Winchester Lever Action Shotgun Question

[milsurp mike]

My Pastor has a Original Lever action Shotgun that was made by Winchester.I think the patent date is 1886 but all I can find online is a 1887.The serial no is 40xxx.Can someone tell me if this is actual a 1887 patent or is it possible that its a 1886 patent.I think it is a 12 Ga.The Gun is very tight and in original condition.I would consider it VG for its age.The wood is also in good shape.Also he wants to sell this Shotgun and we need help in a Value.I know its tough to place a value on it without seeing it but all help will be great.Thx Mike

[uncle joe]

http://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=180085&start=0
you're not the only one looking for the same info.
I would say that the patent was awarded in 1886 and the guns started production in the next year, but I'm just guessing.
might be worth a nice price though
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_much_is_a_1886_lever_action_10_gauge_wincheste r_shotgun_worth_in_good_shape

straight from the horses mouth so to speak
http://www.winchesterguns.com/customerservice/qna/detail.asp?id=243

[elk hunter]

If it's a 12 gauge, it's a model 1887. If it's a 10 gauge it could be either an 1887 or a model 1901. The 1901 was an updated version made for smokeless powder. The 1901 was only made in 10 gauge as far as I know. The model 1901 should have a patent date of 1900 to 1901.

You shouldn't have too much trouble finding some for sale somewhere on the net to give you an idea of price.

[cajun shooter]

The gun you speak of is a 1887 and is of John Browning design. They have IAC and others who have made duplicate guns for the cowboy shooting crowd. I bought mine from Coyote Cap about 3 years ago. They are a fun gun to shoot and are built like a tank. The first models that left the plant had only one extractor and would at times skip over the rim and leave the round chambered, fired or unfired. The cure was to add another on the other side of the receiver. Most complaints come from people using the wrong hulls and them not being extracted. They are used in some movies. Look inside the receiver and if only one extractor on the gun it is a very early model. The Lyman book on American Shotguns states that Winchester purchased the patent in 1885 and the first gun offered for sale was in June of 1887. The fall of 1887 saw the 10 ga offered and it was still a 1887. They were offered both in 12 and 10 ga. with different types of Damascus bbls.

[Muddy Creek Sam]

I payed $1000 for mine, it is original 12 ga. and is a pleasure to shoot. I still have the original 30" rolled steel barrel. BTW. all original 1887's are Black Powder Only and are short 12 ga. 2 5/8" Chambers.

Sam :D

[milsurp mike]

Thx for the info Guy's.Now does anyone know a good place to try and sell this Shotgun.My Pastor wants to sell it and donate the Funds to the Church.Thx mike

[Hardcast416taylor]

Way back when I was a young lad I used to hunt small game with a school chum. He had a 1887 model in 10 gauge with a short cylinder choke barrel Winchester lever action that was marked on the reciever, "Property of Wells Fargo". Shells were dear to come by back then in 3 1/2" 10 ga. as was the shot size offered. When he shot at something within 30 yds. he not only killed it but plucked and cleaned it in one shot!Robert

[cajun shooter]

I would first have a person who knows the gun give your appraisal. The SASS wire would be a good place to start but you have to be a member. Maybe someone you know is a SASS member. Second choice would be Gun Broker.