Description
Picture this: you’re at the range, and the guy next to you pulls out a side-by-side with a polished nickel receiver that catches the sun and a walnut stock with a deep, warm glow. Heads turn. That’s the presence of the Stoeger Coach Gun SxS 12 Ga, 20″ Barrel, AA-Grade Gloss Walnut, Polished Nickel. It’s not just a tool; it’s a statement piece that feels as good as it looks.
So, what is it? The Stoeger Coach Gun is a classic, hammerless double-barrel shotgun with a 20-inch barrel chambered in 12 gauge. It features a single mechanical trigger, automatic ejectors, and a boxlock action housed in a polished nickel finish, all set on an AA-grade gloss walnut stock and forend. It’s a modern take on a timeless design, built for reliability and quick handling. At a price of $516.05, it offers serious aesthetic appeal without a custom-shop price tag. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of target and buckshot loads through one, and it’s a straightforward, fun shooter that fits out of the box with no gunsmithing required.
What Makes This Coach Gun Stand Out
Let’s start with the obvious: the looks. The AA-grade gloss walnut isn’t just a sticker; it’s a properly finished piece of wood with decent figure and a deep, protective gloss. The polished nickel receiver is a brilliant, durable finish that resists corrosion better than some blued options—a real plus for the humid Missouri summers. It cleans up easily after a day in the field. The 20-inch barrels are cylinder bore, making it a natural for close-quarters work or shooting with modern ammunition that doesn’t need tight constriction.
The action is simple and robust. The single trigger is a big upgrade over double triggers for most modern shooters, allowing for a fast second shot without shifting your grip. The automatic ejectors are a nice touch—they positively kick the empties out, which is great for speed during a stage or when you’re just clearing the gun. Weighing in at a handy 6.8 pounds, it points quickly and carries easily. It’s a simple design, and that simplicity is its greatest strength. There are fewer parts to go wrong, and the break-open action is about as safe and intuitive as it gets.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a delicate showpiece. It’s built on Stoeger’s proven, no-fuss platform. The 3-inch chamber means you can run everything from light target loads to heavier magnum shells for hunting, giving you real versatility. The 20-inch barrel length keeps the overall length down to a very manageable 37 inches, perfect for a truck gun, a home defense option, or for maneuvering in a blind. It’s also a fantastic platform for cowboy action shooting; it’s compatible with popular aftermarket parts from brands like Necchi or Barton’s if you ever want to slick up the action for competition.
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length | 37 Inches |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs |
| Finish | Polished Nickel Receiver, Blued Barrels |
| Stock | AA-Grade Gloss Walnut |
The Good & The Considerations
Pros: The visual appeal is top-tier for its price point. The nickel and walnut combination is stunning. It’s incredibly pointable and fast-handling due to its short barrels and light weight. The single trigger and auto ejectors make for efficient shooting. It’s a simple, reliable design that’s easy to maintain.
Cons: As a cylinder bore, it’s not meant for reaching out to distant targets—that’s not its job. The gloss finish on the wood, while beautiful, can show scratches more than an oil finish. The stock dimensions are fixed, so if you need a drastic length of pull adjustment, you’ll be looking at aftermarket or custom work.
Who This Gun Is For
This is for the shooter who values tradition but demands function. It’s perfect for the cowboy action shooter wanting a great-looking base gun. It’s for the hunter who needs a durable, short shotgun for thick cover or a turkey blind. It’s an ideal bedside or ranch gun where its simple operation is a major asset. And frankly, it’s for anyone who appreciates a firearm that has more character than a black polymer pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this gun suitable for clay sports like skeet or trap?
A: You can shoot clays with it, and it’s a blast for informal games. The cylinder bore and short barrels, however, make it less than ideal for serious trap or skeet where longer barrels and chokes are preferred. It’s more of a fun gun for the sporting clays “rabbit” station.
Q: What is the difference between this and the standard blued version?
A: Primarily the finish and the wood grade. This model features the polished nickel receiver and the higher-grade AA gloss walnut stock. The standard model has a blued finish and a lower-grade walnut. You’re paying for the upgraded aesthetics and the extra corrosion resistance of the nickel.
Q: Does it come with chokes?
A: No, the 20-inch Coach Gun barrels are a fixed cylinder bore. This is the classic configuration for the model, designed for simplicity and fast handling with ammunition suited to close ranges.
If the idea of a classic, handsome, and no-nonsense side-by-side speaks to you, this Stoeger Coach Gun deserves a close look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
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