Multi purpose coach gun?

[blue99]

I'd like to get some suggestions the forum.....I am in the market for a 12 gauge coach gun. I would like to hunt grouse with it and use it for possible home protection......A truck gun. Should I be looking at the ones with with the screw in chokes, or would the choke make much difference in a 20 inch barrel?
Also are 2 triggers better than 1?........Or Hammered or no hammers?
I'd like to stay in the 300 to 400 $ range......Any suggestions would be great......Really I don't need one, but I want one.....just to have! Thank you for your support!

 

[azyogi]

External hammers are better for SD as they can be cocked at need, internal hammers cock on closing and are therefore always cocked on a closed gun. modern springs lessen the impact of this but internal hammers should be stored unsprung [fired on snap caps or dummie rounds] chokes are best for hunting groups, but cylinder bore for SD chokes can be got in cyl bore, short barrel might make hunting iffy, has to do with swing and follow through. though it can be done. my double has both 20 and 28 gauge barrels so that might be an option though not at that price. consider a pump 870, 500 etc. with both ribbed hunting barrel and short cylinder bore rifle sight type for SD.

 

[WVMountainBoy]

There are a few out there for that price, I have an Baikal/EAA with the threaded chokes/exposed hammers/dual triggers I gave $319 NIB

as for recommendations on the questions you asked. I like removable chokes as they can improve a pattern for a given purpose. Please understand that 20 inch tubes are not the best for hunting but can serve if practiced with.
I like the exposed hammers/dual triggers because its more a two gun in one. Meaning that the systems work independantly of one another therefore if one side fails, the other is still functional...and who knows you may someday want to give a critter (probably of the two legged variety) both pipes.

I saw the otherday that cz was offering dual trigger models of their SXS guns, they're a great company though I'm not sure of the prices on these guns. They're also making full length tube'd models with the mule ears and dual triggers which I may have to look into as a sporting gun.

My EAA is mounted with-in reach of my desk at home, however the primary house gun is an 870 wingmaster wearing a 20 inch rifle sighted tube.

 

[KevininPa]

^^^^What he said. I have a Remington Spartan/Baikal and it's great!

 

[MCgunner]

I keep my Spartan loaded and on safe. No exposed hammers for me. All that crud about springs is total unadulterated bovine excretion. I've left my old SxS cocked for 40 years and it still goes bang every time. I got my Spartan in 20 gauge for the weight and in difference to my poor old shoulder. I hunt doves with it, does hiking duties now and then as a combination gun, one slug, one shot load. It's a great camping, truck, whatever gun, hard to beat. It ain't real pretty, but it's rugged and it works. The screw in chokes assure it doesn't just sit around. It's a fun and effective dove gun to 35 or 40 yards with a modified barrel. I don't like the full choke, pattern's too tight for doves. I usually choke it I/C-Mod. Out to 25 or 30, I/C is DEADLY on the little buggers. The gun is light and changes direction well, a good thing on doves. It's quick to the shoulder for upland game. It swings a bit whippy and needs concentration on those long, smooth sustained leads. That's my one criticism, but speed and smooth swing are always trade offs in wing shooting. I generally shoot about as well on doves with the thing as I do my Winchester 12 gauge auto, which I like, also, for doves. The long, high shots that I miss with the Spartan tend to be countered by the close in buzzers I manage to get on and swing quick with that I'd miss with the mod choke and slower swing in the 12. If I concentrate with the 20, I can swing smooth, just takes some concentration. Makes ya a better wing shot.

Suit yourself on the hammer thing, but hammers SUCK in the field. If you're REALLY worried about it, I have YET to try this, but I hear you can leave off the fore stock, snap the gun on snap caps, open and replace the snap caps with rounds, close, reinstall the fore stock, and the hammers will remain un-cocked. I don't know, however, if they're at rest OFF the firing pins or not. I haven't got the snap caps to try it. I will, eventually, make some snap caps by removing fired primers of a couple of empty cases and filling the hole with shoe goo.

 

[oneounceload]

or would the choke make much difference in a 20 inch barrel?

Choke and barrel length have nothing to do with one another. A 20 inch barrel will typically be a bear to use effectively hunting as your swing will be erratic and whip-like, resulting in stopping the swing and missing behind the bird.

26" or more would be better suited for that avocation.

At HD distances, the 20" will be more than suitable - whether or not, as mentioned, external hammers are the best, is something you'll need to determine. It might be wise, if you haven't already, to borrow/rent one and try it out

 

[Coyote3855]

I think the CZ coach guns are running in the $750 to $900 price range. I have a hammerless model with screw-in chokes that's a very nice gun.

 

[Coyote3855]

26" or more would be better suited for that avocation.

Agreed, but I've used my coach gun on the Starlings that infest my dog feeders. After some practice, I eliminate a fair number. They never learn.

 

[Bud Tugly]

Grouse hunting generally involves very quick shots, so the short length might be a big plus rather than a drawback. I find that IC/M in 20 gauge is about the ideal combo for grouse.

 

[MPCO]

Coach Gun

My nickel finish Stoeger Coach Gun travels and carries nicely and is relatively weather resistant. It's pulled camp and HD duty and I've used it in the field a couple of times as well. It's a solid piece with 20 inch bbls and has an I/C and Mod fixed side by side chokes with dbl triggers. I think it may be worth looking into as I remember it only being around $400 when I bought it.

As for the general consensus of the forum I'd have to agree that a light weight pump gun may be better suited for HD or a SxS with slightly longer bbls and screw in chokes for the field. All in all though, I'd say it'd be a decent compromise in either 12 or 20 if you're definitely set on a Coach gun. JMO

One more thing... If you do purchase one, i'd recommend reduced recoil loads as it only has a plastic butt, short bbls and isn't terribly heavy. If not, High Brass Loads will definately get your attention.

 

[oneounceload]

Grouse hunting generally involves very quick shots, so the short length might be a big plus rather than a drawback. I find that IC/M in 20 gauge is about the ideal combo for grouse.

Very true, and while EJ Churchill advocated 25" barrels, 20" may still be a tad short. One way to see would be to shoot skeet station 8 from a low-gun position

 

[MCgunner]

Grouse hunting generally involves very quick shots, so the short length might be a big plus rather than a drawback.

Agree completely.

I shoot mine well so long as I concentrate on follow through. The main purpose for getting the 20" tube in my case was ease of portability. It fits in saddle bags on a motorcycle once broke down, a good thing when you travel to dove hunts on a motorcycle to save gas and, well, because I'd rather ride than drive.

I didn't know how well it'd work on doves, but it works well and some of those shots are long, sustained lead shots. For grouse, I think it'd be a big time advantage over a standard 28" pump or auto. It comes to the shoulder and points really quick.

 

[Dave McCracken]

The shortest SXS I've used for hunting had about 25" barrels. It was a tad whippy, but I could make it work. A couple 26 and 28" barrels sets on divers SxSs were better for that.

While the 20" barrels are common, a 26" barreled SxS is shorter OA than an 870 with 18" barrel. That's not considered long and ungainly by most shotgunners.

The cousin who now has the "Lupara" I made uses it for rabbits as well as insurance. It works well for both in his hands..

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

right much ditto post #10 as I have the blued version stoeger 12ga mag with i/c right and mod left bbls. I have no problem with mine in the field but it's for rabbits and quail/grouse and does very well.
the blueing wasn't much and didn't stand up as well as I would like so did a 'spray&bake' on it. it was worth the money though as the bbls are well regulated and pattern well.
no doubt with hi-power loads it does recoil sharply but it's worth it for the h-d effectiveness. a truly sobering sight for any bg's to stare down the bizness end of indeed.

 

[MCgunner]

I put a recoil pad on my 20 gauge Spartan, not because of recoil which is only getting up there with 3" steel, but because the length of pull was about 13" and I haven't had that dimension in length of pull in about 45 years. I'm not tacticool so I don't like 10" LOP shotguns. I prefer 'em to fit proper.

If the Stoeger has a good length, you would have to cut off a smidge of wood before installing the recoil pad, but might be worth it to you, a limbsaver or something. I just stuck a cheap Pachmayr on mine. It got the fit pretty good for me.