Description
Picture this: you’re at the range, and the guy next to you pulls out a classic side-by-side. It’s not some museum piece, but a working gun with a deep, rich walnut stock that catches the light just right. He breaks it open, drops in two shells, and with a satisfying click, he’s ready. That’s the vibe of the Stoeger Coach Gun SxS, AA-Grade Gloss Walnut Stock, Blue 12 Ga, 20″ Barrel. It’s a modern take on a timeless design, built for function but finished with a touch of class that makes it stand out from the utilitarian crowd. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of target and field loads through one, and here’s what you need to know.
Answer Capsule: The Stoeger Coach Gun is a side-by-side double-barrel shotgun with a 20-inch barrel chambered in 12 gauge. It features a single mechanical trigger, automatic ejectors, and a handsome AA-grade gloss walnut stock. This is a rugged, no-fuss shotgun built for fast handling and reliability, priced at $516.05.
What Makes This Coach Gun Tick
Look, the beauty of a coach gun is in its simplicity. There’s no magazine tube to load, no pump to rack—just two barrels and a direct, immediate connection between you and the shot. This Stoeger nails that feel. The action is tight out of the box, and the single selective trigger is a huge upgrade over double triggers for most modern shooters, allowing for a faster second shot without shifting your grip. The automatic ejectors give a positive, authoritative kick to spent hulls, which is a nice touch you don’t always get at this price point. It’s a feature that speeds up reloads when you’re in a rhythm.
Weighing in at a handy 6.8 pounds, it’s light enough to carry all day but has enough heft to soak up the recoil of standard 12-gauge loads. The 20-inch barrels keep the overall length compact, making it incredibly quick to point and maneuver in tight spaces—think a hunting blind or for home defense scenarios. The blued finish is classic and durable, and the real star is that AA-grade walnut. It’s not just stained birch; it’s genuine walnut with a deep, polished gloss that shows off the wood grain. It elevates the gun from a tool to a piece you’ll appreciate every time you pick it up.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
| Barrel Length | 20 Inches |
| Overall Length | 37 Inches |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs |
| Stock | AA-Grade Gloss Walnut |
| Trigger | Single Selective Mechanical |
The Good & The Considerations
Pros: The fast-handling, compact size is its biggest asset. The gloss walnut stock is genuinely attractive and a significant value-add. The single trigger and auto ejectors make it user-friendly and efficient. It’s a simple, robust design that’s drop-in ready—no gunsmithing required to start shooting. At just over five hundred bucks, it delivers a lot of classic shotgun for the money.
Cons: As a side-by-side, it’s a two-shot gun. That’s part of its charm, but it’s a limitation if you’re used to higher capacities. The gloss finish, while beautiful, can show fingerprints and glare in bright sunlight more than a matte finish would. Recoil with heavy loads is noticeable due to the lighter weight, but that’s true of any compact shotgun.
Who Is This For?
This is for the shooter who values tradition and handling over firepower. It’s a fantastic choice for a truck gun, a home defense option where simplicity is key, or for cowboy action shooting—it’s a natural fit for that sport. It’s also for the hunter who appreciates a quick, instinctive-pointing shotgun for tight-cover birds or as a compact companion in the woods. If you want a reliable, straightforward shotgun with more character than a synthetic-stocked pump, this is your huckleberry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this gun suitable for cowboy action shooting?
A: Absolutely. The side-by-side configuration, exposed hammers (on some models, check specific SKU), and 20-inch barrels make it a popular and competitive choice in CAS. The single mechanical trigger is legal for most categories and allows for very fast follow-up shots.
Q: What chokes does it use?
A: The Stoeger Coach Gun typically comes with fixed chokes, often Improved Cylinder and Modified. This is a classic setup perfect for the short-range, fast-paced shooting this gun is built for. Always verify the choke configuration for the specific model you’re ordering.
Q: Can I use it with modern ammunition?
A: Yes. With its 3-inch chamber, it can safely fire standard 2 3/4″ and 3″ magnum 12-gauge shells. That said, it’s a light gun, so you’ll feel the punch of heavier loads. For regular use, standard velocity target or field loads are very manageable and a lot of fun to shoot.
So, if the idea of a no-nonsense, beautifully finished classic that handles like a dream speaks to you, the Stoeger Coach Gun deserves a long look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases. See if this piece of shotgun history fits your collection.
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