But let’s be real here, this is all for fun. Firing rapid second or third shots is a challenge. The Winchester is somewhat ungainly compared to the svelte side-by-sides, but with its lever action mechanism is unique to large bore shotguns. Unlike the other doubles, it has a steel barrel. My last scattergun is a second-year production Winchester Model 1887 lever gun with 30-inch barrel. This one is not mine, but was graciously loaned for this article by shotgunner extraordinaire Vincent Salvia of Bozeman, Montana. These rare guns were purely utilitarian and examples in any condition are almost nonexistent. It weighs a wispy 6¾ pounds and recoils fiercely. The side-hammer single barrel gun (shown in the accompanying photo) was made by Forehand and Wadsworth in Worchester, Massachusetts, who operated between 18. The latter Remington is relatively light and recoils briskly. I also shoot a fine Remington Model 1889 double hammer gun with 28-inch barrels made early in production along with another early production Remington Model 1894 hammerless double. This one, with 30-inch barrels, weighs nearly 9 pounds and because of this substantial weight, soaks up recoil wonderfully. A favorite gun is a fairly heavy Colt Model 1878 hammer double that according to the Colt archival letter, was shipped in early 1879 to a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, dealer. Here’s a rundown on the shotguns I shoot. Replicas of this model are also available. Winchester did offer twist and Damascus barrels for this model, usually only in the higher grades, but they are rarely encountered today. At a higher price tag, the classic Winchester Model 1887 lever guns almost all have steel barrels. Smiths come to mind as well as quality doubles by other makers. Prewar, field grade Ithacas, Fox Sterlingworths and L. If you like the idea of shooting a vintage shotgun instead of a modern piece or replica, there are lots of good, steel barrel doubles on the market that will not break the bank. There are a number of good hammer and hammerless double guns to shoot whose barrels are made of “fluid” or solid steel. With that said, if you don’t want to shoot Damascus barrels, it’s not a problem. They are best quality guns made by known makers.