Coach guns, what else are they good for?

[Rover]

Went to Big 5 today to pick up one of those plastic egg holders and a new sleeping bag and started looking at their gun rack again

They have an Interstate Arms double barrel coach gun in 12ga for $200, and now I'm tempted, but not sure what I'd actually use it for (I don't buy guns just to own them, I need a reason) I know they're good for western 3-gun matches and protecting a stage-coach from banditos, but I don't plan on competing in anything, and sold my stage-coach last month, so I'm having a tough time deciding.

I'm thinking it wouldn't make a very good trap gun, or maybe it would, you tell me. Only critters I hunt with a shot-gun are doves, quails and ducks, my 870 with a 28" barrel is great for that, but double barrels just look cooler, though I'm not sure a coach gun would be right for that.

The fit and finish seamed pretty good, at least as good as my 870 and being such a simple gun I can't see much going wrong, the wooden stock was even pretty nice.

Somebody convince me why I should or shouldn't buy it, or rather why I should buy it tomorrow or continue to wait for a decent deal on either a side by side or over under SG to come along.

[Timberwolf]

They're a good rabbit gun.

[A324]

They are just plain cool, no doubt about it.

[Mr. Beretta]

Sometimes you just gotta buy a gun for the fun of it! I have several doubles and loved then!

If you're looking for a more serious, logical reason to own one, consider this fact. No other modern arm that I can think of will deliver two rds. of 00 buck faster than a double barrel! That's 18 rds. of 32 cal projectiles at 1250 FPS in about a second! Nothing else comes close. Any threat, 15 yds or under, is neutralized or seriously disabled.

Buy it and have fun!

[geeknow]

I think that this gun should be purchased, if for no other reason than the "cool" factor alone.

There are legitimate arguments to be made for the tactical benefits of such a manueverable shotgun in close quarters, deploying from cars (today's stagecoach), and such.

Or, as the poster above noted, for its ability to deliver its payload via both barrels simultaneously.

Price-wise, I dont think that the impact is such that "everyday utility" need be a driving factor. Yes, you want to make sure that you are getting enough use to justify the cost...but for 200 bucks, you dont need to use it much to feel like you are getting your moneys worth.

And to restate my original position..it has style and is cool.

[3006mv]

How long are the bbls? Exposed hammers or internal? Home defense maybe? If your house is nice and secure, always look nice over a fireplace. When I lived in MO I had a nieghbor that kept his nestled in an umbrella stand behind the coat rack behind the front door, pretty handy. Do you have a link as to what brand they carry? On a side note It's hard to knock Big5 these days at least they have long guns available, have you tried finding some and all the FFLs say no one has anything right now, it'll be a while, etc. etc. I say get something if you need it now cuz it may not be available when you may need it later. Or just go and visit it behind the counter and regret it later...

[andrewj]

They are just plain cool, no doubt about it.

Well said

[A324]

No other modern arm that I can think of will deliver two rds. of 00 buck faster than a double barrel! That's 18 rds. of 32 cal projectiles at 1250 FPS in about a second! Nothing else comes close. Any threat, 15 yds or under, is neutralized or seriously disabled.

Not to mention nothing comes close to the psychological impact of looking straight into the business end of a set of double barrels.

I get raised hairs on my back just thinking about it!

[sorensen440]

would make a great truck gun

[wooger]

My wife likes them, enough reason for me.

[Axewound]

ha ha i just drosed one last saturday....i just wanted one. it has hammers and all...

[supermario]

They are just plain cool, no doubt about it.

+1, Some guns you just gotta own
Just like everybody needs at least 1 COLT 45.

[Mason McDuffie]

There is definitely something pretty sweet about a double barrel. I have been contemplating it myself. I say go for it man. Looks like a whole lotta fun.

[spegull03]

My friend bought a Stoeger 21" coach gun. It is almost impossible to hit clays with, but sure is fun to shoot both barrels at once. We have not used buckshot yet, just trap rounds so far

it just kinda puts a smile on your face when you shoot it.

[GMG]

This must be it. $339 MSRP.

A shorter barrel would look nice!

http://www.iacshotguns.com/99w.html