Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent late production example of the iconic Winchester Model 1887 lever action shotgun, designed by John M. Browning and chambered in 12 gauge. Serial number 62883 places it very near the end of Model 1887 production, and this example is fitted with a desirable 32" barrel, crisp Winchester markings, original brass bead front sight, handsome walnut stocks, and an exceptionally fine bore. The shotgun has been professionally refinished in blue at some point in the past, but the markings remain sharp and the overall presentation is excellent.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The Winchester Model 1887 was one of John M. Browning's most distinctive early repeating shotgun designs. Winchester wanted a repeating shotgun that would capitalize on the company's enormous reputation for lever action firearms, and Browning responded with a massive lever operated rolling block action capable of handling repeating shotgun cartridges. Production began in 1887, and the Model 1887 became one of the earliest commercially successful repeating shotguns.

The Model 1887 was offered in both 10 and 12 gauge and was designed for the black powder shotgun ammunition of its era. The later development of practical slide action shotguns, including Winchester's own Model 1893 and subsequently the highly successful Model 1897, gradually reduced demand for the older lever action design. Production of the Model 1887 nevertheless continued through the end of the 1890s, with a total production of approximately 64,855 guns. The basic action later returned in modified form as the Model 1901.

This example is chambered in the smaller 12 gauge configuration and has a clear:

12

marking over the chamber.

The barrel measures 32". Winchester Collector research indicates that both 30" and 32" rolled steel barrels were standard Model 1887 configurations, as well as the shorter 20" configuration. The original brass bead front sight remains present, while the rear sighting reference is the simple notch formed at the top of the receiver, appropriate to the design.

The front underside of the receiver is serial numbered:

62883

This places the shotgun among the very late Model 1887 production range. Winchester Collector records show that Model 1887 production ended at serial number 64855, with the succeeding Model 1901 beginning at serial number 64856. This makes serial number 62883 a particularly late surviving Model 1887.

The left side of the receiver retains the characteristic overlapping:

W R A Co

monogram found on Model 1887 shotguns.

The lower tang is clearly marked:

MANUFACTURED BY THE
WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.
— NEW HAVEN. CONN. U. S. A. —
PAT. FEB. 16 & JULY 20. 1886.

These markings remain crisp and easily legible, a particularly appealing feature given the later refinishing.

The metalwork is in excellent present condition but appears to have been completely refinished in blue after the original finish had worn away. As originally manufactured, Model 1887 receiver frames and levers were case color finished, while the barrel and magazine tube were blued. On this example, the receiver and related parts are now uniformly blued, confirming that the present finish is not the original factory treatment. Winchester specialists specifically note that the Model 1887 receiver frame and lever were originally case colored rather than blued.

The refinishing was evidently performed with care. The factory markings remain sharp, suggesting that the metal was not aggressively polished before the blue was applied. Some evidence of earlier wear and very light oxidation can still be seen beneath the present finish, but we do not see signs of major past rusting or serious metal loss.

The original walnut stocks are in excellent condition and display the classic red brown coloration of aged, oiled Winchester walnut. The butt stock remains very attractive, with its shaped pistol grip and factory checkered steel butt plate. There are scattered scratches, dents, and storage marks, but nothing out of character for a shotgun of this age.

The fore stock is likewise in excellent condition, showing relatively little wear and no cracking or other major damage observed.

The action is fully functional during manual inspection and cycles smoothly, with a crisp dry fire. These observations describe only its current mechanical condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the shotgun is safe to fire.

The bore is in excellent, near mint condition, with no obvious evidence of significant use visible during examination. This unusually fine interior condition is one of the strongest features of the shotgun.

With its very late serial number 62883, desirable 12 gauge chambering, long 32" barrel, sharp Winchester markings, original brass bead sight, excellent walnut stocks, crisp action, and exceptionally fine bore, this is a particularly handsome example of John Browning's famous Model 1887 lever action shotgun. Although the metal has been professionally reblued and the original case colors are no longer present, the quality of the refinish and strong surviving markings make it an excellent display piece. It would fit especially well in an advanced Winchester collection, a John Browning design collection, or a display illustrating the rapid development of American repeating shotguns during the final decades of the 19th century.

Specifications-

Year of Manufacture: 1897
Manufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms Company
Model: 1887
Serial Number: 62883
Caliber: 12 gauge
Cartridge Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 32 Inches
Overall Length: 48 7/8 Inches
Action type: Lever Action Repeater
Feed System: 5 + 2 magazine (5 in the tube, one in the chamber, one in the carrier)
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

The Winchester Model 1887 (Dellosso Shotgun) is a lever-action shotgun originally designed by famed American gun designer John Browning and produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company during the late 19th century. It was a black-powder design, and was replaced by the similar Model 1901, which was designed to handle smokeless powder, but was otherwise identical.

The Model 1887 was one of the first successful repeating shotguns. Its lever-action design was chosen at the behest of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, best known at the time as manufacturers of lever-action rifles such as the Winchester Model 1873. Designer John Browning suggested that a pump-action would be much more appropriate for a repeating shotgun, but Winchester management's position was that, at the time, the company was known as a "lever-action firearm company", and felt that their new shotgun must also be a lever-action for reasons of brand recognition. Browning responded by designing a breech-loading, rolling block lever-action. To Winchester's credit, however, they later introduced a Browning designed pump-action shotgun known as the Model 1893 (an early production version of the model 1897), after the introduction of smokeless powder.

Shotgun shells at the time used black powder as a propellant, and so the Model 1887 shotgun was designed and chambered for less powerful black powder shotshells. Both 10 and 12-gauge models were offered in the Model 1887; 12-gauge variants used a 2 5/8" shell, 10-gauge variants fired a 2 7/8" shell. The standard barrel length was 30" with 32" available as a special order. In 1888 a 20" barrelled version could be ordered and Winchester offered the shotguns with Damascus barrels.

NOTE: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

Note: This gun is NOT considered obsolete calibre, so we are not able to ship to the United Kingdom.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.