Coach Guns, after-action report

[Keith]

I haven't been much of a shotgunner for many years, but about two years ago I popped into this forum to get some advice on the purchase of a Baikal 12 ga coach gun for rabbits, and possible bear and home defense. Dave and a number of others gave me much valuable advice on slugs, shot, etc.

This inexpensive shotgun has proved to be one of the best gun purchases I've ever made! It's rugged and handy and points great. The butt may be a trifle short for some people, but in winter clothes it's about right. Really, it's the perfect tool for snowshoe rabbits in the thickets. I even bought a second one in 20 gauge with choke tubes, for the use of my son.

Anyway, I wonder why these aren't more popular? Obviously, this isn't a bird gun, but other than that it fills a perfect niche for rabbits and other small game Its short size makes it a great home defense tool. I've found it fits perfectly in a backpack with the stock sticking over my shoulder - for bears - though, that's probably not a consideration for most people.

Keith

 

[JeFF D]

I've always been curious about them, but the cheap price discouraged me...if that makes any sense.

Because of your praise I will take a look at one next time I'm at Dunhams.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Good to see you, Keith. I'm glad the Baikal is working out for you. Also glad you haven't had to employ it in a Kodiak Bear Crisis.

And I bet it'd make a decent quail gun, assuming good fit. You may want to try it out on Ptarmigan or whatever grouse inhabits your home zone. Just remeber to take the 8s out and replace them with slugs when it's bear on the radar...

 

[Gordon]

Ive had my Baikal since middle 70's when they were snuk in thru canada- the ultimate Lupara IMHO. Hell for stout better than Italian or American (I cant say about a good English late model hammer gun, but even I cant have one of those rolling around floor of jeep ect.)

 

[sm]

Only one I've handled and shot has the left tube fitted with the optional 45-70. This is for a 'specialized niche'.

45-70 is quite accurate. I have shot clay targets and very surprised, didn't remove the left tube ,so didn't try on doubles. Metal to wood fit -real real nice, action smoothed a bit, crisp 4#.


"Bounty Hunter" appropriate name for the individual that owns and uses this set up.

 

[Keith]

Don't let the price fool you, these are good solid guns. Nothing fancy, but there's no plastic or manufacturing shortcuts used to bring down that price. There's even some refinements you don't see on other low-cost guns, for example it has a bit of "cast" (I hope that's the right term), it's curved slightly to fit right handed shooters.

I'm sure the 28 and 30 inch barreled designs would be great bird guns.

Keith

 

[TooTaxed]

Glad to get your experience!

But I'm not suprised...the reliability of the various Russian guns has proven to be excellent, regardless of the cheap prices and rough outside finishes on the military stuff!

I've been wanting to look over the various Baikal side-by-sides and over/unders...I think one is likely to wind up in my hunting locker.

 

[akoran]

Baikal IZH 43 Shotguns

I have both Baikal units, a two trigger coach gun with 20" barrels, and a single selective unit with 26" barrels. I use the 20" unit for home defense/hiking defense, the 26" unit I used to replace my (given to me by my grandfather) aging LeFever Nitro Special. I use it to hunt Chukkar here in northern Nevada.

 

[TooTaxed]

Do the Baikels come with screw-in chokes?

 

[akoran]

Baikal shotguns...

Yes, I have the models that are upper end, they have chokes (MC-3, others avaiable from Colonial) and upgraded wood. My coach gun has a very nicely figured stock. I'm impressed with the quality for the money, I paid $250 for the coach and $320 for the single trigger, 26" unit. And as noted...no plastic!