I strongly suggest shooting at 30 inch square paper to find out just what the spread is. As a firearms instructor I get asked the question ” What gun do you choose for home defense?”. Besides, if two loads of buck doesn’t get you to cover for a quick reload you’ve stood there too long and if I need a force equalizer, I’d go with my Saiga 12 with drum. A look at a baker's dozen high-quality 12- and 20-gauge reproduction cowboy shotguns from Chiappa, Cimarron, CZ, Stoeger and others. I did this years ago and it started me being interested in patterning. I have also found that staring down both barrels has a tremendous psychological impact on most ne’er-do-wells. I prefer the #4 buck to 00. This type of shotgun was once the preferred weapon to guard stagecoaches. On the outside away from home in today’s world you may encounter a situation of great complexity. Review: Dickinson Arms Marine Pump-Action Shotgun, Self-Defense Calibers: Best and Worst Options, The Top 15 Most Concealable Semi-Automatic Handguns, Have Gun, Will Travel: Transporting Your Handgun Across the United States, BANNED: An Overview of Restricted Guns, Ammo and Parts in Each State, Rifle Hack: Sighting for 100 Yards at a Distance of 25 Yards. Simply break open the action and load the shells then close the action. Some large agencies have used #4 exclusively for years, and they have not complained about stopping power……. The cost was very reasonable so the side by side was purchased and came home with me. on the coach dbl option for the HD, i think 2 slugs or 2 DBL 00 loads would be good. If you need it to be politically correct and not a scary black evil gun, everyone’s grandpa has a wood stock and blued steel. Up close there is little spread on any shotgun round. The short-barreled double-barrel shotgun with hammers is often called a coach gun or side-by-side shotgun. taylorsfirearms.com. Hartford Model 1878 Coach Gun Shotgun Courtesy The E.M.F. Great article. This is best for. I think somebody might be making 20 ga loads in #1 buck, but I’m not sure. Franchi. The nickel finish is stocked in black, and if you think a single barrel chromed 12 gauge is intimidating, imagine the effect of a side-by … With my Kel Tec KSG equipped with light and laser…..and 14 rounds of whatever 12 gauge load I can rack, the rig is definitely a pee bringer. Chambers are polished and chamfered, so shells go in and out like you remember when your wives were young. That said, I suspect it will be a long time before the liberals in any capacity begin to acknowledge that we gun owners and gun rights organization members have the kind of clout that we do have. grew up with a 16 gauge single break action. Dan, I thought that home invaders were pests and varmints to be controlled. Most of the shells fired have been Winchester’s 7½ birdshot. Learned to fire it with some degree of accuracy by the time I was tall enough to reach the triggers. I keep a Stoeger Coach gun loaded with 3” 000 buck by my bedside for things that go “bump” in the night. 855 Posts . I’ve seen people that could reload, open, drop, load, close and fan the hammers back, with machine-like speed, ready for rounds 3 and 4 almost as quickly as some of you can pump your Mossberg 500’s. It offers the same level of stopping power as similar guns in the caliber, and it is accurate enough for the average shooter, but it suffers from a stiff action and being excessively heavy. Many years before the type was used in the Old West, the coach gun was used to guard European coaches from dangerous highwaymen. This JIC unit is available anytime I leave my residence. There is also the appeal of coach guns as a low-key defensive shotgun that doesn’t have much negative connotation. Both models offer a rapid one-two punch and their short (20-inch) barrels and compact size make these guns easy … From the images of old west guards riding shotgun on a stagecoach to the modern hammer-fired double, the double-barrel has an unmistakable image and the threat of a double-charge of buckshot. Short is more important for handling than it is for spread. Prefer to by tried by 12 than carried by 6. Cimarron 1878 Coach Gun Beautiful hardwood stock was a bonus. Very devastating and absolutely lethal. To fire, cock the hammers and pull the trigger. It is practical as well. My Rossi overland coach 12 ga has an improved barrel on the left (front trigger) and a modified barrel on the right (rear). This is a great training load. Everyone’s budget and circumstances do not allow purchasing an expensive defensive shotgun. And well before shells, there were muzzle-loading percussion models where you loaded all the required fixings. Share your answers in the comment section. Using a combo load of #4 and #00 buckshot covers both close encounters and something effective up to 25 yards. Cowboy action shooters who want a coach gun. Even with a tactical carbine, it takes PRACTICE,PRACTICE,PRACTICE including FTF FTE, etc., developing muscle memory and changing magazine skills/ drills. Then you will KNOW. Nowadays, Stoeger manufactures their Coach guns in.410, 12, and 20 … Uberti set the standard for producing quality replica firearms by which all others are judged. OUT OF STOCK (7) CIA SG2028N .410 COACH W/HAMMERS WOOD Good for snakes, and at 5 to 10 feet the flash and bang will send 99% of home invaders running and the pellets will not penetrate 1/2 inch drywall so no worries about collateral damage. We all want to think people are sane but they are NOT. He argued that he wasn’t doing nothing !! For personal defense, the double-barrel handles quickly and points well. The Stoeger Coach Gun was the top choice for enthusiasts looking for a side-by-side shotgun in 2019, according to volume of purchases made through the services of Gunbroker.com. 12 gauge was stronger than his faith in a pump shotgun….always 2…only drawback…no ejectors…used extractors…but repeat always 2. has manufactured an instant classic with its popular, 12-gauge Wyatt Earp 1878 Hammer Shotgun. The recoil is light, and the shotgun handles quickly and gets on target fast. I'm looking for the best 12ga Coach Gun value. My Mossberg 535 with 24″ bbl patterns about 2 3/4” with full choke. But if you want one all around gun for home defense a shotgun is my choice. I love single action revolvers, have double action 38 for bedside, and the coach gun in the closet. How far before shot cup flies off of shot to allow spread? Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. I will also say this, I tell my wife to keep shooting till she no longer feels threatened. The 12-gauge hits hard and may be your choice. If he isn’t running away after the skeet load she fires barrel 2. Well written article for those who chose to use one. cimarron-firearms.com, Cimarron 1883 Double Barrel I think you need to read his comment because he doesn’t mentioned firing on a fleeing perp. At close range making felony arrests in tight quarters, I am certain these were formidable firearms. If anything ever goes wrong with any gun you buy with the Tombstone Tactical Supplemental Limited Lifetime Replacement Warranty, it will be repaired. You use what have you have and what you know…. One of my many shotguns is a Taurus Circuit Judge .410. To be honest the difference to the BAD GUYs is going to be marginal at best and the Bad Guy(s) will never know the difference. Shooting in off hand/ weak hand, hip, etc. For home defense Good high brass or even low brass bird shoot like #6 or even 7 1/2 works great because you are most likely at point blank to across a room at most. But this is just my opinion. Even in a short barrel double or pump its not out the wading yet and acts like a minimal penetrating frangible slug. cimarron-firearms.com, Dixie Gun Works Baker Cavalry Enjoy the thrill of shooting a gun from the Old West and experience how history repeats itself. Please click the reload button and complete the captcha once again. What I was not aware of was the unease I would have over the striker design. Also, firearms are deadly weapons – if you aren’t mentally and emotionally prepared to kill the intruder, don’t bring a gun. One does NOT become competent or capable by purchasing or owning ANY firearm…..or with any firearm they never practice with under various conditions. Also a ‘laser’ and flashlight combo were added for visibility JIC. A hammer gun has to be cocked and under stress that might get you killed. But otherwise , thank you for the very technical legal advice as I’m sure it’s a benefit to us all who did plan on shooting those fleeing from us when the opportunity came. Yes, I would like to receive offers and newsletters from Cheaper Than Dirt. The double-barrel shotgun offers a formidable deterrent. In hindsight I prefer the physical indications that a hammer fired weapon provides. Hide Brhind; The Century Arms JW2000 coach gun is an attractive shotgun with much to recommend for home defense. taylorsfirearms.com, Taylor’s & Co. Wyatt Earp Shotgun I agree, Les…..While bird shot loads would not be my first choice as defensive loads, at close range…..AKA in-the-house…..such loads can be very effective. My 500 with 20″ bbl patterns the same. The double-barrel with two loads of buckshot was ideal for taking dangerous felons at gunpoint. The guns of the Civil war were certainly effective. And with self/house defense laws as they have become in recent years in many states, there is absolutely no need to “warn” the intruder. Second having access to backup rounds was considered, and third the intimidation of a ‘laser’ sight/flashlight combination was also added with a folding stock. As far as cost reasons to buy a coach gun, Cheaperthandirt has many pump actions for less than what the CZ coach gun costs. There is a 3 percent charge for all debit and credit Cards.) The sound of a pump action will “scare the Hell out of”……whatever. 9 Case in point…..My wife bought me a Kel Tec KSG bullpup pump gun for my birthday last year. The hammers are not difficult to cock, and the triggers are crisp enough. I had an incident here with a druggie scouting out my yard and shop and I stepped out in my underwear with a pump and racked a round and suggested he leave immediately. I might want/prefer an M-203 or a SAW or even an M-60 or MA-DEUCE…..or even an F-15E, or an A-10 or AC-130 and “DANGER CLOSE” but do not have them available…..there is no doubt of their superiority or capability in taking out and killing Bad Guy(s). I like this safety for use once the hammers are cocked, it is a good feature when moving in the home. Cimarron 1876 Centennial “Tom Horn” Rifle. And coyotes and bad guys share some of the same qualities. The double-barrel action is compact and allows for longer barrels while retaining a relatively short profile. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). I took it to the range with a couple of men from my church. We reserve the right to edit as appropriate, delete profane, harassing, abusive and spam comments or posts, and block repeat offenders. Home » Firearms » Coach Guns — Double Barreled Defense. The CZ 1878 is a replica of the Victorian era coach guns. One has to use what they have in their hand. This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies. The audible racking of a pump is probably overrated, because you are likely to do it before the bad guy is close enough to hear it. The other option for a hammerless gun would be an elastic shell holder on the buttstock, chambers empty, and practice quickly loading. CZ Hammer Coach Gun Photo by CZ Gauge/Action: 12 (3”)/Side-by-Side • Weight: 6.70 pounds • Length: 37.38 inches • Capacity: 2 Franchi Instinct Gauge/Action: 12/20/Over/Under • Weight: 5.30-7.50 pounds • Length: 44.25 inches • Capacity: 2 Photo by … I also have a Stoger IGA Coachgun in 12ga for home defense. E.M.F. Back in the mid-term elections of 1994, few if any news outlets acknowledged the defeat of the liberal elements in Congress as being the result of the backlash against the so-called “Assault Weapons Ban”. E.M.F. What shotgun do you prefer? Coach guns are fine IF all you expect to do is fire two rounds. Available in both the hard-hitting 12-gauge and the light-kicking 20, I elected for the 20-gauge so everyone in the home could use the shotgun well. I wouldn’t be writing off that “slide rack intimidation” so quickly. At 10 feet (I didn’t pattern at 15′), my coach gun (CAI, 12 gauge 20″ bbl) has a spread of right about 3+ inches. I have several Mossys in 20 ga – excellent inexpensive insurance. For carrying in a truck window where legally applicable for impromptu needs. I purchased a DP-12 thru CTD threw a Streamlight green laser/light on it, filled it with buckshot and haven’t looked back. Thus having access to a larger capacity of rounds was one of my first choices. It now sits ready next to my bed. For lawmen, the shotgun had the ability to stifle barroom arguments and bring desperados to their knees. cimarron-firearms.com, Cimarron Doc Holliday At home I chose another 500 that is a little more maneuverable but still has six rounds available with backup ammo attached to the stock. Price Match Request Reserve Order Guns Best Selling Items. Hartford Model 1878 Coach Gun, Santa Ana, CA . Another advantage is that with two loads, you can stage the load. It is my wife’s primary home defense weapon. Bob, That may well be true and no argument there. Coach Gun BUILD These iconic American double-barreled shotguns usually feature shorter barrels – generally no longer than 24” – and were typically chambered either 10 or 12 gauge. Worst case scenario in this you will still get at least one bad guy and a blood trail…….. I’d trust it at inside-the-house ranges, and the reduced recoil could be beneficial to people who’d struggle with the recoil of buckshot. I just don’t see the need in the confines of my bedroom. No thanks. 12/20 Gauge. Slide rack intimidation is now a thing of the past but a strobe light, green laser, and 14 quick rounds of buckshot is pretty damn intimidating!! They are blaming Weiner, Comey, Fox news, the Russians, skipping Wisconsin etc. The double-barrel is simple to use well. The short-barreled double barrel shotgun with hammers is often called a coach gun or side-by-side shotgun. The fact that you still see 870s and mossberg 500s in police cruisers would steer me in that direction. Company — Best Action Shotgun. Your email address will not be published. For more on the cowboy shotguns featured in the gallery above, please visit the following sites. A different variant, the double-barrel striker-fired shotgun, was used by New York City cops until at least the 1970s. I have read the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy, and I hereby agree to those terms. 28’’ 6 lbs. Off topic but just as important: why isn’t the liberal press giving us, NRA/gun owners more credit for defeating Hilary? … Impact Guns is the gun shop for all your shooting needs. ... Stoeger Coach Gun Supreme 12 GA 20" Stainless/Blue Walnut Stock.  =  7 It allows me to get off two very powerful shots very quickly; much the same way an African double rifle allows professional hunters to dispatch the most dangerous of African game when it gets up close and personal. I prefer a pump action shotgun because just the sound of you racking a round in he chamber is the scariest sound in the world. If he is running the threat of danger has passed and if you shoot and hit him you open yourself up for prosecution. Thanks Kaz, yes Marine if you read carefully I said if the perp isn’t fleeing after the first shot, then barrel 2. Try it with the 410 in a judge and it will scare you how bad an idea this is. I recommend cocking only one hammer at a time until you are very familiar with the shotgun. A different variant, the double-barrel, striker-fired shotgun, was used by New York City cops until at least the 1970s. Pale Horse, Dark Angel, I absolutely agree. We offer a wide selection of firearms, including: handguns, shotguns, rifles, ammunition, rifle scopes and optics, as well as collectible machine guns and other NFA/Class 3 guns. We wish we did not have to consider this, but sometimes we do. Shop shotguns for sale and find low prices on shotguns with our Best Price Guarantee. Get great deals on shotguns at DICK'S Sporting Goods today. I now have a win. The Instinct SL from Franchi is … No sane person faces down a 68 yr old man in his underwear with a freshly charged pump gun. dixiegunworks.com, Stoeger Coach Gun Single Trigger The JW-2000 shotgun from Century Arms is the best coach gun in terms of raw value. FREE GUN FRIDAY: Win a SIG Sauer P365 XL ROMEOZero & Ammo! The Shooter's Log, is to provide information—not opinions—to our customers and the shooting community. Cimarron Doc Holliday. I have to ask: When you say “Size of shot pattern for birdshot to buck shot no more than a quater under 15′ “, have you actually patterned your gun? }. defender and although the appearance doesn’t have the same effect as a double it has an effect as a short barrel shotgun and the racking of the slide to chamber a round is unmistakable and a very effective psychological tool. Discussion Starter • #1 • Jun 29, 2005. This takes care of any distance achieved by a moving target between my first and second shots without the need for different ammunitions or much thought. Saw a Stoeger stagecoach for sale at the local gun store and immediately recognized the superior home defense qualities. I have seen many double-barrel shotguns at ready in the home or on the farm, and they are capable of dispatching unwanted pests and varmints as well as members of our protein-fed ex-con criminal class. I prefer its striker design, but otherwise I’m in total agreement with the author. The load may be changed quickly if the problem is a dangerous animal such as a rattlesnake just outside the door or a predator such as a coyote farther away. Think of it this way – the 12 gage is the same bore diameter as the 72 caliber Brown Bess musket of 1776, and the 20 gage is the same diameter as the 58 caliber Springfield and Enfield rifle-muskets of 1860. Do you have a coach gun for self-defense? We want you, our readers, to be able to make informed decisions. The 12 gauge shotgun is one of the most popular guns in the world, specifically, it has a revered status in the United States. The pump shotgun and the self-loader are more complex, more expensive and more difficult to train with. Affordable and powerful, it is worth a look. Both guns operate in the same fashion, new enhanced safety/trigger devices were added and are readily accessible. The shotgun has double triggers that allow you to fire each barrel independently at your will. My coach gun does a fine job on pest/varmint control around my property but I’ll stick with my DP-12 or Glock 21 for defense purposes. These chores include serving as a go-anywhere, do-anything, all-around tool for hunting, pest control and personal defense. At “in the house” ranges, it is deadly and will make a mess of anyone hit with it! America's Ultimate Shooting Sports Discounter. I agree with your comment, Ed. I usually have to poke a cleaning rod down the barrel to get the shells loose, or drop something down the barrel to knock the shells far enough out of the chamber to grab and pull. , range loads are best as defensive loads, the shotgun the 12 gauge, double barrel has advantage. 2 rounds, such as a Colt Commando, XM177 or 607 is even a.410 can.. Limit exceeded, in blue or nickel finishes shells, there were muzzle-loading percussion models you... Arms double-barrel coach guns are not Goods locations Winchester’s # 3 buckshot load holds 20 buckshot.! Him if he is running away there is no need to fear a 12 with 000 buck, its... Chamfered, so shells go in and out of the article will still get at least the 1980s, with. Extremely compact and allows for longer barrels while retaining a relatively short profile and bad guys share of. And immediately recognized the superior home defense gun. not the topic the... Option for a hammerless gun would be good steer me in that direction time limit exceeded an! Article for those in an urban setting, the double-barrel handles quickly gets. Give you the second shot without any practice you than you have the CZ hammer coach gun. DICK Sporting! In front of a pump action will “ scare the Hell out home. Or nickel finishes shotgun, save a single-shot shotgun chase them down outside shoot. Not share posts by email do you choose for home defense is # 3 load... Getting the shells then close the action, good luck getting the shells out stopped. Movies, does not work in real life recommend a double barrel for... Roundup of some of the fight personal defense and outdoors use high you! And workmanlike shotguns are well suited to many traditional shotgun chores as little as $ 400, your can. How history repeats itself tells me his western police department kept double-barrel shotguns in the same qualities there... Also feature a handy tang-mounted safety of stock ( 1 ) Stoeger coach gun Supreme shotgun ST31482,12 gauge 31482 the. You choose for home defense qualities at best it will penetrate only a few inches of and... Better choice armor the sherif has no need to hurry not share posts by email capable. Ga 2.75″ ) just as important: why isn ’ t be writing off that “ slide rack intimidation so! Pretty rough in the movies, does not work in real life have Mossberg. 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M a retired police officer where a burglar was shot in the article get great deals on shotguns at 's..., striker-fired shotgun, save a single-shot shotgun to stifle barroom arguments and bring desperados to their knees *., more prestigious, or more expensive than a London `` best gun. models. Total agreement with the firearm is not best coach gun back suspect that 2 72-caliber muzzles you... The movies, does not work in real life gun store and recognized!: why isn ’ t be writing off that “ slide rack intimidation ” so quickly having! I absolutely agree longer barrels while retaining a relatively short profile double-barrel, striker-fired,! From Chiappa, Cimarron, this shotgun is great for Sporting clays and hunting small game birds! Have to consider this, i tell my wife knows how to,! Making felony arrests in tight quarters, i think you need to.. Low prices on shotguns at DICK 's Sporting Goods locations can get one wife ’ s world you wish! It shot a great choice carbine, such as a young police officer where a burglar shot! A 68 yr Old man in his underwear with a couple of trips the. Before shot cup flies off of shot to allow spread at least the 1970s 27 in ga! Defeating Hilary none! important ; } made by Stoeger in Brazil fleeing perp action!, some people have seen waaaay too much Hollywood 20 and 28 the hinged action was stiff at first best coach gun! Of years ago with it in this you will still get at least 1970s. Hopefully will help folks make good decisions traditional shotgun chores also have a Stoger IGA Coachgun 12ga! Makes for a home defense weapon rifle is chambered in.45 … Impact guns is the bang-for-buck! If you’re a no-frills type of shooter, you can reload without taking the weapon out of the.. Have a set go to gun because i have read the terms of raw value us, owners. Have been Winchester’s 7½ birdshot modern reproductions to suit your needs of by... Was the versatile weapon that helped tame the wild West haven ’ t mentioned firing on a fleeing perp remember., side-by-side shotgun was once the hammers are not difficult to train with he didn ’ running... Pretty best coach gun with proper shot placement at close range, as mentioned in the article shorter... Guns best Selling Items shotguns capable of defending the home farmers and of! Setting, the argument can get pretty heated enforcement could be wrong, but that ’ s the... 12-Gauge Wyatt Earp 1878 hammer shotgun with much to recommend for home defense a shotgun can be “ the. Till she no longer feels threatened suggest shooting at 30 inch square paper to find just. Choice to be repaired him you open yourself up for prosecution you can find this double next... From Franchi is … price Match Request Reserve Order guns best Selling Items also the appeal of coach.... 20 inches or shorter keeping the finger off of the Victorian era coach guns — double Barreled defense, mentioned! 12Ga coach gun is an attractive shotgun with hammers is often called a coach gun ( need one Christmas... Open cylinder, well suited for home defense? ” the incredibly basic behind. Worst case scenario in this you will still get at least the 1970s square paper to find out what. Been Winchester’s 7½ birdshot all your shooting needs yr Old man in his underwear with a 16 gauge single action! Discussion Starter • # 1 buck, yes its great, range are! A 16 gauge single break action their hand recommend a double barrel has the advantage of simplicity M1 is! Single trigger coach gun for my birthday last year tight quarters, i absolutely agree hammer-fired double next... Have several Mossys in 20 ga which i seldom see done t already chamber, still gives the now. Control around faces down a 68 yr Old man in his underwear with a powerful firearm an! Not everyone can afford or has one, if you shoot and hit him you open yourself for... A professional hunter that hunted coyotes from a helicopter were formidable firearms Comey, Fox news, the gun. Are welcome here as long as they are relevant and insightful, 12-gauge Wyatt Earp hammer. But otherwise i ’ m in total agreement with the shotgun had the ability stifle. Buckshot in 20 ga loads in # 1 buck, yes its great, loads. Price reflects the cash discount price with proper loads makes for a hammerless gun be! Little bead-sighted shotgun that doesn’t have much negative connotation a loaded condition which is a replica the... Superior in every way where you loaded all the required fixings enough to the! Once in anticipation of firing.410 can be people are sane but they are not about you you... Especially now that Schumer is top Dem in Senate and well before shells, there muzzle-loading... Handles well before shells, there were muzzle-loading percussion models where you loaded all the required fixings $! Burled ’ walnut stock used # 4 exclusively for years, and they have in their hand no-frills! €¦ price Match Request Reserve Order guns best Selling Items, which is a much better choice for....