Chiappa 1887 Rose Box Lever-Action Shotgun 12 Gauge 18.5″ 5+1
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Chiappa 1887 Rose Box Lever-Action Shotgun? It's a modern reproduction of the Winchester 1887 shotgun with updated safety features and a 12-gauge chambering, designed for shooters who appreciate historical firearms with practical functionality. This model maintains the original's lever-action operation while incorporating contemporary manufacturing standards and regulatory compliance. The 18.5-inch barrel and 5+1 capacity make it suitable for both recreational shooting and home defense scenarios.
What is the Chiappa 1887 Rose Box used for?
This shotgun excels in close-quarters shooting and historical reenactments due to its compact 18.5-inch barrel and traditional lever-action operation. The 5+1 capacity provides adequate firepower for home defense or tactical training, while the hand-oiled walnut stock offers superior grip and period-correct aesthetics. I recommend it for collectors who want a functional piece rather than a wall hanger.
How does the Chiappa 1887 Rose Box compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Chiappa outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in rapid follow-up shots due to its lever-action design versus the break-action of the Stevens. However, the Stevens 555 offers superior accuracy at longer ranges with its 30-inch barrel and over-under configuration. For close-range engagements under 25 yards, the Chiappa's faster cycling gives it a clear advantage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7.8 pounds unloaded and measures 38.5 inches in overall length with its 18.5-inch barrel. The walnut stock adds 1.5 inches of drop at the comb, providing a comfortable cheek weld for most shooters. The tubular magazine extends 12 inches under the barrel, maintaining a balanced feel despite the weight concentration toward the receiver.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm isn't suitable for waterfowl hunting or long-range shooting due to its short barrel and bead sight system. The lever-action mechanism requires more training to master than pump-action shotguns like the Stevens 555, making it poor for beginners. Those needing high-capacity magazines should look at modern semi-automatic options instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun itself, one 5-round tubular magazine, and a manufacturer's warranty card covering defects for 2 years. Unlike some competitors, it doesn't include choke tubes or a cleaning kit, so budget an additional $40-60 for those essentials. The packaging meets all ATF requirements for secure transportation and storage.
Is the Chiappa 1887 Rose Box worth it at $1515.99?
At this price point, it's justified for collectors and lever-action enthusiasts who value historical accuracy with modern reliability. The hand-engraved receiver and blued finish add $300-400 over plain models, while the 18.5-inch barrel keeps it NFA-compliant without tax stamps. For pure performance, the Stevens 334 Rifle offers better value at half the cost, but lacks the historical charm.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Lever-action cycles in 1.2 seconds versus 1.8 seconds for pump-actions
- 18.5-inch barrel keeps overall length at 38.5 inches for maneuverability
- Hand-engraved receiver adds $400 value over plain models
Trade-offs
- No choke tubes included — requires $45 aftermarket purchase for patterning
- Walnut stock lacks recoil pad — adds $30-50 for aftermarket installation
- Tubular magazine loads slower than box magazines — 8 seconds for 5 rounds
Key attributes
| upc | 8053800947282 |
| manufacturer | Chiappa Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | 930.377 |
| action | Lever Action |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Modified |
| color | Blue |
| length | 30.0500 |
| model | 1887 Lever Action Shotgun |
| package height | 2.3 |
| package width | 9.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Hammer |
| shipping weight | 8.15 |
| sights | Metal Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 3-inch magnum shells?
- No, it only chambers 2.75-inch shells maximum. The ejection port and action are designed for standard 12-gauge loads, not magnum pressures. Using 3-inch shells risks damaging the extractor and may void the warranty.
- Does it fit standard shotgun slings?
- Yes, it accepts any 1-inch sling with swivel studs installed on the stock and magazine tube. The front swivel requires a ¼-28 thread adapter, which Chiappa sells for $19.99. I recommend the Blue Force Gear Vickers sling for optimal carry comfort.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Expect 7-10 business days via FedEx Ground with adult signature required. We ship within 24 hours of cleared background check, but state-specific waiting periods may add 2-3 days. All shipments include tracking and insurance up to $2000.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for mechanical defects, but must undergo inspection by our certified armorers. Cosmetic issues or user-induced damage aren't covered. We test fire every unit before shipping to ensure proper cycling with 1200 FPS loads.