Description
Before the pump gun took over, the lever-action shotgun was the way to run a repeater, and the Winchester 1887 was the gun that proved the concept. Designed by John Browning, it goes down as the first truly successful repeating shotgun, and Chiappa builds this reproduction with the kind of attention the original deserves. The color case hardened receiver, blued 28 inch barrel, and hand-oiled European walnut stock and forend give it the look of a gun that walked straight out of the 1880s, while a few smart updates make it practical to shoot today.
What Sets the Chiappa 1887 Apart
The big one is the choke system. Instead of a fixed bore, this model ships with three interchangeable tubes, Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder, so you can tighten up for longer clay presentations or open the pattern for close work. Chiappa also built an internal safety into the solid one-piece lever, keeping the original profile intact without giving up peace of mind. Feeding comes from a 5+1 tubular magazine running 2.75 inch 12 gauge shells, and a simple bead up front keeps the sighting picture classic. At around 9.3 pounds and 45 inches overall, it has enough heft to soak up recoil and swing smoothly on crossing targets.
Running the 1887 at the Range
Cycling the big loop lever is its own kind of fun, and it draws a crowd every time it comes out of the case. Cowboy action competitors love the 1887 because it fits the era and runs a full magazine, but it's just as at home breaking clays on a lazy Saturday or riding along on a small game walk. The lever throw is longer than what pump gun folks are used to, so plan on some dry cycling to get the rhythm down. Once you do, it becomes second nature.
Craftsmanship Worth Handing Down
Between the case colors, the oil-finished walnut, and all-steel construction, this is a shotgun that gets better looking with a little honest wear. If you appreciate guns with a story behind them, the Chiappa 1887 delivers the history without asking you to baby a 130-year-old original.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Chiappa Firearms
- Model: 1887 Lever-Action Shotgun
- Manufacturer Part Number: 930.001
- UPC: 8053670710474
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Chamber: 2.75 in
- Action: Lever Action
- Barrel Length: 28 in
- Capacity: 5+1
- Chokes Included: Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder
- Sights: Bead Front
- Receiver Finish: Color Case Hardened
- Barrel Finish: Blued
- Stock/Forend: Hand-Oiled Walnut
- Overall Length: 45 in
- Weight: 9.3 lbs
What’s Included
- Chiappa 1887 lever-action shotgun
- Three choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder)
- Owner's manual
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Chiappa 1887 handle 3 inch shells?
No, this model is chambered for 2.75 inch 12 gauge shells only. That covers the vast majority of target, field, and buckshot loads on the market, so you won't feel limited in practice. Just check the box before you load up.
Is the Chiappa 1887 good for cowboy action shooting?
It's one of the most popular choices in the game. The 1887 fits the period perfectly since the original Winchester design predates the pump guns most people run. The 5+1 tube magazine and smooth lever also let you keep pace on multi-target stages once you learn the cycling rhythm.
What kind of safety does the 1887 lever-action shotgun have?
Chiappa built an internal safety into the solid one-piece lever, so the gun keeps the original 1887 profile without an add-on button or tang switch. Combined with the exposed hammer, you get clear visual and tactile confirmation of the gun's condition. It's a clean solution that doesn't spoil the classic lines.
Does the Chiappa 1887 use interchangeable chokes?
Yes, and that's a big upgrade over fixed-choke reproductions. It ships with Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder tubes, so you can match your pattern to clays, upland birds, or closer range work. Swapping tubes takes just a minute with a standard choke wrench.




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