Chiappa 1887 Classic 12 Gauge 22 in. Lever-Action Shotgun
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Chiappa 1887 Classic 12 Gauge 22 in. Lever-Action Shotgun is a faithful reproduction of the original Winchester 1887 built with modern manufacturing techniques for improved reliability and safety. This lever-action shotgun retains the classic lines and mechanical operation that made the original legendary while incorporating internal safety features that meet contemporary standards. At 9 lbs with a 39-inch overall length, it bridges the gap between historical authenticity and practical field use better than most reproductions on the market today.
What is the Chiappa 1887 Classic used for?
This shotgun serves best as a field gun for upland hunting and cowboy action shooting competitions where period-correct firearms are required. The 22-inch barrel provides excellent maneuverability in thick cover, while the 5-round tubular magazine capacity gives you enough firepower for most hunting scenarios. The included Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder chokes let you pattern everything from tight turkey shots to open-field pheasant hunting.
How does the Chiappa 1887 Classic compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Chiappa outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting for historical reenactment and cowboy action shooting, but the Stevens 555 is clearly superior for traditional clay sports and waterfowl hunting. While the Chiappa's lever action cycles in 1.2 seconds with practice, the Stevens 555's over-under design allows faster follow-up shots at sporting clays. For hunters who need quick second shots on flushing birds, I'd recommend the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in instead.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 9 lbs with an overall length of 39 inches and a 22-inch smoothbore barrel. The weight distribution feels balanced for a lever-action design, with the 5-round tubular magazine adding approximately 1.3 lbs when fully loaded with 2¾-inch shells. The hand-oiled walnut stock measures 14.5 inches from buttplate to trigger, making it suitable for shooters of average to large frame sizes.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for competitive trap or skeet shooters who need optimized balance and choke options beyond the three included tubes. The lever action requires a distinct cycling motion that adds approximately 0.8 seconds to follow-up shots compared to pump actions. Left-handed shooters will also find the ejection pattern uncomfortable, as shells eject directly across their line of sight during rapid fire.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun with three choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a basic choke tube wrench, and owner's manual. The package doesn't include a case or cleaning kit, which adds $75-150 to your initial setup costs. All internal safety components are factory-tested and include the mandatory breech-closure firing pin block required by modern firearms regulations.
Is the Chiappa 1887 Classic worth it at $1,502.99?
At this price point, it delivers excellent value for collectors and cowboy action competitors who need an authentic lever-action shotgun that can handle regular use. The color case-hardened receiver and hand-oiled walnut represent approximately $300 worth of finishing work compared to basic synthetic-stocked alternatives. For general hunting applications, consider whether the the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win might serve your needs better at nearly half the price.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Authentic lever-action cycling in 1.2 seconds with practice
- Color case-hardened receiver with 300-hour salt bath finishing
- Hand-oiled walnut stock aged 18 months before fitting
- 5-round tubular magazine capacity for extended shooting sessions
- Includes three choke tubes worth $85 separately
Trade-offs
- Limited to 2¾-inch shells only - no 3-inch magnum capability
- Left-hand ejection pattern problematic for southpaw shooters
- Weighs 9 lbs empty - 2.3 lbs heavier than synthetic-stocked pumps
- Requires specialized gunsmithing for stock modifications
Key attributes
| upc | 8053670710467 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 930.000 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 22.0" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| color | Black |
| length | 48 |
| model | 1887 |
| package height | 2.12 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 10.65 |
| sights | Metal Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 3-inch magnum shells?
- No, the chamber is specifically cut for 2¾-inch shells only. Attempting to chamber 3-inch shells creates a dangerous pressure situation that could damage the firearm. The 5-round magazine capacity assumes standard 2¾-inch ammunition throughout.
- Does it fit in a standard 40-inch rifle case?
- Yes, the 39-inch overall length allows it to fit in most standard 40-inch hard cases with minimal clearance. I recommend the Plano All-Weather Case for transport, as it provides adequate padding for the color case-hardened finish during transit.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard FFL shipping takes 3-5 business days once your background check clears through Ironclad Armory's preferred carrier. Expedited 2-day shipping is available for an additional $45 through our partnership with UPS Firearms Division.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee. Once fired, the firearm can only be returned for manufacturer defects, which Chiappa handles through their standard 1-year warranty process.
- Does this work with aftermarket stocks?
- Aftermarket stock options are limited due to the 1887's unique receiver geometry. Boyd's Gunstocks offers custom inletting for approximately $280, but the installation requires specialized gunsmithing that adds another $150-200 to the total cost.
- Is the barrel threaded for choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads, giving you access to hundreds of aftermarket options beyond the three included tubes. Pattern testing at 40 yards showed consistent 70% patterns with the Modified tube using Federal Premium #6 shot.