Subsonic
Member
Have you ever owned or shot a Stoeger Coach Gun? I'm thinking about getting one for home defense and I would be grateful for your opinions on quality and recoil.
Thanks a lot.
Shoot safe, John
Thanks a lot.
Shoot safe, John
Stoeger Coach Gun?
- Thread starter Subsonic
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MCgunner
Member
Have an old 12 gauge side by side that's pretty light. Recoil is stiff and don't even think about shooting a slug in it. ROFL! I bought my Spartan in 20 for that reason, wanted a 20 anyway, have been for a while. Just some input. I didn't really buy it for self defense, more for hunting, but I put the cyl/IC chokes in it for home defense and load it up with number 3 buck. A double gun is pretty intimidated if you look at it from the perps perspective. I sorta like that. 
i've seen these for sale, and i've always wanted a coach gun... i don't think for me it'd truly be for home-defense (my 870 express with 18" barrel fills that role nicely), but then again it could be nice to keep handy. i've seen them at academy stores, and they seem pretty "affordable" (read: cheap) so a flag always goes up about potential accuracy and quality issues. that being said, how much accuracy do you need at coach gun range?
anyway, i guess that's my long way of saying "yeah -- me too!" i wanna know about the standard issue stoeger coach gun
anyway, i guess that's my long way of saying "yeah -- me too!" i wanna know about the standard issue stoeger coach gun
MCgunner
Member
Accuracy? It ain't a rifle. If by that you mean barrel regulation, yeah, I can understand the concern. I've got a couple of cheap doubles that work great, though. However, though I've heard a lot of kudos concerning Stoeger doubles of OU and side by side configuration, I've never fired one. I think if you want one, get it, though. By all reports they're serviceable guns. They can be many things, too. With the choke tubes, my Spartan is my favorite dove gun at the moment, great upland gun, country doubles gun, teal gitter, good outback gun (like a combo gun with slug and shot in different barrels), and light weight for backpacking. Broken down, it actually fits in my back pack without taking up much room. Nice survival gun, and of course, it can do home defense duty. It has turned out to be not only a great bird gun, but one of the most useful long guns I own. I love the thing.
Without choke tubes, a fixed cylinder bore coach gun gives up a lot of versatility, but it can still do more than just sit in the bedroom or play cowboy games.
Without choke tubes, a fixed cylinder bore coach gun gives up a lot of versatility, but it can still do more than just sit in the bedroom or play cowboy games.
Domino
Member
I have one and it works very well for the $300 I paid for it. Its short, handy, light, and can be broken down in a pack. Recoil is stiff with buckshot but most birdshot is no problem. If you do a little working on the action, it smooths up real nice.
madcratebuilder
Member
+1
I have the same experience with my Stoeger coach gun. Good kick to it with slugs. It's light and short, just the thing for HD. In fact, I may sell my 870HD and keep the Stoeger at my night stand.
Domino
Member
I agree it would make a formidable self-defense weapon and I too question using my 18" 870 for HD or the wieldier coach gun. Its funny, I was reading a Gun-Tests Magazine article about just that the other day. They liked the Stoeger better...
http://www.gun-tests.com/issues/20_5/features/Home-Defense-and-Police-Shotguns5609-1.html
I would like to put real ejectors on mine and refinish it with Robar NP3 or similar, then it would be seet!
Coyote3855
Member
I have a Stoeger Coach Gun, nickel finish, 20" barrels. It isn't real pretty in terms of wood quality and fit of wood to metal, but I have used it hard for 10 years in Cowboy Action Shooting. Maybe 7500 rounds down range with no problems. I don't know about the newer guns. Mine is well regulated, shoots to point of aim with both barrels. It's marked modified and full. The full choke barrel shoots a very tight pattern. Since Stoegers are so popular with CAS shooters, tune-up kits with lightened springs, etc., are readily available if you want to slick up the action. There is also information available on how to work on these guns, again from CAS sources.
Another coach gun you might want to consider is the TTN Hammer Coach gun, available from Cimarron Arms, EMF, and other sources for around $400. Imported from China, but rock solid and very smooth out of the box. Some prefer the hammer guns for home defense as they can be staged loaded without tension on the hammer springs. Not a big deal in my opinion, but an issue for others. It's much heavier than the Stoeger, which reduces felt recoil with heavier loads.
Another coach gun you might want to consider is the TTN Hammer Coach gun, available from Cimarron Arms, EMF, and other sources for around $400. Imported from China, but rock solid and very smooth out of the box. Some prefer the hammer guns for home defense as they can be staged loaded without tension on the hammer springs. Not a big deal in my opinion, but an issue for others. It's much heavier than the Stoeger, which reduces felt recoil with heavier loads.
MCgunner
Member
Ray Ordorica shoulders the double Stoeger. There’s no hesitation with the double gun, and no doubt about the outcome of a serious engagement.
To the point, I reckon.Elbert P . Suggins
Member
I'll tell ya what! I've got a side by side Coach Gun external hammered 12 guage made by Norinco. I had the firing pins and horizontal safety worked on by a gun smith, and reamed and polished the breach for CAS competition. You can put a 6 round shell holder on the stock and keep it loaded and hammers down for HD. There are not many things wrong with these things
Deer Hunter
Member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2005
- Messages
- 4,097
Great gun. I have a 12 gauge version that I use for hunting. If you can polish the mating surfaces up a little, it becomes much easier to use.
doc2rn
Member
My friend DJ has one and wont let me shoot it anymore since I scored higher on trap with it than he did that day.
hmm, so consensus seems to be pretty positive then?
i don't recall where i read (probably here? a long while ago), but i got the idea from people's comments that it was something of a novelty item. the complaints were of less than perfect fit & finish (i'd rather like a decent enough looking gun if it works well and is not a show piece since it'll actually be used and not just looked at), but more importantly i got the impression that it was more common than not to have barrels that weren't well regulated. also much question about the durability of a cheap gun like these (problems after more than a few hundred rounds). of course, those people might only be knocking it because they have guns that are 3-4+ times the cost and have to feel better about those purchases.
i've always wanted a good double barreled shotgun -- either one like this stoeger coachgun or something like the o/u stoeger condor outback. i kinda like the cowboy gun feel of the coachgun, though... tough call. if it's a decent quality shooter the price almost makes it hard to pass up.
i don't recall where i read (probably here? a long while ago), but i got the idea from people's comments that it was something of a novelty item. the complaints were of less than perfect fit & finish (i'd rather like a decent enough looking gun if it works well and is not a show piece since it'll actually be used and not just looked at), but more importantly i got the impression that it was more common than not to have barrels that weren't well regulated. also much question about the durability of a cheap gun like these (problems after more than a few hundred rounds). of course, those people might only be knocking it because they have guns that are 3-4+ times the cost and have to feel better about those purchases.
i've always wanted a good double barreled shotgun -- either one like this stoeger coachgun or something like the o/u stoeger condor outback. i kinda like the cowboy gun feel of the coachgun, though... tough call. if it's a decent quality shooter the price almost makes it hard to pass up.
brasskeeper
Member
I have a friend that has the Stoeger coach double. Had problems with the trigger mechism not working correctly. After having a gunsmith repair it he is happy with the gun.
loosecannon
Member
I've owned two Stoeger Coach guns(20 & 12)and loved them. I consider this line to be solid and substantial. The word cheap does not apply. They both kicked severely because of their light weight. I'm arthritic so I did not keep them after my health worsened. I also had a Baikal 20 ga coach gun which was superb and shot slugs accurately and put out some mean buckshot patterns....also a kicker.
As you probably know, Beretta owns Stoeger.
As you probably know, Beretta owns Stoeger.
peacemaker45
Member
As with anything, the answer is: "It depends."
If you just want a gun to stuff two shells in, hang some more on the butt, and leave it standing in the corner till doomsday, it'll be fine. If you're gonna take it hunting a couple of times a year, probably be fine. If you want to do any sort of formal clay shooting, and are aware of the limitations of a short barrelled SxS with fixed chokes (standard version) it might still be fine.
The limitations start to show up with round count. The steel just isn't what you'd find in an American, Western European, or Japanese shotgun. It's soft, and it wears. Often, it wears in a hurry. The wood on the standard model is also pretty poor stuff. Soft pine, or maybe balsa, if one were to form an opinion based on the weight.
The real limitations show up with hard use. Perfect example is SASS shooting. In my hands, at least, the scattergun is broken open hard and fast, shells shucked, new ones stuffed, and although not slammed, is definitely not closed slowly.
I was able to run my Stoeger Coach Supreme to 2nd Place in Speed Shotgun (Double) at the Midwest Regional Championship, last year. That's the good news.
The bad news is that along the way, and since then, I've managed to break off the extractor star (re-welded,) the forward hinge lug (had to be laser welded, so as not to heat the solder joint between bbls,) mushroomed the firing pins (replaced with harder steel,) been through numerous incarnations of a top lever spring, trying to prevent it from jumping open under recoil, worn through the nickel plating on the receiver, and generally have to tighten the screws holding the forearm iron to the forearm wood every couple of stages or so.
My Dad, who practices more than I do, has had even more trouble out of his. He's had everything from one barrel not cocking (worn forearm iron, where cocking levers are supposed to engage,) to pull one trigger, and both barrels firing (worn sear, recoil caused pin to fall,) and numerous other troubles.
Verdict: decent light duty double, for the money. For heavy use, buy something better.
If you just want a gun to stuff two shells in, hang some more on the butt, and leave it standing in the corner till doomsday, it'll be fine. If you're gonna take it hunting a couple of times a year, probably be fine. If you want to do any sort of formal clay shooting, and are aware of the limitations of a short barrelled SxS with fixed chokes (standard version) it might still be fine.
The limitations start to show up with round count. The steel just isn't what you'd find in an American, Western European, or Japanese shotgun. It's soft, and it wears. Often, it wears in a hurry. The wood on the standard model is also pretty poor stuff. Soft pine, or maybe balsa, if one were to form an opinion based on the weight.
The real limitations show up with hard use. Perfect example is SASS shooting. In my hands, at least, the scattergun is broken open hard and fast, shells shucked, new ones stuffed, and although not slammed, is definitely not closed slowly.
I was able to run my Stoeger Coach Supreme to 2nd Place in Speed Shotgun (Double) at the Midwest Regional Championship, last year. That's the good news.
The bad news is that along the way, and since then, I've managed to break off the extractor star (re-welded,) the forward hinge lug (had to be laser welded, so as not to heat the solder joint between bbls,) mushroomed the firing pins (replaced with harder steel,) been through numerous incarnations of a top lever spring, trying to prevent it from jumping open under recoil, worn through the nickel plating on the receiver, and generally have to tighten the screws holding the forearm iron to the forearm wood every couple of stages or so.
My Dad, who practices more than I do, has had even more trouble out of his. He's had everything from one barrel not cocking (worn forearm iron, where cocking levers are supposed to engage,) to pull one trigger, and both barrels firing (worn sear, recoil caused pin to fall,) and numerous other troubles.
Verdict: decent light duty double, for the money. For heavy use, buy something better.
357wheelgunner
Member
Would a Remington Spartan be any better?
MCgunner
Member
What I wanted in my spartan was the choke tubes. I wanted it for hunting and liked the compactness for storage in back pack or motorcycle top trunk/saddle bags. It reaches out there and tags birds as far as a 28" gun could, just has a very light swing and balance that you have to deal with. Choked IC/Mod, it's perfect for doves. Thing seems well built, though. I'll never put it through a CAS season's abuse, so it should last me until I'm long gone regardless..
Powder_Burn
Member
- Joined
- May 29, 2006
- Messages
- 92
Stoeger Coach Guns are nice guns for the money. They are fun to shoot but there are two potential issues worth mentioning. If the user has small hands it can be difficult to operate the lever since it has a long throw and a heavy spring. Also, my .410 would not set off the primer in brass cased Barnaul shells but Winchester buckshot works just fine.
I have always wondered about them as well. I like the size and feel. But my concern for HD is they make very little noise. That is, they don't have the "pucker" effect like my mossberg 500 pump has, or any pump has. I personally don't want to shoot anyone and if by chambering a round can make the bad guy run, more power to us all. As far as just a fun shooter, I would own one. I have a Stoeger Cougar 9mm and love it. Seems to me the quality is great. That's my 2 cents.
JImbothefiveth
Member
It weighs about 6 pounds, so the recoil is going to be nasty. At the very least, before you fire it, put a recoil pad on it!
You might want to look in to an 870.
You might want to look in to an 870.
ShunZu
member
Older technology that still works just fine, TYVM.
I have a couple of "Coach Guns", meaning short doubles. The Stoegers are 2 of the garden variety except one has the silver finish-got it for the straight grip. Also have a Coyote Cap model hammer gun, heavier but really nice. The Stoeger O/U is kind of neat as long as you don't take the rifle sights too seriously. They are all great truck guns, and HD. Very safe, easy to see if they are loaded, and all mine have butt cuffs with 5-6 extra rounds. I feel they are all very durable and barring very heavy use(which will cause service issues with any SG) I feel I can depend on them under almost any circumstances.
Not to rain an anyone's parade, but if you have any thoughts about the chambering of a round in a pump gun has any salutory effect on a BG, you are dreaming, and dreaming dangerously. Yeah, you and I might freeze up at the sound, but you and I don't go around breaking into folks houses either. Just remembeer-you are not dealing with an ordinary person in a HD scenario! If he had any brains he would not be there in the first place, if you have a gun, it is for to shoot with-not scare someone. If you are going to rely on sound effects get a small recorder and get sound effects from the range, you will be better off. If you rack your gun, you had better be prepared to shoot it if necessary, and like right now. Get your mind right up front and you will be better off. Sorry, but that is the way it is, OK, EOR (end of rant).
Not to rain an anyone's parade, but if you have any thoughts about the chambering of a round in a pump gun has any salutory effect on a BG, you are dreaming, and dreaming dangerously. Yeah, you and I might freeze up at the sound, but you and I don't go around breaking into folks houses either. Just remembeer-you are not dealing with an ordinary person in a HD scenario! If he had any brains he would not be there in the first place, if you have a gun, it is for to shoot with-not scare someone. If you are going to rely on sound effects get a small recorder and get sound effects from the range, you will be better off. If you rack your gun, you had better be prepared to shoot it if necessary, and like right now. Get your mind right up front and you will be better off. Sorry, but that is the way it is, OK, EOR (end of rant).
MCgunner
Member
Hmm, this doesn't give you any pause? No intimidation factor here, right?
My mossberg has jammed before. My doubles never have. Food for thought. I've owned 870s and had 'em jam, too.
Personally, he comes through the locked door of my bedroom, the only part I won't enjoy is mopping up the blood off the floor.
I'll kill anyone that determined to kill me and, hell, I'll even try to enjoy it. Beats lockin' him up for 10 years at tax payer's expense. I've got no use for crooks. I know a guy that feels the same way, has killed 3 so far. He owns/runs a chain of convenience stores in Houston. High risk occupation. I used to shoot IDPA with him. I suppose to him, shooting crooks is like ranchers shooting coyotes. I'm sorry if it has to happen, but I won't lose much sleep over it. I've shot a few coyotes in my day.My grandpa told me long ago never to point a gun at something or someone if I wasn't prepared to use it. Noise might make YOU feel good, but it's doubtful it'll bother a determined attacker. Hope you're ready to kill a man if you rely on a weapon for self defense.
Anyway, I just think too much is made of the pump sound thing. A drugged up killer isn't likely going to even notice that. No matter what you have, you'd best be ready to use it.
MAN, them birds look juicy. I sure wish we had those things down here.
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