87 question

[hhughh]

If this has already been addressed I duly apologize. Looked at an 87 repro in a shop last week. The hammer spur looks tiny. Was there some reason or mechanical need for this?  Anyone know Browning's thoughts when designing?  Just curious.
Hugh

[Pettifogger]

If you lever the gun you will notice the hammer goes down inside the receiver.  Not enough room in there for a larger hammer.

[hhughh]

Thanks p'fogger. Didnt get to play with it enough to notice that.

[Rolan_Kraps24084]

I love my 1887's.  I'm about as fast with them as I am with my SxS, but I'm not THAT fast with either.

I have an IAC worked over by Surly Dave, a Lassiter Chiappa, and have an Honest to God Winchester coming soon.

[Marshal Hangtree]

So, what are the other 86 questions? 

[Coffinmaker]

Necromancers!!!  Necromancers!!!  Run fer yer lives .... NECROMANCERS!!!!!

[Trailrider]

IMHO, the M1887 Winchester was NOT one of John Mose's better designs. He did it mainly because Winchester insisted on a lever action shotgun. (He wanted to sell them the design for the pump action that became the M1893/97.)  That small hammer spur can be a real hazard if you are trying to cock/decock the hammer. Just have to be careful and get a good grip. I have an original which I had the chamber long-throated so I can use 2-3/4" modern shells without creating excess pressure (use Low-Noise, Low-recoil ONLY).  I also have one that has the Coyote Caps two-shot mod. Frankly, I don't like either when only two shells are permitted. Might just as well load a sxs double, which I do mostly. If the SASS rules were modified to allow the magazine to be loaded full under the clock, and then get to levering, it would be worth it. Just MHO!

[Coffinmaker]

Iffin you'd skip that complicated crank handle thingie, and switch to a nice Hammer Double, that little nubbiest thingie wouldn't matter hey hey hey 

[Montana Slim]

 The small nubbin hammer design was probably chosen to cut down on discharge of the shotgun if dropped with a loaded chamber while sitting on 1/2 cock. If you have a round in the tube with it on 1/2 cock, the easiest way to go to full is to slightly lever the action & close it. Ready to shoot in an instant & works well even while wearing gloves.

I use my 87 for hunting as much as for cowboy. More style points when dropping varmints & carries up to 7 rounds.
Good workout carrying it, too  With finer sights would make a good slug shooter too. The large bead only works for me out to 50 yds.

BTW, NCOWS allows stoking magazines (on the clock) or not, your choice.


Slim

[litl rooster]

I have a Coyote Cap 87 also. Never shot it a lot and never thought of loading more than 2 rounds. I guess I never knew you could not.

Cowboy shooting I never loaded more than 2 in a 97. I loaded it up when I am shooting at wild dogs.

The triggers spurs on both models are not much.

[Baltimore Ed]

WASA also allows stoking on the clock. Not any faster but a lot more fun. Also have a '87 but hardly ever use it, prefer a pump [Marlin or Winchester].