventually become the 1897 and essentially remove demand for lever-action shotguns in favor of pumps. This example shows honest wear for its age. 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!
