Winchester 1887 12GA 30” Lever Action Shotgun, Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,505
WOA #: WY240311WOA019
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Model: 1887
Serial Number: 42625
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1887-1920
Caliber: 12 Gauge
Capacity: 5+2
Action Type: Lever Action, Tubular Magazine Shotgun
Markings: The serial number “42625” is marked on the underside of the receiver; the lower tang is stamped, “MANUFACTURED BY THE / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / -NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.- / PAT. FEB. 16, & JULY 20, 1886.” The “WRA” monogram logo is engraved on the left side of the receiver. The number “12” is marked over the chamber.
Barrel Length: 30″
Choke: Improved Cylinder, Fixed
Sights / Optics: The receiver has a shallow groove and the front sight is a brass bead screwed to the front of the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are walnut with a two-piece forend and one-piece buttstock with pistol grip and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have some scattered light nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. The LOP measures 13″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The metal buttplate has well defined checkering. There are few moving and storage marks that show most prominently by the grip. Overall, the stocks are in Good-Very Good condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray. There is light erosion and pitting scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: The action shows some operational wear. The original winchester blue show on the majority of the barrel and the rest of the shotgun has a pleasing patina. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, the lever moves smoothly, and the trigger trips the hammer. We have not test-fired this gun. 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 is renowned for being the first truly successful repeating shotgun ever made. 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. This model has become an iconic favorite from the Big Screen, VideoGames, to competition shooting events since its conception, and for good reason – it’s absolutely gorgeous and powerful.
For this reason you might remember Arnold Schwartzenegger flipping this shotgun while on the back of a motorcycle blasting away in Terminator 2. Or perhaps, you’ll remember this shotgun as the one and only over-the-top overpowered akimbo shotgun from Modern Warfare 2, arguably the most fun and most unbalanced gun in all of videogame history. Every arsenal needs at least one 1887 shotgun for its extremely satisfying lever action and rich history. This has been replicated by Norinco and other lesser arms companies. The Winchester obviously out works all imitations by far. This will make a nice addition to the collection of any Winchester collector of fine antique firearms, or aficionados of the American West. Please see our photos and enjoy the
auction.-K.F.
