Winchester Model 1887
The Winchester Model 1887, and subsequently the Winchester Model 1901, were lever-action shotguns designed by John Browning, and produced by Winchester. The Model 1887 was designed to fire 12 Gauge black powder cartridges. Not long after initial release, smokeless powder began to rapidly gain popularity. The original Model 1887 could not properly handle the pressures of smokeless powder, and as a result, Winchester released the Model 1901. This updated version featured a superior steel alloy designed for smokeless powder loads. This product line (both the Model 1887 and Model 1901) were produced from 1887 to 1920.
While there were already a number of successful repeating rifles on the market, shotguns were one area that had been lacking at the time. The industry standard of a double-barreled shotguns firing only two shells before reloading were found to be highly inadequate by lawmen, security personnel, caravan guards, and civilians alike. With firearms like revolvers and repeating rifles already being commonplace, the now aging double-barreled shotgun was not enough to ward off threats, especially like those seen in the dangers of the American West.
Contents
Specifications
Models
Model 1887
Model 1901
Reproductions and Copies
In Popular Culture
The Winchester Model 1887 series of shotguns has been featured prominently in a number of major movies and video games, and this is likely what lead to it going from an interesting piece of firearms history, to among the most iconic firearms ever made.
Movies
Terminator 2: Judgement Day
Among the most iconic appearances of the Winchester Model 1887 in movies, is in Terminator 2: Judgement Day. It is primarily used toward the beginning of the film by The Terminator in order to defend John Connor from the T-1000. The video clip below features The Terminator (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) firing and "flip-cocking" his Model 1887. It has been transformed into a "Mare's Leg": The stock has been removed and features only a remaining pistol grip for one-handed operation.
The Terminator can also be seen with his Model 1887 on the T2: Judgement Day movie poster.
Video Games
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
The Winchester Model 1887 was prominently featured in the 2009 blockbuster video game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision. It is probably most famous for being completely overpowered in multiplayer mode.
In arcade-style fast paced first person shooter games like Modern Warfare 2, shotguns are typically only effective at shorter, room-sized distances, meaning that the player will have to adapt their play style to be effective with different kinds of weapons in the game. However at launch, the Model 1887 had incredible range and damage output, making them severely unbalanced and a favorite of many players early on. This was later fixed by Infinity Ward.
