Century Arms Coach Gun?

[Kipling79]

I have been doing a lot of research into getting a utilitarian coach gun for home defenes and light use.

I just ran across this: http://www.gunsamerica.com/97698846.../Shotguns/Century_Arms_SPM_12_SxS_20_bbls.htm

It is a Century 12ga sxs. It is exactly what I have been looking for. It has external hammers AND the wide forestock like a stoeger. But, I have no idea about the quality of this brand of shotgun.

A search on THR produced nothing, so here i am

 

[Markbo]

Russian made. Quality and metal used are fine. Wood tends to be quite plain and metal finish a little thin, but mechanically it should outlive you easily. This one is a plus with 3" chambers (not all brands have them) and the safety is kind of unobtrusive. Since I just bought a Coach Gun last month after a LOT of research and paid twice that much I can tell you for the money you will not find a better deal.

 

[MCgunner]

Wow, great price! I gave 300 for my Spartan and thought I got a good deal.

 

[Kipling79]

Thanks for the input..

The remark made about the safety reminded me of a question I had when doing my research... I have noticed on some of these external hammer guns now have mechanical safteys, unlike older hammer guns.

Does this mean they are not "true" external hammers (with firing mechanism inside).. and if so, is there a downside to internal firing mechanism v. true external hammers?

 

[MCgunner]

I was assured by markbo that his has functional hammers. It's a neat deal, can let the hammers down for storage in the house while loaded, ready for use without relying on a safety, yet, you have the tang safety for field use. I like it, though I'm quite happy with my hammerless. His has BEAUTIFUL wood and case hardening that makes me envious, though.

 

[Markbo]

100% certain mine has fully functioning hammers. Not every one does though! I remember looking closely at a gun show several years back and noticed some have 'function looking' hammers... meaning you had to cock them for it to work and there were what looked like firing pins protruding, but I looked closely and when the hammers fell they did not engage the pins. You could also easily hear the difference.