New Stoeger 12 gauge coach gun

[ba ba booey]

Hi all,
Recently went to a gun shop just to browse, and ended up seeing a Stoeger 12 gauge coach gun. I've always wanted a double barrel shotgun (already have Maverick 88 pump) and looked at the "tactical" models, which had some nice features but looked a little too mall ninja for my taste. I ended up buying the base model, which is just the A grade finish with double trigers and 20 inch barrels, no chokes. ($400) Never decided to purchase a gun in 10 minutes before but I guess there is a first time for everything Anyway I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the following: The best way to go about breaking the gun in as far as lubrication and load types, if firing rifled slugs from a non choked barrel will cause any wear issues and and thoughts on dry firing the weapon---I havent done so due to not being able to find any information on the topic from stoeger or otherwise. After reading up on the weapon I see that the automatic safety can be disabled and that it may be a good idea to have harder firing pins installed to improve reliability--both are jobs that I would want a gunsmith to do as I am proficient in gun handling but definately not experienced in anything beyond feild stripping. Anyway I realize that this isnt a $90,000 Purdy here but I wanted to get some opinions from those more experienced. Thanks!

http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/ftmar.dfprg/v/vspfiles/photos/31405-2.jpg

 

[Fred Fuller]

I wouldn't dry fire it without snap caps.

Personally I'd leave the auto safety alone...

If it won't let go of empties easily I'd think about slicking up the chambers if needed - watch the double gun segment at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhgwHQCJwWw . Or here, if that one won't work - http://www.americanhandgunner.com/video-shotgun-home-defense/

No worries about breaking it in unless you're going into CAS (cowboy action shooting) and need it to just drop open right off the bat. It'll wear in pretty soon anyway. Here's notes on the CAS process fwiw... http://marauder.homestead.com/files/stoeger.html

Rifled slugs of the proper gauge and length for the chambers won't hurt the gun - might ding your shoulder, or your checkbook though.

 

[Teleshooter]

Stoeger coach gun

I've owned this coach gun for 10 years now and love it more every time I use it. BTW, I was very surprised at the great job it did on sporting clays. It got me some funny looks from the purists with over/unders. The only negative was that my shoulder was black and blue from the recoil of the light coach gun. I usually only break it down as far as removing the stock, and removing the barrels so I can clean the barrels from the breach end. The barrels are not "open" but are choked to mod and cyl. I leave the gun under a table by my chair for home defense and I consider the coach one of the best buys I've made.
Bruce

 

[oneounceload]

Give it a thorough cleaning and degreasing then relube and grease per the owner's manual. If it doesn't say, use grease on the hinge pins and knuckles. There is no " breaking in" with loads like a rifle but you may want to stick to basic target loads as the recoil in light guns can ghetto you with heavy loads.
Is the gun actually
Choked cylinder bore, or does it just have a fixed chokes in lieu of choke tubes? Slugs will be safe, accurate will be determined at the practice range
Leave the safety alone, they aren't that great to begin with, but those safeties are better than nothing

 

[Stress_Test]

For rifled slugs, give the Fiocchi reduced recoil slugs a try. It's a 7/8 ounce slug. I've shot these out of my Mossberg 590 and they're a lot of fun. Recoil was about on par with 3 dram target loads, or maybe even less. Cost isn't too bad compared to most other slugs. They cut a little gear-toothed hole in the paper target due to the rifling on the slug

Might look for a leather slip-on recoil pad too.

 

[JohnnyCremains]

Good stuff

 

[wrs840]

I have one and have no complaints. I actually kinda like it.

It is true that the Stoeger coach gun standard model has fixed chokes, one Improved Cylinder and one Modified.