Coach Gun SxS
Various Manufacturers · Shotgun · In Production · 1858
Also known as: Coach Gun, Messenger's Gun, Stagecoach Gun, Cut-Down Shotgun
Overview
The Coach Gun SxS is a short-barreled side-by-side double-barreled break-action shotgun chambered in 12 gauge. Defined by twin smoothbore barrels of roughly 18 to 24 inches set side by side, it fires two shells before requiring a manual break-open reload. The pattern dates to the American Old West, where Wells Fargo express messengers carried such compact double guns loaded with buckshot to guard stagecoach shipments, giving rise to the term riding shotgun. Modern reproductions are widely produced for cowboy action shooting and home defense.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3040 g (107.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 950 mm (37.40") |
| Barrel Length | 508 mm (20.00") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Magazine Type | None |
| Muzzle Velocity | 400 m/s (1312 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2560 J (1888 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Break Action Break Open
- Safety mechanisms: Tang Safety
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, Fixed Cylinder Choke, Break Action, Short Barrels, Twin Triggers
Service history
Operators
- Wells Fargo & Co. Express Messengers · adopted 1858 · as messenger's gun
Production
Production years: 1858-present
A class of short side-by-side shotgun produced by many makers since the 19th century rather than a single production run.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Notes
Coach gun is a class of short-barreled side-by-side shotgun rather than a single make; widely reproduced today by Stoeger, CZ, Pedersoli and others. Typical configurations use 18 to 20 inch barrels with fixed cylinder chokes and either single or double triggers.
Background
Coach guns earned fame in the American Wild West, where the armed guard who rode beside the stagecoach driver cradling a short double-barreled shotgun gave English the phrase riding shotgun. Between 1870 and 1884, Wells Fargo faced 347 attempted and actual stagecoach robberies, prompting the company to arm its messengers with these cut-down double guns.