Coach Guns,Luparas, etc.....

Interesting thread, especially with the mindsets of as many rounds as possible pumps.
Another issue that I never thought about was what Dave mentioned about the size of these things when broken down and the possible good news of the resolved legal issues in less than understanding jurisdictions when it comes to pistols.

Some years ago way back in the early 70's I knew an older guy that had a Brazilian made SxS 12 gauge that had the double triggers and for some reason I just never liked that set up as it just never did feel right too me feeling around for that second trigger.
Is there inherient problems known with single trigger SxS guns??
And what's the issue with hammers vs no hammers?

heeler... I think many would agree that you are more likely to have reliability problems with a single trigger model than with a double trigger model. That isn't to say that some single trigger models are unreliable. I do know that the Stoeger single trigger models have given some folks some problems. But not the double trigger models. And personally, I prefer internal hammers.... it makes the gun sleeker and less likely to catch on things. Also, every time you drop two shells in and close the action... you're cocked and ready to fire instantly. Some models have an auto safety feature, which most of us who've done cowboy action shooting have disabled. When I close the action I want to be ready to fire right away, not have to click off a safety every time.

Dave... I'm with ya buddy... I love the coach gun. Many will argue that the pump makes more sense and most of the time, for most of us, it does if you have one. But that doesn't mean that there aren't situations, circumstances, and people for whom the coach gun makes a better choice. I sure wouldn't want to go up against a coach gun in the hands of someone who can use one.

I agree that ejectors are sadly missing on many of these, but with polished chambers and good practice, one can shuck those shells off to the side with a good jerk back pretty well. When I was cowboy shooting I knew some folks who could run a double with mind boggling speed. Practice. Practice.

Anyway, I just wanted to say hi and join in the appreciation for coach guns! Here's my Stoeger, which has been all slicked up. Compact, simple, reliable and so much fun to shoot. And quite quick and deadly as well.

Another issue that I never thought about was what Dave mentioned about the size of these things when broken down and the possible good news of the resolved legal issues in less than understanding jurisdictions when it comes to pistols.

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That can be said of any double shotgun, as for portability a double with a 26-28” tubes isn’t giving up much over a 20” gun so I’d rather stick with a tried and true American made SXS shotgun even if it’s not a coach gun.


The two issues I have with the coach gun fad is lack of chokes and lack of quality guns.

I watched the Cowboys show on the outdoor channel because it was about doubles, and some of the shooters swear by the Stoeger and other cheaper imports and still others modded the SKB and BSS to get what they wanted.

Dave, yes. And when I'm not making images for money I make gun photos for fun. ;-)

The Coach gun sure gets small and tidy in a hurry. And that's with a 20" barrel. I could
cut another 2" off it and the whole package broken down would only be 18"!

A short barreled double of some kind is in my near future.

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I thought so too until I picked one up. For a H/D gun it is HEAVY.

If you compare to a pump with a long (and full) mag tube, the short Coach gun feels light and nimble to me... and swings much quicker, compared to the high capacity pump. Of course I don't see one gun as a replacement for the other, they each have their own attributes and applications.

A couple of notes.
You can stick a pair of shells between the fingers of your left hand for an instant reload. This was the practice of professional hunters with double rifles, but it works with shotguns as well.
Also, if you've ever hunted with newbies with pump guns you've probably seen them short-stroke a shotgun in a surprise situation. I suspect if your life is on the line, even an experienced shooter might do the same. Not an issue with a double.

A couple of notes.
You can stick a pair of shells between the fingers of your left hand for an instant reload. This was the practice of professional hunters with double rifles, but it works with shotguns as well.
Also, if you've ever hunted with newbies with pump guns you've probably seen them short-stroke a shotgun in a surprise situation. I suspect if your life is on the line, even an experienced shooter might do the same. Not an issue with a double.


THIS^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


My favorite bird gun is a very old and battered Fox 20 gauge double with 26 in barrels choked modified and full , typically for quail I'm doing exactly what's described above and there's quite a few times that I've managed to account for four birds in under ten seconds.

Now of course my 'goto' shotgun for home defensive work is my beloved Mossberg 500 with the 18.5 cylinder barrel mounted , but I'd not be uncomfortable with the external hammer 20 inch Rossi coach model I picked up a few years back , and for a knockaround shotgun for a day of booniebashing ( accompanied by sidearm of course) the Rossi is more carryable and overall a bit handier.

Ironic that this subject came up since I've been looking at the Stoeger 'Condor' , the short over and under , I find it quite interesting even thouhg I'm not really a 'shotgun guy'. Input from those who have an opinion and/or experience with this model would be welcome.