Cimarron 1887 12 Ga, 2.75″ Chamber 20″ Barrel, Walnut Furniture, Black Rec, 5rd Cimarron Firearms

Cimarron 1887 12 Ga, 2.75″ Chamber 20″ Barrel, Walnut Furniture, Black Rec, 5rd Cimarron Firearms

A Lever-Action Shotgun Built for Tennessee’s Diverse Terrain

Whether you’re working a dove field in the Mississippi Delta or clearing brush on an East Tennessee hunting lease, the Cimarron 1887 12 Ga offers a reliable, time-tested action that handles the demands of the field. This lever-action shotgun, chambered for 2.75″ shells with a 20-inch barrel, provides a compact profile that maneuvers well in thick cover while maintaining the capacity for follow-up shots. For Tennessee shooters who value a classic action paired with modern functionality, this model from Cimarron Firearms delivers consistent performance without unnecessary complexity.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The Cimarron 1887 is a reproduction of the classic Winchester 1887 lever-action shotgun, updated with a 20-inch barrel and a 5-round capacity. It is designed for shooters who appreciate the manual cycling of a lever action—offering a deliberate, controlled shooting experience. This shotgun suits target shooters who enjoy the rhythm of lever-action shooting at the range, hunters pursuing upland birds or small game in Tennessee’s varied habitats, and collectors who value historically inspired firearms with modern manufacturing standards. It is not intended for high-volume tactical applications but rather for those who want a dependable, straightforward shotgun for recreational and practical use.

Key Specifications Breakdown

• Caliber/Gauge: 12 Gauge (2.75″ chamber)
• Capacity: 5 rounds (4 in the magazine tube, 1 in the chamber)
• Barrel Length: 20 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 39 inches
• Weight: Around 7.5 to 8 pounds (varies slightly by production batch)
• Finish: Black receiver with case-hardened color accents on the lever and hammer
• Stock: Walnut furniture with a satin finish
• Sights: Bead front sight; no rear sight
• Action: Lever-action, hammer-fired
• Choke: Fixed cylinder bore (standard for this barrel length)
• Safety: Half-cock hammer notch (manual hammer safety)

Feature Deep-Dive

The lever-action mechanism on the Cimarron 1887 is a direct descendant of John Browning’s original design, offering smooth cycling once the action is properly broken in. The 20-inch barrel keeps the overall length manageable for use in tight spaces, such as a deer blind or a turkey setup in the Tennessee woods. The walnut furniture is fitted with a straight-grip stock and a forend that provides a solid purchase for cycling the lever quickly. The satin walnut finish is durable enough to withstand regular handling and light weather exposure, though it benefits from occasional oiling to maintain its appearance.

The black receiver is made from steel and features a subdued matte finish that reduces glare in bright conditions. This finish resists light scratches and corrosion better than polished bluing, making it a practical choice for field use. The case-hardened lever and hammer add a touch of traditional aesthetics without compromising durability. The receiver is drilled and tapped for a tang-mounted rear sight or a scope base, though the factory configuration uses only a bead front sight. This setup is adequate for close to medium-range shooting, typical for shotgun use in hunting or casual target work.

The 5-round capacity (4+1) allows for multiple shots before reloading, which is useful for dove hunting or when you need a quick follow-up on moving targets. The magazine tube is loaded through a port on the bottom of the receiver, similar to traditional lever-action shotguns. Reloading requires cycling the lever to chamber each round, which is slower than a semi-auto but offers a more deliberate shooting cadence. The fixed cylinder bore choke provides a wide pattern at typical shotgun distances, making it suitable for shots under 40 yards.

The hammer-fired design includes a half-cock notch that acts as a manual safety. To carry the shotgun safely, you lower the hammer to the half-cock position, which prevents the firing pin from contacting the primer. This is a traditional safety method that requires user awareness—there is no cross-bolt or tang safety. The lever itself also serves as a loading gate cover, and the action must be cycled fully to chamber a round reliably. Over time, the action smooths out with use, and some owners choose to have a gunsmith polish the internals for an even slicker cycle.

The walnut stock features a hard rubber buttplate, which provides a modest amount of recoil absorption. For a 12-gauge shotgun weighing around 7.5 pounds, recoil is noticeable with heavy field loads, but the stock’s shape and the lever action’s manual cycling help manage it. The forend is slim enough to allow a natural grip, and the lever loop is standard size—not oversized for gloved hands, though it works fine with thin gloves. The overall fit and finish are consistent with Cimarron’s reputation for offering well-made reproductions of classic firearms at a reasonable price point.

This shotgun is not designed for high-volume shooting with steel shot, as the fixed cylinder bore may not be ideal for non-toxic shot in all applications. However, it handles lead shot loads (target loads, birdshot, and buckshot) without issue. The 2.75″ chamber means it cannot accept 3″ magnum shells, which keeps the action compact and the weight manageable. For Tennessee hunters who use standard 2.75″ shells for dove, quail, or rabbit hunting, this limitation is rarely a problem.

Ideal Use Cases

• Upland Bird Hunting: The 20-inch barrel and lever action make this shotgun easy to carry through brush and quick to shoulder for flushing birds. It works well for dove, quail, and grouse in Tennessee’s fields and woodlots.
• Small Game Hunting: For rabbits and squirrels, the cylinder bore choke provides an adequate pattern at typical small game distances. The 5-round capacity allows for follow-up shots on moving targets.
• Range Shooting: The lever action offers a fun, engaging shooting experience for recreational target practice with birdshot or light field loads. It’s a good choice for shooters who want to practice manual-action cycling.
• Collector Display: As a reproduction of a classic Winchester 1887, this shotgun appeals to collectors who value historical firearms. The walnut and case-hardened accents add visual interest to a gun cabinet or safe.
• Home Defense (Limited): While not a primary home defense shotgun due to its manual action and fixed choke, it can serve in that role with appropriate buckshot loads. The 20-inch barrel is short enough for indoor maneuverability, but the lever action requires deliberate cycling.

Compatibility Notes

• Ammunition: This shotgun is designed for 2.75″ 12-gauge shells. It cycles best with standard-pressure target loads and field loads. High-brass hunting loads may require a break-in period for reliable cycling. Avoid 3″ magnum shells—they will not fit the chamber. Steel shot is not recommended due to the fixed cylinder bore and potential for barrel wear; use bismuth or tungsten-based non-toxic shot if required.
• Holsters: Not applicable for a long gun. For transport, consider a soft or hard shotgun case designed for 20-inch barrel shotguns.
• Magazines & Accessories: No detachable magazines are available for this model. The magazine tube is fixed. Aftermarket accessories are limited; you can find replacement stocks, forends, and tang sights from specialty suppliers. A leather sling can be added using a barrel band sling mount and a stock-mounted swivel stud.
• Compatible Parts: Some internal parts (like springs and screws) are interchangeable with original Winchester 1887 parts or aftermarket reproductions. The barrel is not easily interchangeable due to the fixed cylinder choke. The receiver is drilled for a tang sight, which can be installed by a gunsmith.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does shipping to Tennessee work for this shotgun?
We ship to all Tennessee addresses where firearm ownership is legal. This shotgun ships to your chosen FFL dealer in Tennessee. We require a signed copy of the receiving FFL’s license on file before shipment. Standard shipping rates apply, and we typically ship within 2 business days of order confirmation. You will receive tracking information once the order ships.

2. What is the FFL transfer process for Tennessee buyers?
If you are a Tennessee resident, you select a local FFL dealer to receive the firearm. We send the shotgun to that dealer, who will then process the federal and state background check (Tennessee uses the FBI’s NICS system). You must present a valid Tennessee driver’s license or state ID at pickup. The dealer may charge a transfer fee, which is separate from our purchase price. We verify the receiving FFL’s license before shipping.

3. What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun?
This Cimarron 1887 is chambered for 2.75″ 12-gauge shells only. It functions reliably with standard target loads (1 1/8 oz birdshot at 1145 fps) and field loads (2 3/4 dram equivalent). For hunting, use lead shot in non-toxic shot zones; if you need non-toxic shot, choose bismuth or tungsten loads. Avoid high-velocity steel shot, as it can damage the fixed cylinder bore over time. Do not use 3″ magnum shells—they will not chamber.

4. What warranty does Cimarron Firearms provide?
Cimarron Firearms offers a one-year limited warranty on manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. This covers issues like action binding, receiver cracks, or stock defects that arise from normal use. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, improper ammunition, or modifications. If you experience a defect, contact our customer service for a return authorization. We will coordinate with Cimarron for repair or replacement at their discretion.

5. What is the return policy for this shotgun?
Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery for unused, unfired firearms in original packaging. The shotgun must be returned to us with all included accessories. A 15% restocking fee applies. Firearms that have been fired or show signs of use cannot be returned due to safety and legal reasons. If the product arrives damaged or defective, contact us immediately for a replacement or refund. Return shipping is the buyer’s responsibility unless the item is defective.

Order with Confidence for Tennessee Delivery

This Cimarron 1887 12 Ga lever-action shotgun is available now and ships to your Tennessee FFL dealer from our inventory. We