Chiappa 1887 Lever-Action Shotgun 12 Gauge 28in 5+1
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About this product
What is the Chiappa 1887 Lever-Action Shotgun 12 Gauge 28in 5+1? It's a modern reproduction of the historical John Browning design that handles like the original but incorporates critical safety upgrades. The color case-hardened receiver and hand-oiled walnut furniture maintain period-correct aesthetics while the 28-inch barrel with interchangeable chokes provides modern shot patterning versatility. This shotgun bridges 19th-century mechanical design with 21st-century manufacturing tolerances.
What is the Chiappa 1887 used for?
This shotgun excels at sporting clays and field hunting where its 28-inch barrel provides steady swing characteristics. The 5+1 capacity and interchangeable choke system make it suitable for everything from trap shooting to upland bird hunting. Unlike many modern shotguns, it requires deliberate lever manipulation between shots, which can actually improve accuracy timing for disciplined shooters.
How does the Chiappa 1887 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Chiappa offers unique historical appeal but slower practical cycling speed compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. Where the Stevens 555 can deliver two shots in under 2 seconds, the Chiappa requires a full lever stroke between rounds, typically adding 1-1.5 seconds per follow-up shot. The lever-action mechanism provides undeniable character but comes at the cost of raw speed against break-action alternatives like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
At 9.3 pounds unloaded and measuring 45 inches overall, this is a substantial field gun that absorbs 12-gauge recoil effectively. The 28-inch barrel provides a 14.5-inch sight radius when using the brass bead front sight, while the weight distribution favors forward balance for smooth swinging motion. The length of pull measures 14 inches, accommodating most adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for tactical applications or rapid defense scenarios where pump-action or semi-auto shotguns dominate. The lever mechanism requires significant practice to master under pressure and cannot match the 2-3 second reload speeds of modern designs. Competition shooters focused on high-volume clay sports will find the 5-round capacity limiting compared to 8+1 semi-autos.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun with three choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and basic owner's manual. The factory includes a security lock but no case—plan for an additional $75-150 for proper storage. The walnut furniture arrives with a light protective coating that benefits from immediate application of quality oil.
Is the Chiappa 1887 worth it at $1,515.99?
At this price point, you're paying for historical authenticity rather than pure performance metrics. The investment buys you a functional piece of firearms history with modern safety features, unlike many original 1887s that require gunsmithing for reliable use. For shooters wanting the lever-action experience without vintage reliability concerns, the premium over basic pump-actions is justified.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 9.3 lbs — absorbs 12-gauge recoil 40% better than lightweight pump-actions
- 28-inch barrel with interchangeable chokes patterns consistently at 75% in Modified configuration
- Color case hardening provides authentic period appearance with modern corrosion resistance
- Lever throw requires only 60 degrees of movement for rapid cycling compared to 90+ on originals
Trade-offs
- Proprietary choke threads limit aftermarket options — replacement tubes cost $25-35 each
- 5+1 capacity falls short of modern tactical shotguns by 3-4 rounds
- No sling swivel studs pre-installed — requires gunsmith installation ($50-75)
- Lever mechanism requires breaking cheek weld between shots, adding 1.5 seconds to follow-ups
Key attributes
| upc | 8053670710474 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 930001 |
| action | Lever Action |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | F,M,IC |
| safety | Hammer |
| sights | Bead |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 3-inch magnum shells?
- No, the chamber is specifically cut for 2¾-inch shells only. Attempting to fire 3-inch shells creates dangerous pressure conditions and risks bolt face damage. For magnum capabilities, consider the Stevens 334 in .308 Winchester for similar field applications.
- Does it fit standard 12-gauge choke tubes?
- It uses Chiappa's proprietary choke thread pattern, not the common Remington or Beretta/Benelli systems. Replacement tubes must be sourced directly from Chiappa or specialty suppliers like Brownells, typically costing $25-35 each.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL transfers typically process within 3-5 business days once paperwork clears. The shotgun ships via FedEx with signature requirement, adding 2-3 transit days depending on your location relative to our Montana warehouse.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Firearms cannot be returned once transferred, but Chiappa provides a 1-year warranty on manufacturing defects. Document any issues within 72 hours of transfer and we'll facilitate warranty service through their Ohio facility, which typically completes repairs in 2-3 weeks.
- Does this work with aftermarket sling attachments?
- The walnut stock lacks swivel studs, requiring drilling and installation of Uncle Mike's or similar hardware. The forend design accommodates traditional leather slip-on swivels without modification, available from vendors like Turner Saddlery for approximately $45.