Pietta 1878 Coach Gun
F.lli Pietta · Shotgun · In Production
Overview
The Pietta 1878 Coach Gun is a side-by-side 12-gauge shotgun inspired by the coach guns of the Old West. Featuring a forged SAE 1040 steel receiver, SAE 4140 steel barrels with internal chrome lining, and Turkish walnut stock with pistol grip, it's built for both Cowboy Action Shooting competition and home defense. Available with external hammers or in a hammerless internal-hammer variant, with fixed chokes (left modified, right cylinder).
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3350 g (118.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 953 mm (37.52") |
| Barrel Length | 510 mm (20.08") |
| Action Type | Recoil Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12 ga, 12 bore
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Safety mechanisms: Tang Safety
- Features: Side By Side Barrels, External Hammers, Chrome Lined Bore, Fixed Chokes, Break Action, Manual Extractors
Variants
- Pietta 1878 Coach Gun Color Case Hardened — Finish
- Pietta 1878 Coach Gun Nickel — Finish
- Pietta 1878 Coach Gun Internal Hammer — Standard
Origin
Country of origin: Italy
Notes
12 gauge, 3" (76mm) chamber. Barrel lengths: 510mm (20") or 550mm (21.5"). Variants: standard blued, color case-hardened (tartarugata), nickel-plated, and internal hammer (hammerless). Fixed chokes: left modified, right cylinder. Manual extractors.
Background
The coach gun was the quintessential weapon of the Wells Fargo stagecoach guard - the 'shotgun messenger' who rode alongside the driver to protect valuable cargo. Short-barreled side-by-side shotguns were preferred for their devastating close-range firepower and ease of handling from the confined driver's box. Doc Holliday famously wielded a short-barreled shotgun at the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.