TFB Review: Cimarron 1887 Lever Action Terminator Shotgun

With 2024 certainly being the year of the lever-action rifle, it only seems natural this trend will keep on trucking into 2025. While many of the big brands are releasing all kinds of updated or completely new lever-action rifles and pistols, there is still somehow a corner of this market the gun industry seems reluctant to slap m-lock rails and red dots on and promote. I’m of course talking about the Lever Action Shotgun.

Of course, there have been a few companies that have started up production recently on the lever-action 12 gauge shotguns like Chiappa, Taylors & Co, and Century Arms but let me introduce you to one of the newest ones. The Cimarron 1887 Lever Action Terminator® Shotgun. Like the name implies, this shotgun takes its inspiration from the iconic 1991 Action/Science Fiction Blockbuster that is Terminator 2 : Judgment Day. The people at Cimarron are known for their movie-themed reproductions of many classic firearms but most of them hail from the classic Westerns from the 1960s to the 1990s. When I was browsing their website one day I noticed this little anomaly and thought it could make for an interesting review.

Cimarron Firearms was established in 1984 by Mike Harvey in Fredericksburg, Texas, and provides authentic replicas of historical firearms from the American Old West. The company has carved a niche in the firearm industry by replicating the design and functionality of classic guns used during the 19th century. Over the years, the company has imported many classical reproductions from leading Italian manufacturers like Uberti and Pietta to produce a wide range of iconic firearms, including the Colt Single Action Army and the Winchester 1873. One thing I love about their site is that they will often tell you what iconic film characters have wielded the firearms on the silver screen. If you would like to hear more on Cimarron and their connection to Italy I recommend watching this video here.

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Cimarron 1887 Lever Action Terminator® Shotgun was provided to me by Cimarron and will be returned to them after the conclusion of this review. This will not change my opinion on any of Cimarron’s current or future products. Almost all of the ammo for this review was provided by Remington so as always, a big thank you to all of the guys over there for making that happen!

Specs - Cimarron 1887 Lever Action Terminator Shotgun

Caliber: 12 gauge

Barrel Length: 20 inches

Capacity: 5 rounds

Action: Lever-action

Stock: Walnut

Finish: Blued

Overall Length: Approximately 38 inches

Weight: Approximately 8 pounds

MSRP: $650.00

Review - Cimarron 1887 Lever Action Terminator Shotgun

First off, let’s talk about the sheer appeal of lever-action shotguns. There’s something inherently satisfying about working a lever to chamber a fresh shell that modern pump and semi-auto shotguns just don’t replicate. The Cimarron 1887 not only gives you that mechanical joy but does so with a touch of Old West flair. It’s a design that brings you back to the days of frontier lawmen and outlaws, yet it also holds a special place in pop culture thanks to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic one-handed flip-cocking scene. While I wouldn’t recommend trying that unless you have a death wish for your fingers (or the wide-lever loop Arnie had), just knowing that you’re handling a piece of cinematic history makes the experience even more enjoyable in my opinion.

The shotgun sports a walnut stock and a blued finish that give it an authentic, old-school aesthetic. The build quality feels solid, and while some reproductions can feel cheap or poorly finished, Cimarron has done an excellent job in maintaining quality control standards. I do wish I had an original Winchester 1887 to compare it to but unfortunately I was not able to acquire one for this review. The original of course was designed by the legendary John Moses Browning at the request of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, the result was a truly unique firearm. The weight, at around eight pounds, gives it a substantial feel without being too unwieldy, making it a great companion for both range fun or even hunting birds.

Shooting the Cimarron 1887 is where the real fun begins. The 20-inch barrel gives it a nice balance between maneuverability and accuracy. Despite being a lever-action, it doesn’t feel cumbersome at all. The action is smooth, though I will admit it needed a bit of breaking in at first. The first few cycles felt a little off, but after putting a couple of boxes of shells through it, the mechanism loosened up nicely. This is typical for lever guns, and honestly, part of the charm. The more you shoot it, the better it gets.

12-gauge packs a solid punch, and with the right loads, you can really feel the power. I ran everything from birdshot to 00 buck, and the Cimarron 1887 handled it all with ease. The recoil is manageable, though, like any shotgun, it has some kick, especially with heavier loads - but that’s part of the fun! It gives you that real, visceral experience that reminds you why shooting sports are so enjoyable in the first place.

Of course, no firearm is without its quirks, and the Cimarron 1887 has a couple. The loading process takes some getting used to. Unlike modern shotguns where you can just slap shells into a tubular magazine, this one requires a more deliberate approach. You have to push the shells up into the receiver carefully, and if you’re not used to it, it can feel a bit awkward at first. Additionally, because it’s a reproduction of a classic design, it lacks some of the modern conveniences we come to expect on modern firearms. But honestly, if you’re buying a gun like this, it’s not because you want modern convenience. It’s because you love the historical aspect and the fun of operating a lever-action shotgun, or you're just a hipster.

Another point to consider is that this shotgun, like the original 1887, is not the best option for rapid-fire situations. While you can run it fairly quickly with practice, it’s never going to be as fast as a pump or semi-auto in a high-stress scenario.

Beyond practical applications, the Cimarron 1887 is just a blast to shoot. Taking it to the range always draws attention. People are curious about it, and many recognize it from the movies. It’s a conversation starter, and I’ve had plenty of fellow shooters ask to try it out. The reactions are always the same—big smiles and impressed nods. It’s a gun that brings people together through shared enthusiasm for unique firearms.

For those who love cowboy action shooting, this shotgun is a must-have. It fits right into the aesthetic and function of the sport, offering a nostalgic alternative to more common side-by-side shotguns. Even if you’re not competing, just plinking targets with this thing is incredibly satisfying. The audible clang when a 12-gauge slug or buckshot load hits its mark is music to the ears.

Maintenance-wise, it does require a bit more attention than modern shotguns. Disassembly isn’t as intuitive as a pump-action, and you’ll want to keep it well-lubricated to ensure smooth cycling. But again, this is part of the experience. Lastly, we have to talk about the elephant in the room, the price and where it's produced. The price is very approachable, especially when you look at the price of other comparable offerings from companies like Chiappa. $650 seems like a steal for a shotgun that's as much fun to shoot as this one.

Wrap Up - Cimarron 1887 Lever Action Terminator Shotgun

So, would I recommend the Cimarron 1887 Lever Action Terminator® Shotgun? Without hesitation. If you’re looking for a reproduction shotgun that is as much fun to shoot as it is to admire, this is a fantastic choice. It offers a unique shooting experience, a connection to both history and pop culture, and an undeniable cool factor. Whether you’re a collector, a cowboy action shooter, or just someone who loves fun and unusual firearms, this shotgun is well worth considering and the price is pretty good to boot.