Ok, so I just inherited a Winchester 1887 that was my Great Grandfather's. It was in the possession of my uncle who presented to me this weekend. Because it was used many years ago with black powder shells there is some pitting in the bore. I would like to use it occasionally with low pressure shells but would like to clean up the bore a few thousandths to make it easier to keep clean. Haven't measured wall thickness but these barrels are pretty thick
It was reblued by my uncle nearly 50 yrs ago so exterior in good shape although not original, stock is excellent. Thoughts? .

Probably not necessary but do it if you want. It will clean easier if you do.

You could continue with bp loads. It's the old primers that were responsible for the lion's share of the corrosion. BP cleans really easy with just water - you just have to do it.

Got pics?

Drive it over to Darlington, to Darlington Gun Works, and have Jim Kelly's nephew measure the wall thickness, and give you an opinion on whether or not it will be safe to hone the pits. If the barrel wall thickness is as you say he can likely clean it up for little cash outlay. And, you'll have an informed opinion on the overall soundness of the gun.

Congratulations on inheriting your G Grandfather's gun!

Thanks Stan. Been by that shop on the way to the beach but never stopped.

Will try and get pics up tomorrow. Only remember seeing these at gun shows but never handled one. They really are a smooth action.

two 16s,
You are lucky to have your great-grandfather's gun, I know where mine is, but it is out of reach. Have you considered using low pressure NFB loads with modern wads, which would negate need to hone the bore.
Mike

Der Ami,
Will for sure be using low pressure loads as these 1887's were designed for black powder. The later model 1901 design was modified for smokeless shells. One of the treasures that came with this shotgun was a note my great- grandfather had wrote to my grandfather in Jan 1940 when he sent him the shotgun. In the note he made mention of the black powder shells it liked even listing the shot sizes that patterned well. The note was placed behind the butt plate where it currently resides. I really hate looking down the bore at the pits and I light ream would really make it easy to clean and maintain. Pits can hide things an otherwise smooth bore would not. For the record it has 30" barrels that measure around 0.710" at choke so I guess modified. I believe chamber length is 2 5/8" but not confirmed yet.

I would aggressively clean it with brushes and solvent before I even thought of reaming the bore. Go for it.

two16s,
The gun is yours; you get to do what you think is best.
Mike

One caveat - what you do cannot be undone, but could be always done later.
Think on it.

I guess there is some point of rarity where the decision would be not to bore, but the whole originality thing I never bought on this common question. Which is more desireable, original barrels with pits, discoloration, fouling and marks, or a useable gun with smooth safe barrels that are easy to clean, shoot better and look presentable but have been bored or honed out a few thousanths of an inch in diameter? I know what my answer would be and what I have observed on the impact to market price on several hundred auctions I have tracked over the last several years. If it will be safe, I will clean them up every time unless the gun is so low valued you can't justify the investment. In that case you should the gun as is and put up with the cleaning.