The Enduring Legacy: Chiappa Firearms 1887 12 Gauge Lever Action Shotgun

For discerning firearm enthusiasts, competitive shooters, and collectors alike, the Chiappa Firearms 1887 12 Gauge lever action shotgun stands as a testament to both historical artistry and modern manufacturing precision. This iconic firearm is more than just a tool; it's a meticulously crafted homage to one of the most significant advancements in shotgun design from the late 19th century. Whether you’re a participant in Cowboy Action Shooting, a hunter seeking a reliable field companion, or simply an admirer of classic firearms, the Chiappa 1887 offers an unparalleled blend of performance, aesthetics, and historical resonance.

Rediscovering a Legend: The Chiappa 1887's Historical Roots and Modern Relevance

The original 1887 lever action shotgun, designed by the legendary John Browning, revolutionized shotgun technology, offering a robust and rapid-firing alternative to the then-dominant single and double-barrel designs. It quickly became a staple in the American West, celebrated for its reliability and unique lever-action mechanism. While its era eventually gave way to pump-action designs, the 1887's unique appeal and distinctive silhouette never faded from the collective imagination, solidifying its place in firearm history and popular culture.

Chiappa Firearms has meticulously recreated this classic, not just as a replica but as a fully functional and exceptionally beautiful firearm that meets contemporary standards of safety and performance. By bringing the 1887 back to life, Chiappa ensures that the thrill of handling such a historically significant firearm is accessible to today's shooters. The Chiappa 1887 allows users to experience a piece of history firsthand, understanding the mechanics and the feel of a truly classic design, while benefiting from modern manufacturing techniques that ensure durability and consistent quality.

Who is the Chiappa 1887 Designed For?

• Cowboy Action Shooters: This shotgun is a cornerstone for participants in Cowboy Action Shooting (CAS), where authenticity to the Old West era is paramount. Its faithful reproduction of the original 1887 design makes it a top choice for competitive events, offering both historical accuracy and the smooth operation necessary for fast stages.
• Firearm Collectors and Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate the artistry and engineering of historical firearms will find the Chiappa 1887 a captivating addition to their collection. Its stunning color case hardened receiver and oiled walnut stock make it a true showpiece.
• Hunters: The 12 gauge chambering and durable construction make the 1887 a capable field gun for various game, offering a unique and reliable hunting experience. Its 28-inch barrel and smooth bore are versatile for different hunting scenarios.
• Recreational Shooters: For anyone seeking a distinctive and engaging shooting experience at the range, the lever action mechanism provides a refreshing change from more common shotgun types. It's a fantastic conversation starter and a joy to operate.
• Pop Culture Aficionados: Fans of classic cinema, particularly films like "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," will immediately recognize the iconic profile of the 1887, making it a dream acquisition for its cinematic legacy alone.

Unpacking the Masterpiece: Key Features and Engineering Excellence

The Chiappa Firearms 1887 is a symphony of robust materials and thoughtful design, bringing together aesthetic appeal with practical functionality. Every component is chosen to enhance both its historical authenticity and its modern performance.

The Heart of the System: Color Case Hardened Steel Receiver

At the core of the Chiappa 1887's visual appeal and structural integrity is its color case hardened steel receiver. This traditional finishing process not only imbues each shotgun with a unique, marbled spectrum of blues, purples, browns, and grays, making no two receivers exactly alike, but also enhances the surface hardness and durability of the steel. The rich, varied hues evoke a sense of heritage and craftsmanship that modern finishes simply cannot replicate. This robust steel foundation ensures the longevity and reliability of the shotgun, capable of handling the pressures of 12 gauge ammunition with ease. It's a key feature that separates the Chiappa 1887 from lesser reproductions, underscoring its commitment to both beauty and strength.

Elegance and Ergonomics: The Oil Walnut Stock and Forearm

Complementing the striking receiver is the European walnut stock and forearm, finished with a classic oil treatment. Walnut is renowned for its strength, grain pattern, and resilience, making it an ideal material for firearm furniture. The oil finish penetrates the wood, providing a deep, natural luster that highlights the intricate grain while offering excellent protection against moisture and wear. This traditional finish also allows the wood to "breathe" and develop a beautiful patina over time, further enhancing the shotgun's character.

The design of the stock and forearm is not just about aesthetics; it’s about ergonomics. The smooth, well-proportioned contours provide a comfortable and secure grip, allowing for natural shouldering and swift manipulation of the action. The pistol grip configuration offers intuitive control, while the forearm provides ample space for a stable hold, whether you're rapidly cycling the action or aiming for a precise shot.

Durability and Precision: The Blued Barrel

The 28-inch blued barrel is a hallmark of classic firearm construction. Bluing is a passivation process that provides a layer of protection against rust and corrosion, while also creating a non-reflective, deep black finish that contrasts beautifully with the case-hardened receiver and oiled walnut. The smooth bore design is optimized for shotgun shells, ensuring consistent patterns and reliable performance. At 28 inches, the barrel strikes an excellent balance between maneuverability and sight radius, making it effective for a variety of shooting disciplines, from trap shooting to hunting.

Versatility and Accuracy: Bead Sight and Choke Tubes

The Chiappa 1887 comes equipped with a simple yet highly effective bead front sight. This traditional sighting system is ideal for shotgun applications, allowing for quick target acquisition in fast-paced scenarios like Cowboy Action Shooting or upland bird hunting. Its straightforward design ensures durability and reliability in the field.

Further enhancing its versatility, the 1887 includes three interchangeable choke tubes: Full (F), Modified (M), and Improved Cylinder (IC). These chokes allow the shooter to control the shot pattern, making the shotgun adaptable to different shooting distances and targets.

• Improved Cylinder (IC) provides a wider pattern, excellent for close-range targets like skeet, rabbits, or fast-flying birds.
• Modified (M) offers a balanced pattern, suitable for general hunting and trap shooting.
• Full (F) delivers the tightest pattern, ideal for longer-range shots on ducks, geese, or sporting clays.

This system ensures that the Chiappa 1887 is not just a historical showpiece but a truly practical and adaptable firearm.

The Lever Action Mechanism: Smooth, Reliable, and Engaging

The defining characteristic of the 1887 is its lever action mechanism. This design offers a distinct and satisfying cycling experience that sets it apart from pump-action or semi-automatic shotguns. The large, robust lever is easy to operate, even with gloved hands, allowing for rapid follow-up shots once mastered. The internal design is engineered for reliability, ensuring consistent feeding and extraction of 2.75" 12 gauge shells from its 5+1 capacity.

An innovative internal safety mechanism complements the traditional hammer safety, providing an added layer of security without compromising the authentic feel of the action. This thoughtful integration of modern safety features into a classic design makes the Chiappa 1887 a responsible choice for today's shooter. The single-stage trigger provides a crisp and predictable break, contributing to both accuracy and enjoyable shooting.

Performance in Practice: Shooting the Chiappa 1887

Weighing in at approximately 9.30 lbs, the Chiappa 1887 feels substantial in hand, a characteristic that aids in managing the recoil of 12 gauge loads. The weight and balance are well-distributed, making it comfortable to swing and aim. Loading is intuitive, with shells fed directly into the magazine through the loading gate on the underside of the receiver. The distinct "clack-clack" of the lever action as you cycle a fresh round into the chamber is an experience unique to this firearm, deeply satisfying and evocative of a bygone era.

For Cowboy Action Shooting, the smooth operation of the lever and the quick sight acquisition provided by the bead sight are significant advantages. For hunting, its robust build and powerful 12 gauge chambering make it effective for various game, from waterfowl to upland birds, always ensuring a classic experience. The ability to switch choke tubes quickly also allows for on-the-fly adaptability to changing field conditions or target requirements.

Maintenance and Care for Your Lever Action Shotgun

Proper care ensures the longevity and beauty of your Chiappa 1887. The blued steel and case-hardened finishes should be wiped down after each use with a lightly oiled cloth to prevent rust, especially in humid environments. The oiled walnut stock benefits from occasional re-application of a suitable wood oil to keep the finish vibrant and protected. Regular cleaning of the bore and action with appropriate cleaning solvents and lubricants will keep the mechanism running smoothly and reliably for generations. The inherent simplicity of the lever action design often means less intricate cleaning than more complex semi-automatic systems.

Why Choose a Chiappa 1887 from DEGuns?

When considering a significant firearm purchase like the Chiappa 1887, choosing a reputable dealer is paramount. DEGuns offers a wide selection of firearms, including this iconic model, ensuring that customers receive genuine products and excellent service. Investing in a Chiappa 1887 means owning a piece of history, re-engineered for modern performance and reliability. Its unique aesthetics, robust construction, and engaging shooting experience make it a valuable addition to any collection or a standout companion in the field. The distinctive sound of its action, the feel of the oil-finished walnut, and the unique patterns of the case-hardened receiver create an emotional connection that transcends mere utility.

This lever action shotgun is not just an item; it's an heirloom in the making, promising countless hours of enjoyment and a tangible link to the rich legacy of American firearm design. Whether you’re competing, hunting, collecting, or simply enjoying the unique pleasure of shooting a truly classic firearm, the Chiappa Firearms 1887 12 Gauge will exceed your expectations.

Product Specifications & Details

The Chiappa Firearms 1887 12 Gauge shotgun (UPC: 8053670710474) combines classic design with modern manufacturing to deliver exceptional performance and timeless appeal.

Feature	Detail
Brand	Chiappa Firearms
Model	1887
Gauge	12 Gauge
Capacity	5+1 Rounds
Chamber	2.75"
Action	Lever
Barrel Length	28"
Barrel Finish	Blued
Barrel Description	Smooth Bore
Receiver Material	Steel
Receiver Finish	Color Case Hardened
Overall Length (OAL)	45"
Weight	9.30 lbs
Stock Material	Wood (European Walnut)
Stock Finish	Oiled Walnut
Stock Finish Group	Brown
Hand	Right Hand
Sights	Bead (Front)
Choke Config.	Rem Choke
Chokes Included	Full (F), Modified (M), Improved Cylinder (IC)
Safety	Hammer, Internal Safety
Trigger	Single-Stage
Application	Field, Cowboy Action Shooting, Collectors
MPN (Manufacturer Part Number)	930001
SKU	5678
UPC	8053670710474