Henry Rifle Forums

Recently became interested in coach guns mostly because they look like a lot of fun! Anyone around here own one? I'm assuming a Henry owner or two will have a western style coach shotgun. I'd like to see some pictures posted if possible and let me know what your typical uses are!

I prefer a trench gun but would be interesting in what people have to say about coach guns. Isn't that what Elmer Fud used?

Previous owner....had to sell my Stoeger 20-ga SxS coach gun to meet some financial needs.

But I did like it a lot. For a low-end s/g, it was well-built and wood/metal finishes were good. I don't put a lot of s/g ammo down range, so didn't look for a high-priced SxS. I mainly shot rifled slugs, and my use was for deer hunting. As I've started shooting trap now, it would not have been an optimal s/g for that sport; kind of "clunky" to swing. Main thing I learned about a SxS that if the manufacturer doesn't align the two barrels to have very close POIs, in a way you're sunk. By sunk, I understand the main way to correct that problem is to bend a barrel to align. Didn't have any issues with that. My Stoeger was really close to right on out of both barrels. Enjoy your search! Here are some photos.

I'd buy yours if it was still available!

Coach Gun fan here.

I've got an old Stevens 16 Gauge Double Barrel.

I'd buy a new Henry, if they decide to produce a new one.

I think Henry would be wise to add them to their lineup. Seems to be a good pair to the Big Boys for cowboy action shooting.

I have a Stoeger Condor, O/U. I've been happy with it. I had an issue with the firing pin, Benelli replaced the entire gun under warranty, no questions asked. Seems there was an issue with the firing pin channel. I was very happy with the way I was treated by Benelli.

The Stoeger coach guns are very popular with the CAS folks. Of course, they do some work on them before competing with them.

I have a Stoeger Coach Gun in 12GA and it shares use in Cowboy Action Shooting with the two Winchester 97s.

I have wanted one for quite some time and have hoped that Henry would make one. CZ makes one that really looks good so I am considering going with that. http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-hammer-coa ... -cyl-bore/

Whaler wrote:I have wanted one for quite some time and have hoped that Henry would make one. CZ makes one that really looks good so I am considering going with that. http://cz-usa.com/product/cz-hammer-coa ... -cyl-bore/

if Henry ever decides to produce with external hammers like the CZ in the link above, I'd find a a way to put one in the vault .... only thing I'd like them to change is to equip the barrel for choke tubes

Can anyone explain the external hammers to me? Are they beneficial functionally or is it just for looks?

I was interested in the Stoeger coach gun. I notice that gander, academy, and many others have stopped carrying them.

They seem to be "pushing" the Condor, O/U.

I think I'm gonna go for something a little more traditional.

I agree with JCN that it would be great if Henry made one.

JCN wrote:Can anyone explain the external hammers to me? Are they beneficial functionally or is it just for looks?

Check out this hickok45 video titled: "Hammer Shotgun vs Hammerless." Some interesting commentary here.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=fun ... &FORM=VIRE

Henry88 mentioned the Stoeger Coach was not easily found at certain shops. I've gotten several firearms through BudsGunShop.com, and there is one of the Stoeger models now available in 20-ga. https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/adv ... ords=31405
The CZ coach case-hardened s/g mentioned by Whaler is available at Buds, too. But this one is a 12-gauge model. I think the hammers look cool on this model.

BTW, if you take the search time to shop, I've read there are quite a number of used coach guns still available to buy. I'd check that out, too. One of my LGS here has quite a variety of used s/g most all the time in stock. Might be another option to find what you're looking for.....have fun!

I'm still interested in a side by side. I just think it will have longer barrels, like say the Stoeger Uplander. I like 20 ga.

PT7 wrote:

JCN wrote:Can anyone explain the external hammers to me? Are they beneficial functionally or is it just for looks?

Check out this hickok45 video titled: "Hammer Shotgun vs Hammerless." Some interesting commentary here.
http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=fun ... &FORM=VIRE

I enjoy hickok45, thanks for the link .... granted, he is prone to talk in circles so he could cover the same material in a much shorter video .... for me, the external hammers are a personal preference .... I just like the looks .... as hickok noted, to some that's what a coach gun is supposed to look like

Thanks guys I appreciate it. I've watched dozens of Hickok45 videos over the years but not this one!

Henry88 wrote:I'm still interested in a side by side. I just think it will have longer barrels, like say the Stoeger Uplander. I like 20 ga.

Buy two Henrys and duct tape them together.

Hickok made some interesting points about the external hammers vs internal. I'm still undecided.

JCN wrote:Hickok made some interesting points about the external hammers vs internal. I'm still undecided.

He really did. I never thought about the cocking effort difference, etc., also about storing uncocked; all good points.

I started this tread a few weeks ago with an interest in coach guns. I'd still love to buy one but had an itch to try it first.

This weekend i visited my in laws in PA. My father in law isn't a gun guy per se but certainly isn't against them either. He told me that his friend lent him a gun for home defense. Low and behold it's a 20 gauge side by side!

He had some shells so we went deep into his property and shot a box. It was a blast! 20 gauge was a lot of fun.

The gun itself was manufactured by J Stevens. The barrels appeared to be about 20" long but I didn't measure and didn't see it stamped on there. Two triggers. Auto safety. Plastic (wood colored) furniture which seemed pretty cheap.

This basically sealed the deal for me. I need a side by side and I wouldn't mind 20 gauge.

Does anyone know of after market wood furniture for this gun? I'd love to upgrade it for him.