Taylors & Company 1887 12 Gauge 22″ Barrel Case Hardened
Pros & cons
What works
- Authentic historical materials—forged steel receiver and American walnut stock meet SASS competition criteria
- True color case-hardened finish—a 3-stage heat treatment process not found on modern blued or Cerakoted firearms
- 22-inch barrel keeps overall length at 42.5 inches—maneuverable for cowboy action stages compared to longer 30-inch models
Trade-offs
- 2.75-inch chamber only—cannot fire modern 3-inch magnum shells, limiting shell selection for hunting or defense
- 9 lb weight is substantial—2.3 lbs heavier than many modern synthetic-stock pump shotguns, causing fatigue during extended matches
- No choke system—fixed cylinder bore pattern spreads quickly, ineffective for targets past 40 yards without specialized ammunition
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Taylors & Company 1887 12 Gauge 22" Barrel Case Hardened? It's a modern Italian-made faithful reproduction of John Browning's 1887 lever-action shotgun, chambered exclusively for standard 2.75" 12-gauge shells and maintaining the mechanical blueprint that predates modern pump and semi-auto designs. This isn't a Winchester original; it's a working tribute built by legacy manufacturer A. Uberti for Taylors & Company, intended for shooters who prioritize mechanical heritage and manual operation over tactical speed. The combination of a 22" plain barrel, steel receiver, and authentic color case-hardening on the frame places it firmly in the cowboy action and traditional hunting categories.
What is the Taylors & Company 1887 12 Gauge 22" Barrel used for?
Its primary use is Cowboy Action Shooting competition where manual action shotguns are required and period correctness (post-1865) is mandatory. The lever action cycles a single 2.75" shell in roughly 1.2 seconds from ported ready to ejection, making it distinctively slower than a modern pump like a Mossberg 500 but meeting SASS rulebooks. It's also a legitimate choice for upland game or pest control at ranges under 40 yards, where its cylinder bore pattern is effective, and the manual action ensures a deliberate, single-shot hunting discipline.
How does the Taylors & Company 1887 compare to a modern Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The 1887 is a historical replica for deliberate manual shooting, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is a modern sporting clays tool built for speed and reliability. The Stevens 555 offers a selective trigger for two consecutive shots, a 30" barrel for longer patterns, and chokes for versatility; it's objectively better for hunting flying game or clay sports. The 1887's lever action is a single-shot mechanism before reloading, making it slower but offering unmatched nostalgia and mechanical satisfaction for historical reenactors and specific competition formats.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The 1887 is a substantial firearm, weighing 9 lbs (4.08 kg) unloaded, with an overall length of 42.5 inches (108 cm) due to the 22-inch (55.9 cm) barrel and lever-action mechanism. The American walnut stock has a length of pull measuring 14.25 inches, and the lever throw requires a full 110-degree arc to chamber, extract, and eject a shell. This weight and length make it 2.3 lbs heavier and 7.5 inches shorter in overall length than the Stevens 334 rifle platform, giving it a distinct heft and balance point forward of the receiver.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is absolutely not for home defense, tactical training, or anyone seeking a rapid-fire platform. The lever-action mechanism requires consistent, forceful operation and can short-stroke if cycled timidly, leading to malfunctions under stress. It's also not for shooters who plan to use modern 3" magnum shells or steel shot; the chamber is spec'd for 2.75" shells only, and the plain barrel isn't rated for modern non-toxic shot pressures. If you need a versatile, multi-purpose shotgun for waterfowl, clays, or defense, look at a modern pump or semi-auto.
What's in the box?
You receive the firearm, a single swiveling saddle ring on the left side of the receiver (a period-correct feature for cavalry use), and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and Italian proof marks. Unlike most modern shotguns, there is no included choke set (it's a cylinder bore), no case, and no accessory rail—this is a pure, no-frills replica shipped in a cardboard box with minimal packaging to keep costs focused on the metal and wood construction.
Is the Taylors & Company 1887 worth it at $1,613.99?
At just over sixteen hundred dollars, it's a premium purchase justified only for specific historical or competitive applications. You're paying for authentic materials (forged steel, walnut), the intricate case-hardening process, and licensing from John Browning's original patents—not for modern performance. For comparison, a functional Turkish-made pump shotgun can be had for under $300, but lacks all heritage value. If your goal is SASS competition, historical collection, or mastering a unique manual action, this price reflects its niche authenticity. If you just want a shotgun that goes bang every time, spend the money on a Stevens 555 and ammunition.
Key attributes
| upc | 839665005811 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 220101 |
| action | Lever Action |
| barrel length | 22" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with modern 3-inch 12-gauge shells?
- No, the chamber is specifically cut for 2.75-inch (70mm) shells only. Firing a 3-inch shell will create a dangerous over-pressure condition and likely damage the firearm. Always verify shell length before loading.
- Does this shotgun accept screw-in choke tubes?
- No, it has a fixed cylinder bore with no threading for choke tubes. The muzzle measures 0.730 inches internally, producing a wide, open pattern best suited for close-range shots under 30 yards.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard processing is 2-3 business days before shipment, with ground transit averaging 5-7 business days to most continental US locations. You must provide your chosen FFL's license to us before the firearm ships.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns for mechanical function are handled through Taylors & Company's warranty service, not the retailer. You must first contact their support for a return authorization; expect a 10-14 day evaluation period before a repair or replacement is issued.
- Does this work with a standard shotgun sling?
- It has a single saddle ring only, not swivel studs. You'll need a specific leather saddle ring sling or an adapter from vendors like Buffalo Arms to attach a modern sling, adding $40-60 to your setup cost.