Question on a side by side

[Goldy49]

This is the first time I have written to this forum. Normally, I am a pistol shooter - 1911's to be exact, but I as I get older I am getting increasingly uncomfortable about having my pistols used for home defense. More and more, I see a shotgun as a better defense weapon.

Here is my question. What do you guys think of using a side by side with exposed hammers as a home defense weapon. It could remain loaded indefinetly. In "Coach" gun configuration, it would be short enough to use in close quarters and it should be a relatively quick re-load if neccessary. Also, does it really make a difference whether or not it is a 12 or a 20 gauge?

Thanks for any and all input.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[buckeye .45]

I have a Stoeger coachgun that certainly can fulfill the HD role. It is short and handy inside rooms and hallways. The Stoeger does not have exposed hammers, and I am okay with that. I like the way the hammers look, but can certainly live without them.

My preferred reload would be my handgun if I had to use it in a HD situation, it would be quicker than popping in more shells, but unless the BG was very determined, I don't think they would be sticking around after getting both barrels shot at them.

12 gauge is obviously a bit more powerful, but a 20 with a good buckshot load would get the job done.

[retsupt99]

I also have a Stoeger Coach Gun Supreme...this one... http://www.stoegerindustries.com/fir...un_supreme.php
Mine is in 12 ga., and it is perfect for moving around the home and making lots of big holes.

I had mine re-worked for cowboy shooting, not to compete, but rather to have it operate more smoothly...it does!

[gasmitty]

A coach gun is indeed a useful home defense gun, but don't get rid of the handguns! Training is definitely in order; as a minimum, buy or borrow the Clint Smith "Defensive Shotgun" DVD to understand how to deploy the scattergun in the home. There's a great photo somewhere, maybe in an American Handgunner magazine, of Clint with a coach gun that has a tactical flashlight fastened below the barrels with what looks like a couple of O-rings!

Not a huge difference between 20 and 12 gauge inside the home; with the 20, I don't think 00 buck is loaded, but you'll find #1, #2 or #4 buckshot, all of which are better than birdshot for human targets.

[glockman10mm]

From personal experience, I can attest that a scattergun loaded with even Birdshot works wonders on ridding your house of varmits.! But like was suggested above , buck shot is the way to go. I personally think that a good double barrel with a determined man or woman behind it is more trouble than anybody would ever want.

[SIXTO]

I wouldnt argue with a man using a coach gun to defend his home.

[ctsketch]

I wouldn't argue with anyone with a gun ;)

[jwhite75]

I think they are a great option. Like Buckeye said, the reload would be your 1911.

[Gideon]

I wanted a HD shotgun and simply loved the Stoeger line of guns, but in the end I bought an 870 Express and installed a short youth model stock. It is simply more practical. It has enough ammo on board to handle situations and was just as handy (if not more so) than a side by side. I love the looks and feel of a side by side but I would recommend you carefully consider the real practical utility of the two.

If recoil is a problem I wouldn't hesitate to use 20 ga buck shot in a close quarters home defense scenario. I ended up going with 12 ga based because of how much more available ammo and different types of ammo are available. 20 ga buck shot isn't something I can find readily on local shelves. But if you don't mind ordering on line then no problem. You can always order a bulk shipment from Georgia Arms or other similar places and you'll have enough for years at a decent price.

i don't know how big a deal it is to leave a gun like a Stoeger cocked for extended periods of time but I can't imagine it being as big a deal as some would seem to make it.

Good luck in your choice and consider getting the training video that was recommended. I've seen it and it's outstanding.

Also, if you go with a Stoeger and can afford it; send it to someone who can work the action, they seem a bit rough and I believe you'll find it well worth the expense in the long run.

One final point; I really think a light is a VERY important tool in home defense. Another reason why I went wth an 870 pump was the ability to add a surefire led light to it. Stoeger markets a gun with a rail underneath that you could mount a light on so that's an option.

Gideon

[OldVet]

At inside-the-house ranges, anything from any gauge shotgun can be very discouraging. Obviously the larger the shot and gauge the more potentially lethal, but a 20 ga will serve nicely within its limitations. An advantage of the "coach" guns is they usually have a slightly longer barrel than most pumps, without increasing gun overall length. The disadvantage? Capacity. Two versus 5-6 or more with pumps, etc. But if it takes more than two, the coach gun makes a swell club.

[glockman10mm]

One often overlooked advantage of a double is that lightening fast second shot. In some situations this can make the difference.

[Glocksin]

Side by side shotguns are one of the most recognized weapons,and i doubt anyone would want to mess with a sawed off.I almost bought one,and would have sawed it off right down to a 4" barrel,leaving just enough room for the shells,and put a foregrip on to control recoil.

[OD*]

I almost bought one,and would have sawed it off right down to a 4" barrel,leaving just enough room for the shells,and put a foregrip on to control recoil.

You do know that is a felony, right?

[Bill Lindsay]

This question came up as to a double barrel shotgun. I did a little research and looked at what the cowboy action shooters can do with these shotguns. It almost looks fake, they can reload so fast. Perhaps a butt cuff for reloads and you would be well served.

[Hkchris]

CZ makes a coach gun with hammers. It runs about $850.