Description
The Chiappa Firearms 1887 Lever Action 12 Ga, 22″, Blued, Wood Stock is a modern, faithful reproduction of the classic Winchester 1887 shotgun. It’s a 12-gauge lever-action shotgun with a 22-inch barrel, blued steel finish, and a traditional wood stock, blending iconic 19th-century design with reliable, modern manufacturing for a unique and practical repeating shotgun platform.
Key Features
- Iconic Lever-Action Operation: Fast, smooth, and reliable. The lever throw is intuitive and builds muscle memory for rapid follow-up shots.
- 22-Inch Barrel: Offers a great balance between maneuverability in tight spaces and effective shot pattern spread for defensive or recreational use.
- Blued Steel & Wood Construction: Provides a classic, durable finish that resists wear and a solid wood stock that absorbs recoil effectively.
- 5+1 Capacity: Holds five 2 ¾” shells in the tubular magazine plus one in the chamber, giving you six rounds of 12-gauge on tap.
- Side-Ejecting Action: Keeps spent hulls out of your line of sight and away from a partner if you’re shooting in tandem.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Action | Lever Action |
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (2 3/4″ Shells) |
| Barrel Length | 22 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 41.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 8.5 lbs |
| Finish | Blued Steel, Wood Stock |
| Capacity | 5+1 Rounds |
Weighing in at approximately 8.5 pounds, the heft of this firearm helps manage the recoil of 12-gauge loads, making extended range sessions more manageable. The overall length of about 41.5 inches makes it surprisingly handy—you can effectively work corners in a home defense scenario without feeling like you’re maneuvering a full-length rifle. Here’s the thing—while it’s a classic design, it’s built to modern standards and is drop-in ready with no gunsmithing required for standard operation. It ships with a standard choke system, compatible with aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s or Briley for those who want to tailor their pattern.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This isn’t your average pump-action. The Chiappa 1887 is for the shooter who values mechanical engagement and manual operation as part of their skill set. It’s for the homesteader who wants a reliable, powerful repeater that doesn’t rely on batteries or complex optics. It’s for the historical firearms enthusiast who wants a functional piece of the Old West that can still serve a serious defensive role today. When it comes to home defense, the intimidating sound of racking a lever carries its own psychological weight, and the 12-gauge payload needs no introduction.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Unique, fast-action manual operation that builds real skill. Extremely reliable with minimal moving parts. The classic design is both intimidating and aesthetically timeless. The 22-inch barrel offers excellent balance for dynamic use. Its manual action means it’s generally compliant in more jurisdictions than some semi-autos.
Cons: Lever-action shotguns have a steeper learning curve than pumps for most people. The manual of arms is different—you need to practice to run it smoothly under stress. At $1366.84, it’s an investment in a specific skillset and style over a more common tactical shotgun. The side ejection can be a minor nuisance for left-handed shooters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can it shoot modern 12-gauge ammunition, including slugs?
A: Yes. This reproduction is chambered for modern 2 3/4″ 12-gauge shells. You can safely use target loads, buckshot, and rifled slugs (with an appropriate choke or cylinder bore). Always check your specific barrel’s choke recommendations for slug use.
Q: Is it difficult to learn to run the lever action quickly?
A: It requires dedicated practice, but the motion becomes fluid and fast. The key is a full, confident stroke. Dry-fire practice is your friend. Once mastered, the lever can be cycled almost as quickly as a pump, and with a distinctive flair.
Q: What is the maintenance like compared to a modern shotgun?
A: It’s straightforward. Field-stripping is simple for basic cleaning. The design is robust, but like any firearm, keeping it clean and properly lubricated—especially in the lever linkage and action bars—is crucial for long-term reliability. It’s less complex internally than many semi-autos.
This Chiappa 1887 offers a tangible connection to firearms history while remaining a utterly viable tool for defense, hunting, or sport. It demands more from the shooter, but that’s part of the reward—mastering it builds genuine, mechanical proficiency. Available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. See if this iconic lever-action shotgun fits your mission.
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