History Primer 206: US Winchester 1887

Published on February 4, 2025
Duration: 78:03

This video provides a comprehensive overview of the Winchester 1887 lever-action shotgun, detailing its history, design evolution, and operational mechanics. It highlights John Moses Browning's pivotal role in its development, contrasting it with contemporary firearms and discussing its market reception and eventual discontinuation in favor of pump-action designs. The video also covers technical specifications, variations, and shooting impressions.

Quick Summary

The Winchester 1887, designed by John Moses Browning, was Winchester's first repeating shotgun. It features a unique lever-action with an integral rotating and rising breach block for strong lockup. Available in 12 and 10 gauge, it was designed for both black powder and early smokeless cartridges, though its action can be cantankerous and requires full cycling for reliable feeding.

Chapters

  1. 00:24Introduction to the Winchester 1887
  2. 00:37Physical Specifications: Length, Weight, Capacity
  3. 00:54Calibers: 12 Gauge and 10 Gauge
  4. 01:47Historical Context: The Winchester vs. Colt Feud
  5. 08:13John Moses Browning's Role in Design
  6. 10:30Browning's Lever-Action Shotgun Concept
  7. 12:10Detailed Look at an Early Winchester 1887
  8. 13:36Action Mechanics: Lever and Breach Block
  9. 14:21Hammer and Trigger Operation
  10. 15:21Decocking and Half-Cock Safety
  11. 17:20Breach Block Lockup and Movement
  12. 19:23Elevator Assembly and Cartridge Feeding
  13. 20:49Loading Procedure
  14. 21:16Magazine Capacity and Loading
  15. 22:16Feeding Issues and Solutions
  16. 23:37Elevator Function During Closing
  17. 24:43Extraction and Ejection Process
  18. 25:37Firing Pin and Hammer Mechanism
  19. 26:27Gas Relief and Sighting Groove
  20. 26:53Factory Finish: Color Case Hardening and Bluing
  21. 27:41Animated Breakdown of the Action
  22. 33:07Shooting the Winchester 1887
  23. 34:34Catalog Information and Pricing
  24. 35:33Winchester Shotgun Cartridges
  25. 35:56Experimental 7150 Slug Cartridge
  26. 36:46Evolution of the 1887: Updates and Variations
  27. 37:10Introduction of the Second Extractor
  28. 38:04Changes to the Elevator and Magazine Hanger
  29. 39:13Markings and Barrel Lengths
  30. 39:38The Winchester Riot Gun
  31. 40:07Market Reception and Competition
  32. 40:23Winchester Model 1893 and 1897
  33. 41:26The Winchester Model 1901
  34. 43:08Jonjo Machine Works PW87 Clone
  35. 44:171901 Upgrades Compared to 1887
  36. 45:451901 Specific Features: Lever Lock
  37. 47:001901 Pricing and Specifications
  38. 48:43Anecdote: Winchester 1901 in WWI
  39. 52:43Shooting Impressions and Recoil
  40. 53:30Handling and Ergonomics
  41. 57:09Action Smoothness and Feel
  42. 59:09Main Spring Function
  43. 01:01:13Action Cantankerousness and Feed Issues
  44. 01:04:13Trigger Feel and Weight
  45. 01:07:07Loading Process Details

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key design features of the Winchester 1887 shotgun?

The Winchester 1887 features a unique lever-action mechanism where the lever and breach block are a single component that rotates and rises to lock. It was designed by John Moses Browning and was available in 12 and later 10 gauge, handling both black powder and early smokeless cartridges.

How does the Winchester 1887 load and feed cartridges?

To load, the action is opened, the elevator is depressed, and cartridges are inserted into the magazine tube. Closing the action feeds a round from the magazine onto the elevator and into the chamber. The action must be cycled fully for reliable feeding, as slow operation can cause issues.

What were the main improvements made to the Winchester 1887 over time?

Improvements included the addition of a second extractor for better reliability, changes to the elevator and magazine hanger for smoother feeding, and reinforced forends. The Model 1901 variant introduced a positive firing pin retractor and a lever lockup for increased safety.

What is the historical significance of the Winchester 1887 shotgun?

The Winchester 1887 was Winchester's first repeating shotgun, designed by John Browning, and played a role in the evolution of repeating firearms. It was a competitor in the sporting shotgun market and saw some limited use in law enforcement and military contexts.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from C&Rsenal

View all →