Cimarron is a distributor, IOW they don't actually make their guns. Various factories make guns to Cimarron spec's. Many arms distributors do this. Weatherby rifles have been manufactured by several arms factories. Cimarron firearms has a good reputation, they sell good guns. I own a '66 Yellow Boy in 38 Spl, I have no issues with fit, finish or function.
I believe the Cimarron 1897 shotgun is made in China, and supply and quality have been issues in the past.
I shoot Cowboy Action, and own several 1897 Winchester shotguns, and clone. '97's are one heck of a shotgun, but they are not trouble free. They contain a bunch of parts, some large and a bunch of small ones. Clones are still being imported into Canada and the last time I checked, in stock. It is called a "Winchester M-97 Clone". Mine is one of these.
These M-97 clones are fairly well built, not nearly as nicely finished as a Winchester, but fully functional. Original 1897 shotguns had machined surfaces, inside and out. My clone is nicely machined inside, the outside is rather crudely smoothed. I think you could probably expect the same from a Cimarron. They do come with a screw in choke, modified, and I bought an extra one in "skeet" to open up the pattern for cowboy work. I check the action screws on a regular basis, they tend to loosen. They are not Winchester thread, but some sort of metric equivalent, you do not want to lose one. Even new they are cheaper than a real 1897, used they go for $300, or less, depending on condition. If you shop around, a real 1897 can be had for not much more than new clone. If you go that route, get a "D" or "E".
My clone, made by Janshe PRC. on the top, a well used takedown "D" on the bottom, made by Winchester.
PRC = Peoples Republic of China
