Upgrading Chiappa’s Bootleg 12-Gauge Lever-Action Shotgun

By Dennis Adler

The Winchester Model 1887 lever-action shotgun was very popular in the late 19th and early 20th century, both as a hunting arm and as a fearsome weapon in the hands of lawmen. Fully loaded, the Winchester had the capacity of a six-shooter and, in a practiced hand, nearly the speed. Winchester 1887s with various barrel and stock lengths were carried by lawmen and outlaws alike into the early 20th century.

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More than 125 years after Winchester introduced the Model 1887, Chiappa introduced a striking copy of it. Among the latest Chiappa variations is a sawed-off “Bootleg” 12 gauge with an 18.5-inch barrel and a pistol grip. It is available from Taylor’s & Co. Firearms in three versions: the Deluxe, with a color-casehardened receiver and lever, a blued barrel and a walnut stock; an all-blued model with a wooden stock; and the more contemporary T-Series, which features a matte black finish and “Soft Touch” rubber on the pistol-grip stock.

Since there is no shoulder stock to support the gun, the Bootleg is best fired offhand at close range. The support hand has a big job here, as this 27.5-inch-long 12 …Read the Rest

Source:: Tactical Life