Description
The Authentic Frontier Shotgun Experience
The Cimarron 1878 Coach 12 Gauge Shotgun is a meticulous reproduction of the classic hammered double-barrel that defined an era. This isn’t a modern interpretation; it’s a faithful recreation built to the original 19th-century specifications, offering the tangible weight, mechanical feel, and authoritative presence of the guns that tamed the West. While it excels in historical reenactment and cowboy action shooting, its robust construction makes it a thoroughly functional firearm for the discerning enthusiast who values heritage and craftsmanship.
Key Features & Benefits
- Authentic Hammer-Fired Action: The external, case-hardened hammers provide a tactile and visual firing process. You manually cock each hammer, feeling the precise sear engagement before the crisp break of the trigger. This direct mechanical connection offers a level of control and feedback absent in most modern shotguns.
- Forged Steel & American Walnut Construction: Built from solid forgings, not investment castings, the receiver and barrels offer superior strength and durability. The furniture is genuine American walnut, hand-fitted and finished with a traditional oil finish that will develop a rich patina with use.
- True 19th-Century Ergonomics: The straight-grip stock and slender forearm are period-correct. They demand a specific, deliberate shooting stance that connects you to the techniques of the original users. It’s a different experience from a modern pistol-grip shotgun, one that rewards practice and skill.
- Double Triggers: Featuring selective, double triggers, you can choose which barrel fires first—typically the more open-choked barrel for a closer target, followed by the tighter choke. This allows for rapid, adaptable shot placement without the complexity of a selector.
Technical Specifications
Gauge: 12 Gauge (2 3/4″ Chambers)
Barrel Length: 20 Inches (Coach Configuration)
Overall Length: Approximately 36.5 Inches
Weight: Approximately 6.5 lbs
Chokes: Cylinder & Improved Cylinder (Fixed)
Finish: Case-Colored Receiver, Blued Barrels
Stock: American Walnut with Straight Grip
Who This Is For & Practical Use Cases
This shotgun is ideal for the shooter who participates in Single Action Shooting Society (SASS) or other cowboy action shooting events, where historical authenticity is paramount. It’s also a superb choice for collectors and firearms historians who appreciate mechanically significant reproductions. For the modern tactical builder who spends their time on a Polymer80 Glock build, the 1878 Coach offers a contrasting, pure-mechanical experience that grounds one in the fundamentals of firearm operation. While not a high-volume competition gun, its pointability and fast double-tap capability make it a legitimate choice for defensive shotgun courses that emphasize skill over firepower. It’s a conversation piece, a training tool for mastering trigger control, and a reliable partner for upland game at modest ranges.
Compatibility & Considerations
The 1878 Coach is designed for standard 2 3/4″ 12-gauge smokeless or black powder loads. It is not chambered for 3″ magnum shells. Its fixed chokes are ideal for short-range work. Like any precision tool, it requires an understanding of its manual-of-arms: loading is via the traditional break-action, and spent hulls are extracted manually. This deliberate process is part of its charm. For those accustomed to the modularity of a modern P80 kit, this shotgun represents the opposite philosophy—a singular, perfected design. It pairs perfectly with period-correct leather from our Shooting Gear collection.
Owning the Cimarron 1878 is about embracing a hands-on shooting discipline. It’s for the individual who finds satisfaction in mastering a classic system, much as one would with a custom polymer80 project. It demands your attention and rewards it with an unmatched sense of history and mechanical satisfaction. Discover this and other exceptional firearms at F1 Firearms AR-15.
Watch: Cimarron’s 1878 Double-Barrel 12 Gauge
Video by DukeFrazierProductions
