This Winchester Model 1887 lever action 12 gauge shotgun is a first year production made in 1887. This model has a 30 inch barrel with a 5+1 round capacity.

This shotgun is in good condition. The wood of the side hand guards and butt stock shows only minor wear with a few small dings/scratches. The finish has darkened a bit more on the butt. There is a crack on the bottom left grip at the wrist and smaller hairline crack left side at the receiver. Other than that there are no other cracks, splits or chips. The butt stock does have some play at the tangs and will wiggle slightly. The butt plate is missing one screw and the other screw has stripped out. This can be addressed with some wood fill and re-screwing of the butt plate.

The finish of the metal is about 20-25% overall. There is no visible rust on the barrel or receiver. There are a few minor spots of rust staining. The barrel appears to have been tapped for a rear sight mount but there is no mount present. The front sight bead has broken off. The smooth bore shows rust, fouling, and pitting common for a black powder firearm.

The receiver shows some staining and grime in the chamber. The lever and action function mechanically as they should. Of note is a thin side bar has been added to the left side of the receiver. It appears this was done in order to support the lifter. Best guess is this was done by an experienced gunsmith long ago as it blends in to the receiver seamlessly.

This shotgun was tested for mechanical function and performed as expected. This shotgun has NOT been test fired by us. This shotgun was designed to use black powder 2 5/8” shells which would be considered under powered by contemporary standards.

DISCLAIMER ON SHOOTING
This shotgun is classified as antique. While it functions mechanically as it should it has NOT been test fired by us. This shotgun was built to use black powder 2 5/8” 12 gauge shells. The use of contemporary 2 ½” or 2 ¾” 12 gauge shells could result in catastrophic failure of the firearm as well as injury or death to the shooter. A consultation with a reputable gunsmith is advised before trying to shoot this shotgun. Extreme caution should always be taken with any antique firearm.

1153 (SN#) – bottom front receiver
W R A (Winchester Repeating Arms) Logo – left side receiver
MANUFACTURED BY THE
WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.
> NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A <
PAT. FEB. 16. & JULY 20. 1886. – bottom receiver tang