Winchester Model 1887
The Winchester Model 1887 and subsequent Winchester Model 1901, were lever-action shotguns designed by John Browning, and produced by Winchester. The Model 1887 originally came in both 10 Gauge and 12 Gauge chamberings and was designed to fire black powder cartridges. The later Model 1901 only came in 10 gauge and could fire smokeless cartridges. Apparently, Winchester did not want to cut into sales of their other major shotgun, the Winchester Model 1897. This product line (both Model 1887 and Model 1901) were produced from 1887-1920. There were approximately 64,855 Model 1887's produced, and about 13,500 Model 1901's produced.
Contents
Concept & Development
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.
John Browning, an employee of Winchester at the time, was then tasked with designing a proper repeating shotgun to fill this purpose. He originally suggested a pump-action style firearm, and that it would be better suited for this type of weapon. However, T.G. Bennett (Winchester's Vice President) squashed Browning's suggestion, believing that since Winchester is known as a lever-action gun company, this product would also need to be lever-action to maintain Winchester's brand recognition. This design would eventually be born as the Winchester Model 1887.
John Browning was reluctant to design Winchester's new shotgun as a lever-action because he believed it wouldn't be long before they went out of style, and would be replaced by more modern actions. In fact, he later designed the Winchester Model 1893 and the subsequently improved Winchester Model 1897, the latter of which has itself become iconic. 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 series of shotguns became one of the first (if not the first) successful repeating shotguns to hit the market.
Models
A quick summary of both the Model 1887 and Model 1901 lever-action shotguns.
Winchester Model 1887
- Caliber: 10 Gauge or 12 Gauge (black powder)
- Weight: 8lbs (3.6 kg)
- Barrel Length / Options: 30" barrel (32" was available for special order?) In 1888, Winchester began offering a 20" barrel, and option for a Damascus steel barrel.
- Overall Length: 39-1/4 inches (99.7 cm).
- Capacity: 5+1 (5-round tube magazine).
- Choke: Fixed.
- Production Years: 1887 to 1901.
- Number Made: About 64,855.
Winchester Model 1901
- Caliber: 10 Gauge only (rated for Smokeless Powder)
- Weight: 8lbs (3.6 kg)..?
- Barrel Length / Options: Same as original mode..?
- Overall Length: 39-1/4 inches (99.7 cm)..?
- Capacity: 5+1 (5-round tube magazine).
- Choke: Fixed..?
- Production Years: 1901 to 1920.
- Number Made: Approx. 13,500.
Reproductions and Copies
In the past, many companies had attempted to produce reproductions, but pretty much all of them were commercial failures. However, because of it's more established popularity, especially in pop culture, a number of manufacturers have created reproductions of the Model 1887 with some success.
Norinco
Chinese weapons manufacturer Norinco has made modern reproductions of the Model 1887 (called the Norinco Model 87) designed for modern standard Smokeless Powder shotgun shells. They've made full-sized models, as well as a "Terminator 2" inspired version.
Chiappa Firearms
Italian firearms manufacturer Chiappa has also entered the market for Model 1887 shotguns, and produces several models. A 22-inch barrel version, a 28" barrel version, different options for color case hardening, as well as two shortened "Terminator 2" inspired versions with pistol grip and a shortened 18.5-inch barrel. One features black synthetic furniture (the "T-Model"), and the other features wood furniture with color case hardening.
Chiappa's Website: https://www.chiappafirearms.com/family.php?id=15
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.
