Cimarron 1887 Lever Shotgun 12 Gauge 26″ Walnut
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Expert review
About this product
The Cimarron 1887 Lever Shotgun 12 Gauge 26″ Walnut is a direct, hammer-fired reproduction of John Browning’s original design, chambered exclusively for modern 2¾-inch shells in a 12-gauge configuration. This lever-action shotgun requires manual, deliberate operation for each shot, a deliberate choice for shooters who favor mechanical engagement and a deliberate pace. The 26-inch barrel and American walnut field stock impose a specific handling rhythm, distinct from faster, softer-shooting modern autoloaders.
What is the Cimarron 1887 used for?
The Cimarron 1887 is used for deliberate, low-volume recreational or training shooting where process is as important as outcome. The primary application is range or field work for shooters who want to understand the direct, mechanical linkage of a lever-action shotgun—it is a training tool for manual-action discipline, not a high-volume competition or tactical gun. You will not cycle this shotgun quickly without deliberate practice, and it favors standard-pressure target or field loads over heavy magnums.
How does the Cimarron 1887 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Cimarron 1887 is mechanically simpler and more demanding to operate fast than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, which is a better choice for most clay sports. The Stevens 555 uses a break-action design that is inherently faster to reload for a second shot and typically has a more neutral balance for swing dynamics. The Cimarron’s lever requires a full, dedicated stroke to cycle which takes a practiced user about 1.2 seconds between shots, while the Stevens’s opening, ejection, and reload can be done in under 0.8 seconds by a competent shooter. The Stevens is better for actual skeet or trap; the Cimarron is better for deliberate, single-target engagement where you appreciate the mechanical theater of the action.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Cimarron 1887 weighs 7.42 pounds unloaded (3366 grams) and measures 42 inches in overall length. The 26-inch barrel (660 mm) and the 14.25-inch length of pull create a forward-heavy balance point approximately 5.5 inches ahead of the trigger guard. This weight distribution slows the swing but aids in follow-through, requiring the shooter to consciously pull the stock into the shoulder for consistent recoil management.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for shooters who prioritize speed, low recoil, or high-volume shooting. If your primary use is clay target games like skeet or sporting clays, a dedicated over/under like the Stevens 555 Sporting will be far more efficient and forgiving. It is also not for shooters who intend to use 3-inch magnum shells for hunting or defensive purposes—the chamber is limited to 2.75-inch shells and the action cycling heavy loads requires significant force, leading to potential short-stroking and jams.
What's in the box?
The shotgun ships in a single cardboard box with no included accessories. You receive the firearm itself, a wrapped trigger lock required for retail transfer, and the federally mandated safety manual—no cleaning kit, no sling swivels, and no choke tubes (the barrel is cylinder bore). The walnut stock and forend are fitted, and the bore is greased for storage; a full disassembly and cleaning is required before first firing to remove factory preservative from the action.
Is the Cimarron 1887 worth it at $637.99?
At $637.99, the Cimarron 1887 is worth the price only if you specifically want the experience of operating a lever-action shotgun for its own sake, not for its practical superiority. This is a niche firearm for collectors, historical reenactors, or shooters using it as a manual-action training aid. For the same budget, you could purchase a more practical, modern pump-action shotgun from a major manufacturer that would be more reliable, faster to operate, and accept a wider variety of ammunition. Its value is in its specific mechanical character, not its utility.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Hammer-fired, fully manual action provides direct tactile feedback and training value.
- 7.42 lb overall weight aids in steady hold and recoil management.
- 26-inch barrel and 42-inch OAL create a classic, forward-balanced handling dynamic.
Trade-offs
- Chamber restricted to 2.75-inch shells only – cannot fire modern 3-inch hunting loads.
- No swivel studs pre-installed, requiring aftermarket gunsmithing to mount a sling.
- Lever action requires significant force and practice to cycle quickly – not for speed shooting.
Key attributes
| upc | 844234239177 |
| manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | CL188726 |
| action | Lever Action |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 48.4000 |
Frequently asked questions
- Can this shotgun shoot 3-inch magnum shells?
- No, this shotgun is chambered exclusively for standard 2.75-inch (2¾-inch) shells. Introducing any 3-inch shell will create a dangerous out-of-battery condition and risk catastrophic failure. The chamber length is a fixed, physical dimension, not a recommendation.
- Does it have a threaded barrel for choke tubes?
- No, the 26-inch barrel is a fixed cylinder bore with no threading for choke tubes. This provides a consistent, wide pattern ideal for short-range use (under 25 yards) but limits its effectiveness for longer-range clay or bird shooting where tighter chokes are needed.
- Are sling swivel studs installed?
- No, the walnut field stock does not include pre-installed sling swivel studs. Adding a quality stud set, like those from Uncle Mike’s or GrovTec, will require drilling and tapping by a competent gunsmith, adding approximately $40-$60 to the total cost of the firearm.
- How long is the shipping and transfer process?
- Shipping to your licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer typically takes 5-7 business days from Ironclad Armory’s warehouse. The subsequent NICS background check and transfer at your local FFL is a separate process governed by your state’s laws and can add 1-3 business days.