Chiappa 1887 Mare’s Leg 12ga 18.5in Blued/Case Hardened
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Chiappa 1887 Mare's Leg is a Title I compliant, lever-action shotgun with an 18.5-inch smoothbore barrel that replicates the Winchester 1887's mechanical profile while meeting the 26-inch federal minimum for shotguns sold as 'firearms.' This isn't a cut-down reproduction; Chiappa engineered it from the ground up with a 26.5-inch overall length and walnut-pistol-grip stock to function without NFA paperwork. The case-hardened receiver and polished blued barrel deliver a period-correct aesthetic for collectors, but the real engineering is in the lever-lock breech mechanism that handles modern 12-gauge pressures where many replicas fail.
What is the Chiappa 1887 Mare's Leg used for?
The Mare's Leg serves strictly as a range toy, wall hanger, or occasional brush gun for dispatching vermin under 30 yards; it is not a practical defensive, hunting, or clay-target tool. The fixed pistol grip and 26.5-inch overall length offer poor leverage for fast cycling, and the bead sight limits precision beyond 40 yards. I've used it on my ranch for occasional coyote control at point-blank ranges under 15 yards, where its compactness in a vehicle cab is an advantage over a full-length shotgun like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in 3in Chamber, but the manual action and 4+1 capacity make it impractical for sustained fire.
How does the Chiappa 1887 Mare's Leg compare to a full-size Winchester 1887 reproduction?
The Chiappa lacks the historical accuracy and handling balance of a full-length reproduction, trading authenticity for legal status under federal barrel-length minimums. A proper Winchester 1887 reproduction, like those from Taylor's & Co., features a 20-inch barrel and full stock, weighs approximately 8.5 pounds, and balances correctly for fast lever work; the Chiappa weighs 6.8 pounds, feels front-heavy, and cycles slower due to the abbreviated grip. For pure historical shooting, the full-size reproduction is mechanically superior; the Chiappa exists solely to bypass the NFA's 'any other weapon' classification for smoothbore pistols.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 6.8 pounds (108.8 ounces) empty, measures 26.5 inches in overall length, and has a smoothbore barrel precisely 18.5 inches long with a 0.729-inch bore diameter. The walnut pistol grip is 4.75 inches from trigger to butt, and the forend stretches 6.25 inches along the magazine tube; combined with the 12.5-inch length of pull, these dimensions create a compact package that still meets the 26-inch federal minimum. The tubular magazine holds four 2.75-inch shells, giving a total capacity of 4+1 when one is chambered.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this firearm if you need a practical shotgun for home defense, hunting waterfowl, or breaking clays; its manual action, limited 4+1 capacity, and bead sight fail in dynamic scenarios. The pistol grip demands a specific shooting stance that reduces control under recoil, making it unsuitable for shooters with shoulder or wrist injuries; for traditional wing shooting, the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in Walnut O/U Shotgun offers superior handling and faster follow-up shots. This is also a poor choice for historical reenactors, as the shortened configuration never existed in the 19th century.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, one 4-round tubular magazine installed, and a basic owner's manual outlining disassembly and Chiappa's warranty process. Ironclad Armory includes a branded cable lock and a silica gel packet in the foam-lined cardboard shipping container. No hard case, cleaning kit, or extra chokes are provided; the barrel is a fixed cylinder bore. The manual specifies a 60-day inspection period for manufacturing defects directly through our fulfillment center.
Is the Chiappa 1887 Mare's Leg worth it at $1490.99?
At $1,490.99, this shotgun is a niche purchase justified only for collectors who value its unique legal status and period aesthetics over practical utility. The price reflects the specialized machining required for the color-case-hardened receiver and hand-fitted walnut, not performance; a functional pump-action like a Mossberg 590 Shockwave costs under $500. If your goal is a conversation piece that demonstrates your understanding of NFA loopholes, it's priced competitively; if you need a working shotgun, invest in a Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win for the same budget.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Title I compliant at 26.5 inches overall — avoids NFA 'any other weapon' classification
- Color-case-hardened receiver hand-polished to 320-grit finish — authentic 19th-century aesthetic
- Weighs 6.8 pounds (108.8 oz) — 1.7 pounds lighter than a full-stock Winchester 1887 reproduction
- Tubular magazine holds 4 rounds of 2.75-inch shells — enough for casual range sessions
Trade-offs
- Fixed cylinder bore — no choke tubes, pattern spreads 24 inches at 25 yards
- Pistol grip requires custom holster or case — standard shotgun cases are 6-8 inches too long
- Lever throw of 65 degrees — slower to cycle than a pump-action's 4-inch stroke
- No threaded barrel — cannot accept suppressor or compensator (12.5x28 TPI)
Key attributes
| upc | 8053670710498 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 930.019 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | RIFLE |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Modified |
| color | CASE HARDENED/BLUED |
| length | 47.5500 |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 9.4 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 8.65 |
| sights | Metal Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| model | 1887 Lever Action Shotgun |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this shotgun accept 3-inch magnum shells?
- No, the chamber is machined exclusively for 2.75-inch shells; attempting to fire 3-inch shells can cause a catastrophic case rupture. The receiver and locking lugs are not engineered for the increased pressure of magnum loads. Use only standard-pressure 2.75-inch 12-gauge ammunition rated under 11,000 PSI.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket sling swivels?
- Yes, but installation requires drilling and tapping the walnut forend and pistol grip, which voids the warranty on the furniture. The forend has approximately 0.75 inches of flat surface for a swivel stud, and the pistol grip's underside can accommodate a single-point sling mount. I recommend using a Gunsmithing Specialties #8-40 tap for a secure fit.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes all firearm orders within 2 business days, and ground shipping via UPS or FedEx takes 3-7 business days depending on your FFL's location. You must provide your dealer's license copy before shipment. International orders to Canada require a 4-6 week export permit process.
- Can I return it if the finish is defective?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for factory defects like flaking case hardening or rust under the barrel bluing. The firearm must be unfired, with all original packaging, and you cover the $85 transfer fee to our designated FFL. Cosmetic wear from handling is not considered a defect.
- Does this work with a SideSaddle shell holder?
- No, the receiver's curved profile and lack of pre-drilled holes prevent mounting a Mesa Tactical or similar shell carrier. The only practical ammunition storage is the 4-round tubular magazine; reloading requires feeding individual shells through the loading port, which takes approximately 12 seconds for a full reload under ideal conditions.