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Fully Functional Miniature Weapon Models Crafted with Exceptional Quality and a Lifetime Service Guarantee
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Let’s Compare with W.POLAH: The Terminator’s Icon vs. The Marshal’s Tool
I’ve come up with a new section for my blog, code‑named “Let’s Compare”. And today we’re already comparing two shotguns whose miniatures are part of my collection: the Winchester 1887 shotgun vs the Wilson WP870.
Although both shotguns are effective at close range and can be used in confined spaces, there are plenty of differences, both in their full‑size versions and in the miniatures I create.
Introduction to the Heroes: Two Centuries, Two Characters
Of course, every firearm is a product of its time. The Winchester 1887 was created in the 19th century as a universal weapon designed to meet the diverse needs of people living in the Wild West: for self‑defense while traveling, working cattle, or living on a ranch; for protection against both bandits and wild animals; and for hunting small game.
Every firearm is an unmistakable product of its era. While both the Winchester 1887 and the Wilson WP870 excel at close range and were designed for operation in confined spaces, they represent two very different worlds.
The Winchester 1887: Frontier Versatility. Born in the 19th century, this shotgun was the “universal tool” of the Wild West. It was built to handle the chaotic variety of frontier life: protecting travelers, guarding cattle, and defending ranches against both outlaws and wild predators. Whether it was hunting small game or providing self-defense on a lonely trail, the Winchester was a survival essential.
The Wilson WP870: Urban Specialist. Emerging in the 20th century, the Wilson WP870 is a specialized evolution of the Remington 870. It was engineered for a different kind of “wild” environment—dense urban settings and tight indoor quarters. Its designation, “WP870,” stands for Witness Protection, a nod to its specialized service with the U.S. Marshals Service.
Though they share a common purpose, the differences between these two are vast, reflecting a historical shift from the open range to modern tactical environments. These distinctions are just as evident in the miniatures I create as they are in the full-scale originals.
Wilson WP870: The Modern Sentinel
The Wilson WP870 is a definitive product of the 20th century. It is essentially a modified version of the legendary Remington 870, specifically adapted to meet the rigorous demands of special units operating in dense urban environments and tight indoor spaces.
The model’s name—WP870—stands for Witness Protection. This designation is a direct reference to its specialized use by the U.S. Marshals Service, where its compact design and reliability were paramount for high-stakes protection details.
Interestingly, the timeline in my workshop followed its own path. While the Winchester 1887 predates the Wilson in history, I actually created the Wilson WP870 miniature first. Only after perfecting this modern tactical piece did I turn my attention to the classic Winchester shotgun.
The Engineering Duel of Lever vs. Pump
The most striking distinction between these two models lies within their internal architecture. Despite their shared purpose as shotguns, the way they cycle rounds reflects a fascinating period of transition in firearm design.
The story of the Winchester 1887 is one of creative compromise. The legendary designer John Browning—a name well-known to firearm enthusiasts—originally advocated for a pump-action system, believing it was better suited for a repeating shotgun. However, the Winchester Repeating Arms Company was determined to protect its brand identity.
The Result: The 1887 was ultimately built with the company’s signature lever-action mechanism.
The Iconography: This lever-action design eventually became a cinematic hallmark, defining the look of the weapon in modern pop culture.
In contrast, the Wilson WP870 is built upon a modern pump-action system. By the time this model was developed, the pump-action had proven itself as the superior mechanism for speed, reliability, and ease of use in high-pressure tactical environments.
In my workshop, the goal was to recreate both mechanisms as accurately as possible. Despite the drastically reduced scale, I focused on preserving the core experience—ensuring that the loading and firing sequences remain simple and satisfying for the collector.
A Comparison of Scales and Calibers
By the way, speaking of size. I designed the Wilson in the popular 1:6 scale for a 2mm cartridge. The Winchester shotgun, however, I made later, when a 3mm cartridge appeared in the W.POLAH arsenal. I wanted to meet the needs of my regular clients, so I created the Winchester shotgun for the larger cartridge, which resulted in a 1:4 scale. In terms of length, the difference between these two shotguns ended up being about 1 inch.
As for the mood – choose whatever feels right for you in this moment. With the Wilson WP870, you can slip into the role of a modern special‑operations agent. Or you can lean into historical associations and imagine yourself as a cowboy or even a hero straight out of a ’90s action movie. After all, the Winchester shotgun became a true cinematic icon after its spectacular scenes in Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
Winchester 1887 (scale 1:4) Terminator Shotgun
The miniature shotguns are in stock and available for order. In addition to the standard version, custom upgrades are also possible: for example, adding an enlarged Henry loop. This detail makes the miniature even more expressive and rare – a piece modeled after firearms specially modified for greater on‑screen impact.
About the Author
My name is Olha Polah, and I have been working in miniature weapons production since 2015. I started the mini firearms brand and have been running the brand’s Instagram page since 2016. The brand’s miniatures are popular worldwide, with fans in 25+ countries. I became the sole owner of the brand in 2018 and created a comprehensive line of miniatures. More than 60 models of miniature weapons from various historical periods have been created. In November 2023, I was interviewed by Robert Dunn for the GunTech magazine, where I talked about the hardships I had to endure in my business. I also run a newsletter for the brand’s customers, which has evolved into a full-fledged magazine with in-depth articles published on the wpolah.com.
My mission is to make people’s lives more joyful by sharing interesting facts about miniature weapons and inspiring everyone to express themselves.