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65
PRESS REVIEW
the frame, and the rise of the comb, which
is 0.75 of an inch higher on Chiappa
production models. The deluxe Turnbull
stocks also have a higher comb but it is
more rounded and slightly lower.
The change in height was to make
the reproductions easier to shoulder in
competition and a bit more “user friendly”
to one’s face. Although the difference is
startling at first (assuming one has an
original for comparison), the higher stock
proves itself in use.
The Chiappa 1887 shoulders easily
and the high comb provides a solid cheek
rest. Mechanically it handles just about
anything you feed it. Our test gun was also
equipped with a fast-load system (used for
SASS competition). With a shell already
chambered, the fast-load allows a second
to be staged on the lifter without pushing
it forward into the magazine.
When the lever is closed the loaded
round can be fired with the second shell
already waiting on the lifter when the
action is cycled. Our test ammo was Ten-X
12 gauge with 1-ounce No. 7-1/2 shot.
Fired from the shoulder at 50 feet on a
B-27 silhouette, the shot printed 85% of
the upper torso.
Dropping point of aim to dead
center, the second shot printed 95 percent
in the torso with approximately 75 percent
filling the central body mass from the X
to the 8 rings.
We concluded with 1-1/2 ounce
Sellier & Bellot 00 buckshot. This put
five 00 pellets in the upper 9 and 8 rings
dead center of aim (upper body mass), 6
pellets just below the shoulder blades in
the arc of the 7 ring, and one in the neck.
Needless to say, once warned by an 1887
few outlaws would have stood their ground
against a Winchester lever action shotgun
or the man holding it.
The Chiappa functioned with no
loading or ejection problems and delivered
consistent accuracy. Trigger-pull on or
test gun averaged 6 pounds, making it as
easy to fire as it is to load. The folks at
ArmiSport Chiappa have done a credible
job of making a lever gun worthy of its
Winchester ancestry.
How many different ways are there
to make a copy of the venerable “New
Model Army Metallic Cartridge Revolving
Pistol?”
While that doesn’t exactly roll off the
tongue, it’s the original factory designation
for the Colt’s Model 1873.
Shortly after its introduction
the name was popularly shortened to
Peacemaker or Frontier Six-Shooter; the
military used the contraction SAA. No
matter what the name, the 1873 was
destined to become the most successful
and longest-lived revolver ever produced
by Colt, and the most replicated cartridge
firing western gun in the world.
So how many different ways are
there to copy and modify the original
design? We’re not sure, but Taylor’s &
Company, working in cooperation with
armsmaker A. Uberti in Italy, has found
one very novel combination.
How authentic is the Chiappa Model 1887?
The gun at the top is an original Winchester.
The most immediate difference is the slightly
higher comb on the Chiappa. Like the original
Browning design, the lever and trigger prevent
a discharge before the lever is fully closed.
And of course, the Chiappa models can easily
handle either black powder or smokeless
shells.
RUNNIN’ IRON DETAILS
The new six-shooter called the
Runnin’ Iron has been specifically tailored
for Cowboy Mounted Shooting and SASS
competition. One look and the differences
in the design become evident.
The new models capitalize on
features first introduced by Taylor’s with
the Smoke Wagon, including 0.040 (40
thousandths) wider front and rear sights,
a finely honed action and light trigger pull,
and tapered, finely checkered walnut grips.
The most recognizable and unique feature
of the Runnin’ Iron is its wide, almost
horizontal hammer design. Though similar
to a Bisley hammer, this is a heavier, wider
contour which better complements the
SAA style grips.
The Bisley’s hammer and humpback
grip and backstrap was designed more for
target shooting and did not easily lend
itself to quick work, whereas the gracefully
angled hammer geometry of the Runnin’
Iron changes the entire cocking motion
into a more fluid, linear movement
that, combined with the tuned action,
substantially reduces the effort.
Taylor’s shipped us two samples, one
with a 5.5-inch barrel, blued finish and
color cased frame and hammer, the other
in polished stainless with 4.75-inch barrel.
Both exhibited fine fit and finish,
soft almost muted case colors on the 5.5-
inch and a brilliant polish on the stainless
model. Both guns were chambered for .45
Colt. The “Runnin’ Iron” is also available
in .38 Special/.357 Mag, and with a short,
3.5 inch barrel, the latter fitted with black
polymer grips rather than walnut.
With the Runnin’ Iron’s finely tuned
action we measured both the amount of
effort required to cock the hammer as well
as the trigger pull. Cocking the hammer
required an average of 4.8 pounds as
compared to a standard production Uberti
SAA, which averages 7.8 pounds.
The trigger pull on an Uberti
Cattleman averages 2.5 pounds while the
tuned action of the Runnin’ Iron dropped
the hammer at 2 pounds average.
Dollar for dollar this is the smoothest
out of the box action we have ever tested.
1887 RANGE TIME