IMHO, the M1887 Winchester was NOT one of John Mose's better designs. He did it mainly because Winchester insisted on a lever action shotgun. (He wanted to sell them the design for the pump action that became the M1893/97.) That small hammer spur can be a real hazard if you are trying to cock/decock the hammer. Just have to be careful and get a good grip. I have an original which I had the chamber long-throated so I can use 2-3/4" modern shells without creating excess pressure (use Low-Noise, Low-recoil ONLY). I also have one that has the Coyote Caps two-shot mod. Frankly, I don't like either when only two shells are permitted. Might just as well load a sxs double, which I do mostly. If the SASS rules were modified to allow the magazine to be loaded full under the clock, and then get to levering, it would be worth it. Just MHO!