Need advice on Coach Gun for casual use.

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whetrock

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As of recently I've nearly got all of my more practical basis covered in my firearms collection, and I've come to the conclusion that I'd like a range toy of a sort, and have taken a liking to the aesthetically pleasing double barrels that are more defense oriented. The said shotgun will not be used for HD duty or anything of that nature if possible, but rather range use or maybe some "hardcore" plinking. I know that there is supposedly no such thing as a good cheap double gun, however this is mostly coming from those who are adept in sporting clays as well as upland game and the like. Such is not the case for me. I know Baikal imports a inexpensive coach gun, also Stoeger and the hit or miss Norinco. My grandpa even has an old, nifty Interarms Rossi that's got exposed hammers and I'm told it didn't cost an arm and a leg. I'm not into CAS or anything like that either.
 
You are among many who feel drawn to the old coach gun style for fun shooting. They are quick swingers and seem to point naturally.

I have to say that my experience with the Stoeger Coach Gun has not been good. I have owned two of them with the single trigger that had problems. Benelli eventually replaced the gun with a double trigger model. I was so put out by the whole experience that I gave it away before shooting it. There is a video I made on youtube.

I have heard and witnessed good things about the Baikal coach guns. They are stiff when new, but I have not heard of one not working. My choice would be the Baikal if I felt the need to buy an inexpensive coach gun and do it over again after my bad experiences with Stoeger. Let us know what you find and how it works out for you.
 
This past Friday I was taking a training class and asked the same question of the Stoeger Coach for the identical reason to yours. This instructor see lots of firearms used and has a fondness for shotguns. His response (and I trust him as he doesn't BS folks) was that the Stoeger coach is a good quality firearm. He prefers the single trigger version.
 
I've had 2 Stoeger Coach Guns. Both 12 gauge.
First about 15 years ago. Basic blue model. Had the notorious safety reset been shots issue. The shop I got it through fixed it, free. Took about 10 minutes. I shot the crap out of that thing. Always worked, never fell apart, loosened up, etc...
Second about 5 years ago. Supreme in nickel. Worked fine, only put a couple hundred rounds through it, no issues. Sold it because I just don't like nickel, not sure why I bought it?

They fit me well, so I shoot them well. I prefer double triggers.
Next I think I want an old Savage Fox Model B, 26" 20 gauge. They seem to fit me well too. Roughly the same price range, or less. American made too! Not a coach gun though.
 
Stoegers and Baikals and similar guns are built to a very inexpensive price point - that means some corners have to be cut - some drastically - to make that goal.

Double guns in general, and SxS in particular, are guns where the amount of labor that goes into their production is directly related to their cost and quality - and labor costs money, even in the low wage countries

Can you get a "good" one that works for the most part? Sure, just as I can get a car from Chrysler or GM that works - for the most part. Want more reliability in that SxS? Expand the budget, or settle and know things might go ARGH at the wrong moment - whether that is at a match or in your house if you use it for HD
 
I've been thinking about hitting up a local gunshow or Pawn Shop and trying to find a well used, but not abused Stevens 311 and cutting it down to 20 inches or so.
 
I went with the Bakail/USSG about a year ago after seeking guidance from the late Dave McCracken.

I bought it as a fun gun and its been reliable with only about 200 rounds through it.

I bought the hammerless double trigger.
 
Yeah, I might abandon it all together, even if I was to spend good money there really aren't many very good quality doubles out there that are more defense oriented. I'm not too much of a shotgunner anyhow and I don't really have much of an eye for quality, especially when it comes to double guns. I know Baikals and Stoegers as well as the Norincos are budget guns at best, but I don't see anything else remotely similar that is for better quality. I suppose, with the exception of the whole CAS thing "Coach Guns" are an obsolete thing of the past.
 
Obsolete? Mine is sitting next to the bed loaded with 3 buck in 20 gauge internal hammers down. It is my dove gun, but does multiple jobs for me. I like it for home defense, compact, easy to carry, almost like a long handgun. I own pumps and an auto, but I keep the little SxS handy, the others in the safe. I hunt with my shotguns, HD duties are just with my hunting guns. Previous to the Spartan, I keept my old Sarasqueta 28" double choked mod/full loaded with 00, but the Spartan is a better choice IMHO and I can safely keep the hammers down on it. The old Sarasueta's firing pins protrude when the hammers are down. The Spartan has floating firing pins, another advantage.

PICT0096.jpg

It's in my hands here after a Waco dove hunt. I'm in the green IIRC.

PICT0185.jpg
 
^^^^ Looks like a nifty little package MCgunner. I'm liking the looks of the Baikal, but I dunno if I'd get one sight unseen. I might have to try one out first. Again I have limited experience with shotguns and have taste that would make a lot of experienced shotgunners cringe. I shoot a Benelli SuperNova and load shotshells on a Lee Load All. Utilitarian or inexpensive could be my middle name when it comes to shotguns.
 
I've got a Steven's-Savage 311 16 ga right now that belongs to a coworker.

Need to find one in 12 ga or 20 ga and cut it down. It's fun to shoot, well made, and obviously durable from the "well used" condition of the one I currently am taking care of.
 
Coach gun huh. Sitting a dark front room, coach gun loaded with 00, levelled at the front door and waiting for the perp to pry the door....that kinda casual use?

Nothing wrong with shooting, as long as the right people get shot.
Harry Callahan, Magnum Force, 1973
 
Need info on savage/stevens 311

anyone know if the frame on a savage is the same on the 20,16 and 12 Ga. or if a 16Ga. frame would accept a 20 or 12 GA. BARREL
 
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