Chiappa 1887 and Taylor's Runnin' Iron: Cowboy Guns Tested

The short version: Dennis Adler tests two cowboy-action reproductions: Chiappa's copy of the Winchester Model 1887 lever-action shotgun and Taylor's Uberti-built Runnin' Iron .45 Colt revolver. Both are made to be shot, not just collected.

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Browning's 1887 was the first lever-action repeating shotgun to succeed. With one shell in the chamber and five in the tube, it held six. Chiappa's version comes close to the original. Adler says the only obvious external changes are that there's no Winchester logo and the comb sits about 0.75 inch higher, which helps with shouldering and cheek weld in competition. His test gun had a SASS-style fast-load setup. It ran without feeding or ejection trouble, its trigger averaged 6 pounds, and it put most of its birdshot and buckshot patterns into the torso of a B-27 target at 50 feet.

Taylor's built the Runnin' Iron with Uberti for Cowboy Mounted Shooting and SASS matches. It keeps the extra-wide sights, tuned action and light trigger from Taylor's Smoke Wagon. The key change is a wide, nearly flat hammer, similar to a Bisley but heavier. Adler says it makes the gun noticeably easier and smoother to cock.

If you shoot cowboy action, or are thinking about starting, these two give you the classic look and are built for match use. You don't have to pay collector prices for originals.

Key specs

• Chiappa Model 1887: lever-action shotgun, 22" Guard Gun and 28" Sporting Gun versions; Turnbull deluxe edition with hand-selected walnut and case-colored metal
• Chiappa sights: brass bead front, notch in the receiver at the rear
• Chiappa test results: 6 lb average trigger pull; tested with Ten-X 1 oz No. 7½ shot and Sellier & Bellot 1½ oz 00 buckshot; no malfunctions reported
• Taylor's Runnin' Iron: .45 Colt single-action revolver built with Uberti
• Runnin' Iron features: sights 0.040" wider than standard, honed action, light trigger, wide Bisley-style hammer, checkered walnut grips
• Runnin' Iron test samples: 5.5" blued with case-hardened frame and hammer; 4.75" polished stainless

Summary by GunWinner based on reporting by Athlon Outdoors. Deal links are affiliate links; GunWinner may earn a commission. Prices change quickly, so confirm at checkout.