Stoeger coach gun

cdahl383 · Jul 26, 2020

Recently picked up a Stoeger coach gun (12 gauge). Man what a fun gun! Just shot it for the first time yesterday at my buddy’s place. Works great, very easy to load and shoot, and it looks cool too. Buckshot kicks pretty good but birdshot isn’t too bad.

I was looking around for a basic pump action shotgun but can’t seem to find any anywhere. Stumbled on double barrel shotguns and after checking out some reviews decided to pull the trigger (haha).

It’s a lot of fun and my wife enjoyed shooting it too. Very easy for her to operate as it just breaks open, no pump or magazine etc.

Just wanted to leave my thoughts in case anyone was looking at this gun. It’s a lot of fun!

PapaG · Jul 26, 2020

I have one of those in 20 ga. Fun little gun.

bannockburn · Jul 26, 2020

cdahl383

Nice photos! Always wanted one but would prefer a version with the exposed hammers, mainly for that "old timey" look about it.

Milkmaster · Jul 26, 2020

I owned two of the coach gun supreme models. I am hopeful you have better luck with yours than me. Both had the same problem of light primer strikes. Three trips back for service. The third trip went with w video showing the problem. Finally they replaced the shotgun. Enjoy yours! I sure wanted to like mine and is why I took a second chance. Now days I am always looking at the CZ Hammer Classic.

cdahl383 · Jul 26, 2020

Milkmaster said:
I owned two of the coach gun supreme models. I am hopeful you have better luck with yours than me. Both had the same problem of light primer strikes. Three trips back for service. The third trip went with w video showing the problem. Finally they replaced the shotgun. Enjoy yours! I sure wanted to like mine and is why I took a second chance. Now days I am always looking at the CZ Hammer Classic.

Man that sucks! So it wouldn’t fire your shells?

I think I put about 30 rounds or so through it the other day and it was fine. No misfires or problems. I even fired some 3” magnum buckshot and it was fine, but it definitely stung a bit haha!

Maybe you had a fluke? Or maybe they had issues that they have since corrected? When did you buy your gun?

Mine is just the plain old coach gun, not the supreme, and it has two triggers. Seems good so far, but I’ll see how it goes after I put more rounds through it.

Milkmaster · Jul 26, 2020

The Supreme models have the silver block. The first one I bought had the extra set of 20ga barrels with it. I did not spend the $$ for the combo the second time around and glad I didn't. In the video you see I bought a few different brands of ammo to check it. This was because the service department accused me of only using bargain ammo. I took the video to show them exactly what was happening. If you successfully shot 30 rounds in one outing with yours, I think you are probably good. Mine would get worse as it got hot shooting. I also had the single trigger model. They replaced it with the double trigger model. It seemed to function fine. I ended up giving it as a gift to a friend of mine who liked it. He had successfully finished his chemotherapy, and I made him a present of it when he returned to work.

One thing you might consider... Mine also had a problem opening up smoothly as you can see in the video. Had it worked otherwise and I kept it, I was planning on getting a smoothing stone and going over the sharp edges of the workings. You don't want to go over everything, but IF YOU HAVE KNOWLEDGE you can help some of the rough edges that are left after purchase on economy guns. Just remember that a gun's worst enemy is a ignorant Bubba with a dremel tool!

Good luck and come back after some outings and let us know how it works out.

cdahl383 · Jul 26, 2020

Milkmaster said:
The Supreme models have the silver block. The first one I bought had the extra set of 20ga barrels with it. I did not spend the $$ for the combo the second time around and glad I didn't. In the video you see I bought a few different brands of ammo to check it. This was because the service department accused me of only using bargain ammo. I took the video to show them exactly what was happening. If you successfully shot 30 rounds in one outing with yours, I think you are probably good. Mine would get worse as it got hot shooting. I also had the single trigger model. They replaced it with the double trigger model. It seemed to function fine. I ended up giving it as a gift to a friend of mine who liked it. He had successfully finished his chemotherapy, and I made him a present of it when he returned to work.

One thing you might consider... Mine also had a problem opening up smoothly as you can see in the video. Had it worked otherwise and I kept it, I was planning on getting a smoothing stone and going over the sharp edges of the workings. You don't want to go over everything, but IF YOU HAVE KNOWLEDGE you can help some of the rough edges that are left after purchase on economy guns. Just remember that a gun's worst enemy is a ignorant Bubba with a dremel tool!

Good luck and come back after some outings and let us know how it works out.

I used mostly Winchester AA shells, low recoil, target load, and a few buckshot and 3” magnum shells. Didn’t experience any issues, just blew our targets away haha!

You do have to use some force to open it up, but didn’t seem excessive. I figured they would build it with some resistance so it wouldn’t just flop open.

Ive heard of guys taking it to a gunsmith to have it gone over and smoothed out. But I’m pretty happy with mine as it is. I won’t be doing any cowboy action shooting, just having fun with it shooting targets with my buddy.

I’ll come back to this thread later on after I’ve put some more rounds through it. So far so good though.

drobs · Jul 26, 2020

Milkmaster said:
I owned two of the coach gun supreme models. I am hopeful you have better luck with yours than me. Both had the same problem of light primer strikes. Three trips back for service. The third trip went with w video showing the problem. Finally they replaced the shotgun. Enjoy yours! I sure wanted to like mine and is why I took a second chance. Now days I am always looking at the CZ Hammer Classic.

I note yours is a single trigger version.

I and Cdahl have double trigger versions. I looked into double barrels for shooting cowboy action and everything I read recommended going with the double trigger version. Supposedly more reliable.

A common problem with Stoegers SxS is their firing pins are soft and will mushroom / fail. It's so common of a problem that hardened firing pins are available aftermarket:

https://www.longhunt.com/storelh/index.php?route=product/product&path=88_95&product_id=237

Some more parts:

https://www.longhunt.com/storelh/index.php?route=product/category&path=88_95

Milkmaster · Jul 26, 2020

drobs said:
I note yours is a single trigger version.

I and Cdahl have double trigger versions. I looked into double barrels for shooting cowboy action and everything I read recommended going with the double trigger version. Supposedly more reliable.

A common problem with Stoegers SxS is their firing pins are soft and will mushroom / fail. It's so common of a problem that hardened firing pins are available aftermarket:

https://www.longhunt.com/storelh/index.php?route=product/product&path=88_95&product_id=237

Some more parts:

https://www.longhunt.com/storelh/index.php?route=product/category&path=88_95

Yep! I read all about it after the fact and owing one. I was so sick of fixing a new gun, and then they sent me the replacement double trigger model I spoke about. I just wasn't in the mood to try another of Stoeger anything after my experiences.

drobs · Jul 26, 2020

Milkmaster said:
Yep! I read all about it after the fact and owing one. I was so sick of fixing a new gun, and then they sent me the replacement double trigger model I spoke about. I just wasn't in the mood to try another of Stoeger anything after my experiences.

Sorry to hear of your problems.

I picked my Stoeger Coach Gun used. The forearm is loose on it and I'm not sure how to fix that. Otherwise it shoots fine.
A good friend of mine has been over here shooting with his kids (14 year old son and 16 year old daughter) a lot lately. His son has really taken to my Stoeger. My friend asked about buying it from me, I told he can have it as soon as I find another to my liking.

There were a couple guys on gunbroker selling slicked up SxS's that I should've bought. Now that everything is in demand, I'll wait till things go back to normal.

MannyCA (might be a member here) did a couple videos on slicking up the Stoeger for CA.

Firing pin fix:

cdahl383 · Jul 26, 2020

Milkmaster said:
Yep! I read all about it after the fact and owing one. I was so sick of fixing a new gun, and then they sent me the replacement double trigger model I spoke about. I just wasn't in the mood to try another of Stoeger anything after my experiences.

I don’t blame you. I would have been frustrated too.

cdahl383 · Jul 26, 2020

drobs said:
I note yours is a single trigger version.

I and Cdahl have double trigger versions. I looked into double barrels for shooting cowboy action and everything I read recommended going with the double trigger version. Supposedly more reliable.

A common problem with Stoegers SxS is their firing pins are soft and will mushroom / fail. It's so common of a problem that hardened firing pins are available aftermarket:

https://www.longhunt.com/storelh/index.php?route=product/product&path=88_95&product_id=237

Some more parts:

https://www.longhunt.com/storelh/index.php?route=product/category&path=88_95

I did the same thing, read how the single trigger models had problems, so I went with the double trigger.

Big D · Jul 28, 2020

I've owned several of these over the years. One thing I've noticed is that new from the factory, they are a little rough. The thing that did it for me though, is with the two I've owned (sold many moons ago), if you plan to do any heavy shooting with them, the wrist of the stock where it meets the tang of the receiver usually cracks (this is with target loads, not heavy magnums). You would think with double barrel shotguns having been around several hundred years, all the kinks and issues would have been ironed out long ago.....I guess thats why good doubles cost an arm and a leg.

Ironhand54 · Jul 28, 2020

I have owned one for over 30 years. Shot lots of heavy loads. None of these problems have been seen. Maybe I got lucky.

Ironhand

cdahl383 · Jul 29, 2020

Big D said:
I've owned several of these over the years. One thing I've noticed is that new from the factory, they are a little rough. The thing that did it for me though, is with the two I've owned (sold many moons ago), if you plan to do any heavy shooting with them, the wrist of the stock where it meets the tang of the receiver usually cracks (this is with target loads, not heavy magnums). You would think with double barrel shotguns having been around several hundred years, all the kinks and issues would have been ironed out long ago.....I guess thats why good doubles cost an arm and a leg.

We’ll see how well this one holds up. It sure is a fun gun to shoot though!

cdahl383 · Jul 29, 2020

Ironhand54 said:
I have owned one for over 30 years. Shot lots of heavy loads. None of these problems have been seen. Maybe I got lucky.

Ironhand

Hopefully mine will be problem free as well. Time will tell.

DocRock · Jul 29, 2020

I have one in 20 ga that I use for CAS. It's not well regulated and doesn't pattern very well but for its purpose that doesn't matter much. The forend is a rattle trap that needs constant attention and readjustment as it shoots loose even during a match. It's the double trigger, which is always a good idea with cheap SxS guns, less complication and less to break. I would never buy another but, for its use, it's ok.

BlueHeelerFl · Jul 29, 2020

I had one that I enjoyed shooting awhile back. I'd love to get another at some point

Ernie Bass · Jul 29, 2020

Ironhand54 said:
I have owned one for over 30 years. Shot lots of heavy loads. None of these problems have been seen. Maybe I got lucky.

Ironhand

I have know many owners like yourself over the years that have had them for a long time and shot the snot out of them with no problems. They most have sold millions and of course there will be the exceptions that float to the top like so many firearms on the internet. If the ammo shortage was not present, I would not hesitate to get one as I have wanted on for quite some time. Wish I had never put it off.

bangswitch · Aug 2, 2020

bannockburn said:
cdahl383

Nice photos! Always wanted one but would prefer a version with the exposed hammers, mainly for that "old timey" look about it.

Milkmaster said:
Now days I am always looking at the CZ Hammer Classic.

CZ (made by in Turkey by Huglu) shotguns are nice, IMO a great value for the dollar. They have two SxS with exposed hammers, the "Hammer Coach" with short barrels and the "Hammer Classic" with standard length 30" barrels. I have the Hammer Classic and love it. Nice workmanship, fit and finish are very good for a gun in this price range (retails for a tad over $1000, I gave $900). The coach version has fixed cylinder chokes, the long-barrel has screw-in chokes and you get five with the gun (Cyl, IC, Mod, Imp Mod, and Full). Comes with a nice hard case, too. The stocks are Turkish walnut, the checkering looks to be laser engraved and well done, but flat surfaced and not a diamond point texture like hand checkering. My stocks are a bit plain, but I think their higher-end guns might have stocks with more character (tigering, burl, etc.). Still, a beautiful gun. I'm using mine for skeet, clays and trap, replacing an older Savage that has fixed mod/full chokes.

DocRock · Aug 2, 2020

That Huglu Hammer Classic seems a lot of value for money. Do you happen to know whether it’s actual case hardened coloring or chemical appliqué ? Do they do it with a straight grip? Really quite nice!

bannockburn · Aug 2, 2020

DocRock

According to CZ-USA that's actual color case hardening on the Hammer Classic's receiver. It doesn't appear that they offer it with a straight grip.

Swing · Aug 2, 2020

About five years back I picked up a Stoeger coach gun and SBSed to a very handy little scattergun. I couldn't countenance cutting down another SxS, but that one, no worries. They are indeed fun for what they are.

entropy · Aug 2, 2020

For occasional use, the Stoegers are not a bad gun. Do not confuse them with a high-quality gun, but for range fun, or sitting in the corner, maybe a little hunting, they work. The double trigger is better, a simpler design with less to go wrong. A little Gunslik on the hinge pin for a while with smooth it out, then replace it with a small amount of wheel bearing grease.

bangswitch · Aug 2, 2020

DocRock said:
That Huglu Hammer Classic seems a lot of value for money. Do you happen to know whether it’s actual case hardened coloring or chemical appliqué ? Do they do it with a straight grip? Really quite nice!

bannockburn said:
DocRock

According to CZ-USA that's actual color case hardening on the Hammer Classic's receiver. It doesn't appear that they offer it with a straight grip.

I emailed CZ USA with that question (real case hardening?) before I purchased and their reply was yes. The Hammer Classic only comes with the pistol grip stock. They do make what they call their "Bobwhite G2" that has a straight stock. It is one of their least expensive models, is a box lock instead of side lock action with internal hammers. I would have liked it a lot had the hammer Classic been offered with the straight stock.
https://cz-usa.com/product/cz-bobwhite-g2/

Stoeger coach gun

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