1887 Winchester - The Rube Goldberg Device of Shotguns

Published on May 15, 2024
Duration: 16:57

The 1887 Winchester, while iconic in pop culture, is presented as a mechanically flawed design with significant reliability issues. John Browning's lever-action shotgun design, commissioned by Winchester, suffers from awkward loading and a complex cycling mechanism prone to malfunctions. Despite its legacy, the later 1897 pump-action is deemed a superior and more reliable firearm.

Quick Summary

The 1887 Winchester, designed by John Browning, is iconic but mechanically flawed. It suffers from reliability issues like light strikes from a soft hammer and loose screws, making it less practical than the superior Winchester 1897 pump-action.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: 1887 Winchester - Iconic but Flawed
  2. 01:04History & John Browning's Design
  3. 02:17Loading & Mechanical Operation Explained
  4. 04:02Reliability Issues & Match Performance
  5. 05:55Troubleshooting: The Soft Hammer Problem
  6. 08:34Maintenance & 'Rube Goldberg' Design
  7. 11:04Pop Culture vs. Practicality: 1887 vs 1897

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main reliability issues with the 1887 Winchester shotgun?

The 1887 Winchester suffers from significant reliability issues, including light strikes due to a soft, mushroomed hammer, and screws that frequently vibrate loose, disabling the action. Its complex cycling mechanism also contributes to malfunctions.

Why was the 1887 Winchester designed as a lever-action shotgun?

Winchester commissioned John Browning to design a repeating shotgun, but insisted on a lever action to align with their existing brand identity, despite Browning's preference for a pump-action design.

How is the 1887 Winchester loaded?

Loading the 1887 is an awkward process. Rounds must be inserted through the top of the open action and pushed past the carrier into the magazine tube, which can be cumbersome.

Is the 1887 Winchester a good shotgun for practical use?

Generally, no. While iconic and capable of rapid fire when functioning perfectly, its complex design and frequent reliability issues make it less practical than later designs like the Winchester 1897 pump-action.

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