I've never used the saddle ring on the different carbines, and I've never seen them used on actual carrying vis-a-viz riding and hunting- not to say other folks don't have different experience.  I always dismounted if I was going to take a rifle shot, so the shorter barrels could be a little handier drawing out of the scabbard, but the best luck I had was with either my old 1894 (26" barrel) or my model 71 with the 24" barrel.  I've taken one or two shots with a pistol off a horse, but the ensuing rodeo is not worth the fuss.  Now, my experience may be far different from most folks that have a lot more experience than I do

Slim, we'll be shooting at either AR500 steel or paper. Anything short of AP will be o.k.

I don't own an '87 but you might mention how long are the shells?  Are they Magtechs? 

Here's hoping someone will record the "goings on" for posterity and those attending vicariously.
Looking forward to the photo's

I'll see what I can do.

Slim

Howdy Gents
Today I got to make a very short test with my new Cimarron 1887 Lever gun. I tried roll crimped paper shells first. I had 2 or 3 that I had 'jiggle' the lever a bit to make em chamber. I think I need just a tiny bit more taper/roll crimp on them. Otherwise it was slick and fun. Then I tried the 12ga. brass shells and it would not feed at all. They were too long. They are longer by quite a bit over the roll crimped paper shells. So I guess I will shorten 10 of them [ to start] to the same length as the paper shells are loaded and roll crimped and see if that solves the problem. Have any of you had this problem with the brass 12 ga. shells in the 87's?
Thanks.......Macon