Cimarron 1887 Terminator 12 Gauge 20 inch Lever Shotgun
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.42 lb – manageable for extended shooting sessions
- 20-inch barrel provides compact handling in tight spaces
- Authentic blued finish resists corrosion better than modern coatings
- 5+1 capacity matches original 1887 specifications exactly
Trade-offs
- No choke tubes – fixed cylinder pattern limits versatility
- Lever throw requires 6.5 inches of clearance – tight for some shooters
- 2.75-inch chamber only – cannot use modern 3-inch shells
- Walnut stock lacks modern ergonomic contours – traditional straight grip only
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Cimarron 1887 Terminator is a modern reproduction of the classic lever-action shotgun chambered in 12 gauge with a 20-inch barrel. This firearm maintains exceptional historical accuracy while providing straightforward mechanical function for collectors and recreational shooters. Built with a fixed walnut field stock and traditional blued finish, it captures the handling characteristics of late-19th-century firearms without modern compromises.
What is the Cimarron 1887 Terminator used for?
The 1887 Terminator serves primarily as a historical shooter and collector's piece for enthusiasts of Western firearms. Its 20-inch barrel and 7.42-pound weight make it manageable for range use, while the lever-action mechanism provides a distinctive alternative to pump-action shotguns. This firearm excels in cowboy action shooting scenarios where period-correct firearms are required.
How does the Cimarron 1887 Terminator compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The 1887 Terminator offers historical authenticity where the Stevens 555 provides modern sporting functionality. The Stevens 555 features interchangeable choke tubes and a 3-inch chamber, making it superior for clay shooting and hunting applications. However, for historical reenactment or cowboy action competition, the 1887's lever-action mechanism and period-correct design cannot be matched by modern over-under designs.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.42 pounds with an overall length of 40.5 inches due to its 20-inch barrel. The walnut stock measures 14 inches from butt to trigger, accommodating most adult shooters comfortably. The lever throw requires 6.5 inches of clearance for full cycling, which is tighter than many modern lever actions.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for hunters needing modern choke tubes or 3-inch magnum shells. The fixed cylinder choke pattern limits effective range to approximately 25 yards with standard birdshot. Competition shooters requiring rapid follow-up shots may find the lever-action slower than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U for clay target games.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, one 5-round magazine tube, and basic owner's documentation. No choke tubes or additional accessories are provided due to the historical design. The firearm arrives with a standard 1-inch thick rubber recoil pad already installed on the walnut stock.
Is the Cimarron 1887 Terminator worth it at $608.99?
At $608.99, this represents solid value for collectors seeking an authentic 1887 reproduction. Compared to custom-built period shotguns costing over $1,200, the Cimarron offers 85% of the authenticity at half the price. For historical shooting enthusiasts, this is one of the most affordable ways to own a functional lever-action shotgun.
Key attributes
| upc | 814230101488 |
| manufacturer | Cimarron Firearms |
| manufacturer part number | CL1887-20 |
| action | Lever Action |
| barrel length | 20 |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 48.6000 |
| shipping weight | 9.1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this accept 3-inch magnum shells?
- No, the chamber is specifically designed for 2.75-inch shells only. Attempting to fire 3-inch shells will cause dangerous pressure spikes and potential damage. Always verify shell length before loading.
- Can I mount optics or a rail?
- The receiver lacks pre-drilled mounting points for optics due to historical accuracy. Aftermarket solutions require gunsmith installation and may compromise the firearm's collector value. The factory design accommodates iron sights only.
- How many rounds does it hold?
- The magazine tube holds 5 rounds of 2.75-inch shells plus one in the chamber for a 6-round total capacity. Loading requires inserting shells directly into the tube through the receiver opening.
- What's the shipping timeframe?
- Firearms ship within 3-5 business days after FFL verification completes. All shipments require signature confirmation and transfer through a licensed dealer. Ironclad Armory uses FedEx 2-Day shipping for all firearm deliveries.