Coach gun practicality

[kingpin008]

Please forgive me and delete if necessary, but I didn't find what I was looking for with a search.

I was at a local big-box sporting goods store earlier today, and while waiting for the bumble behind the counter to decipher what .45 ACP was, I noticed a pair of Stoeger "Coach Guns" on the rack behind the counter.

Now, I've heard the term "Coach Gun" before, but never heard much about them. Wikipedia tells me that they were primarily used for stagecoach defense (who woulda thunk, right) and are also sometimes used for close-quarters hunting (take that how you will) where a longer barreled gun would not do well.

I really, really like the looks of these guns, and can definetly picture myself well-suited to one - short, stocky tattooed guy, with a short, stocky side-by-side in the crook of his arm. I wonder - would I be a complete fool to choose one as a first shotgun? I like pump guns, but I also want something a bit different. I know there are many good reasons for a pump gun, but I want to try to challenge myself. Plus, it seems like it'd be easier to clean.

So, what do ya'll think? I'd want to use it as a HD gun (secondary to my 1911) and for learning skeet/trap/general clay shooting whenever I can find time to meet up with some of the folks here and have them teach me.

Thanks!

 

[enfield]

Probably not the best choice for learning wingshooting. I started with a 26" pump and hunted with it for years before trying an 18" cylinder bore pump for hunting. The 18" - 20' guns are probably best used for personal defense, though they can be very useful for birds in heavy cover. They wouldn't be my first choice for hunting or target shooting.

 

[sm]

First Shotgun : I recommend a good used bone stock pump gun.

Go visit a range, meet the nice folks, and try a variety of guns to shoot.
Find a seasoned shooter, that knows how to access a person for gun fit, and can give lessons.

Coach Guns are proven, and continue to be.
There are quite a few folks , with lots of shotgun time and training, that carry these on the road as they travel.
Kept in the home, and on the property too.
One such person is a well known trainer, and one area he trains others in - is defensive shotgun.

 

[Rabbi]

I love my Stoeger Coach Gun. It is my primary home defense shotgun, backing up AKs and handguns.

18"bbls, screw in choke tubes, left Imp.Cyl., right Open Cyl.

Oil finished lumber now that I've stripped it and removed the silly "checkering" done with a brick, a phillips screwdriver and two Hershey bars.

Mechanically, it is tight and fitted beautifully.

 

[Sunray]

Most of 'em are being used by Cowboy Action Shooters. A short barrel is dandy for upland birds and rabbits. Not so good for skeet and trap. It'll do, but if you go to a skeet/trap club, you'll get some odd looks from some other shooters. Ignore them.

 

[kingpin008]

Ok, so the general concensus seems to be that they're good guns, just not so much for what I wanna do with one. Fair enough.

I will say, the quick glance I had at the ones earlier have me very interested in owning one at some point.

Now, pump guns - for the purposes I've mentioned, what do ya'll recommend? Near me, I have a Dick's Sporting Goods, a Bass Pro Shop (which I'm going to try to explore for the first time tomorrow) a wal-mart that I think only sells ammo and paintball guns, and a regular ol' gun shop.

If I'm looking for a pump gun, non-used, what brand/configuration do ya'll suggest? I'd like to keep total gun cost (w/fees and such) under 4 bills if possible.

 

[Mannix]

Nm, didn't read it right.

 

[kingpin008]

In the opinion of the group, how important (if at all) is the importance of the ability of a shotgun to accept 3" shells? I know some folks look for it in their guns, but I'm a big fan of simplicity in my gun & ammo selection, so unless it's a super-worthwhile thing I wouldn't mind not having a 3" capable gun.

 

[kingpin008]

Mannix - no worries! Thanks for the link anyway.

 

[sm]

In the opinion of the group, how important (if at all) is the importance of the ability of a shotgun to accept 3" shells?

Re: 3" shells.
To me, it is not important.
In fact , in looking at good used shotguns, I have in the "haggling" commented the gun does NOT take 3" shells, as a negative thing, to get the price dropped .


2 3/4" is what I prefer and want....

 

[kingpin008]

SM - Remind me to never sell you a gun! Who knows what I'd accidentally give away.

I figured as much about the 3" capability, figured I'd ask anyhow though.

 

[copaup]

You can find a Remmington 870 Express new for under 400 most places. A used Wingmaster (no plastic or MIM parts, better finish) should be about the same, if you can find one. People don't tend to let those go around here. My house shotgun is an 870 Express HD. The only changes I made were the addition of a surefire light forend, replaced the j hook safety (now discontinued) with one without a lock, and added a sling. The finish is a bit rough, but if you oil it occasionally it doesn't rust. The gun works every bit as well as the 870p I have in the squad car (actually better in some respects) and was a heck of a lot cheaper.

Just about any new production gun will have a 3 inch chamber. Some have 3 and 1/2 (like my Nova. 31/2 super mag 18 pellet 00 buck load OUCH!!!!!!!).

Really, stick with Remmington or Mossberg and you cant much go wrong when it comes to pump guns.

Coach guns are super cool though.

 

[kingpin008]

Copaup - thanks for the tips, I'll have to scout around and see what I have available to me locally. I'd buy used, except I don't buy used unless it's from someone I know and trust - I don't know enough to feel comfortable buying used from a pawnshop or gun shop on my own just yet.

I just bought a half-case of .45 ACP today, to keep up with a small stockpile I'm trying to grow. I wonder, what's the concensus on the $15 value-pack 12 Ga. Wal-Mart has on offer? I haven't looked close at it yet so I'm not sure what gauge/load weights they have available, but for $15/100, it seems like a pretty sweet deal. (then again, I have no experience with shotshell prices)

Sorry I'm asking a ton of questions, I just keep thinking of more stuff as I go along. Please ya'll, feel free to tell me to shut up and take a timeout for awhile if I get too annoying, heh.


And yea, Coach guns are pretty sweet.

 

[Vairochana]

Gday, I shoot informal sporting clay with a mix of skeet, trap and springing teal type targets.
My fav gun is a 30 yo Baikal coachgun with tight fixed chokes.
It took me a number of go's to find this one but it fits me well and I can hit both close up and way out there targets and it "only" takes 2.75 shells.
You don't need long barrels and a steep price to do the job, fit and pattern every time.
Find a gun that fits you and a choke you like and you will be set.
I have posted this before, but this is what I am talking about (perfect for pigs in the bush too):

 

[Dave McCracken]

Valu Pak ammo from the box stores is good stuff at a good price. The Winchester is a bit iffy, but the Federal and Remington is pretty reliable,

PGC has a case deal on Remington Gun Clubs, $43 for 250 rounds in ten boxes.

Also, I've dealt with Clyde's Sport Shop in Lansdowne for more than 30 years. Try them for used or new shotguns.

As for what shotgun to get, don't buy any yet. Try some out first and see what feels right. I've an 870 you can try any Friday, just let me know. Once you meet Frankenstein, you may decide on an 870.

Search here in ther Archives for more info, data and opinions.

 

[Big Daddy K]

Vairochana, super stinkin cool shotgun ya have there. Great idea for a pig gun around here in the shotgun only area. Plus the terrain is thick and a couple 00 bucks to 30 yds would do the trick.

Kingpin ya cant go wrong with an 870 or a mossy 500 or 835. I have 870s and a mossy 500 in 410. I prefer the 870 simply because thats what I grew up shooting. Be advised that there are a lot of accersories made for both brands if ya wann trick it out later.

The value packs at Wally World are ok plus you can always use "cheap shells" as an excuse when ya miss. I usually buy a little heavier loads for hunting.

 

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Hello;
Here is my opinion, FWIW:

Another vote for the Remington 870 Express; I have two....I bought the second one as a 'back up' gun and have never needed it. The gun is well made and well balanced and fits the majority of shooters, which adds to it's popularity. There are also a ton of aftermarket products for the gun as well. I also have a Mossberg 500 pump from the late 70s, and it is a fine gun as well....however, when it comes to field stripping for cleaning, I think that the Remington is the easier of the two.
As far as 3" shells go, I can think of only two reasons for them....waterfowl and turkeys. I use 3" loads on geese, but for the most part I hunt with 2 3/4" loads for ducks......and everything else.
As far as the value packs at the discount stores: I ain't crazy about using them as hunting loads. The shot is usually of lesser quality and I've run some through chronys and have found that there can be a large discrepancy between velocities from shell to shell. However, I DO suggest buying them and shooting at all the clay pigeons you can with them......practice makes perfect.
....like I said, FWIW.

 

[Fred Fuller]

Sounds to me as if you'd be better served by a modern repeater (pump or semiauto, as you prefer) that allows you to buy an accessory barrel that is easily swapped. That way you can use a longer barrel that is suited to clay games, wingshooting and small game hunting and still be able to swap it for a shorter, handier barrel for HD. I'm of the try-first-buy-later persuasion too, shoot several makes and models first and see if any of them sing for you. Then buy one of those.

Definitely take Dave up on his offer, he can give you some pointers that will be well worth your while as well as giving you a chance to shoot one of his 870s. But be nice and buy your own ammo though 8^).

Stay safe, happy shopping,

lpl/nc

 

[kingpin008]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I will definetly try before I buy, and take Dave up on his offer as soon as I'm able to. I'm interested to see this "Frankenstein" he mentioned, heh.

I've always liked the look of old police 870's, and I know deep down that a pump gun is going to be a better choice for me right now than a coach gun will be.

Whenever I'm actually able to get to a range with someone to try out some different guns, I'll be sure to write up my experiences.

And I'll definety bring the ammo.

 

[ReadyontheRight]

Definitely look at the used racks for an old Wingmaster. Especially if you do not need more than 2.75" shells. A 30-50-year old model - unless it's taken an obvious beating or it's been neglected - should just be getting broken-in.

 

[Jack2427]

I have 5 "coach guns". 2 are Stoeger, 1 is a M99 from Norinco via Coyote Cap, and one other is a Stevens 311 "guard gun" , 5 is a cut down Browning SXS(no I did not do it). They all have 20 or 18" barrels, the Browning which has ejectors is a blast to shoot. I can get 50 rounds 0ff faster than any pump or auto(as long as the other guy does not have pre loaded "speed loaders"). One of them is always in my vehicle when I travel, with a butt cuff with 5-6 extra rounds and 2 rounds rubber banded to the barrel. The intimadation factor is outstanding, 2 BIG barrels. And it does not have the negative aspects of a tacted up auto or pump(in case I find myself in some PC area).
I agree that a good pump (870 or Mossy) is a better starter gun, for versitality, but with only 2 shots on tap you will learn faster(or use up a lot of ammo).

 

[4fingermick]

If you want to hunt winged game with it, I'd buy the one that comes out with a spare long pair of barrels. It is the Baikal I think, sold in the states as a Remington. Best of both worlds.