Century Arms Coach Gun: An Affordable Side-By-Side Shotgun

by
posted on October 21, 2020
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
century-arms-coach-gun.jpg

Despite the fact Century Arms no longer offers its side-by-side Coach Gun, it continues to be one of the most popular shotguns in that genre among those sellers using the services of GunBroker.com. It claimed fifth in that category when the website compiled its 2019 ranking. Most models are currently running around $300, just below the price when they were brand new. The few remaining fresh specimens with the box command more.

The Chinese-made shotguns feature exposed hammers and double triggers. They can be found in both 12- and 20-gauge variations as well as .410 bore. All have 3" chambers. Barrel length, regardless of shotshell size, was 20". Overall length came in at 37" and weight hovers somewhere around 8 lbs., depending on shotshell size chambered and variations in wood.

Each feature a manual safety and rebounding hammers. The steel receiver has an extractor shared by both chambers, but no ejectors.

Metalwork is blued and furniture is walnut-stained hardwood with an oil-rubbed finish. The fore-end and grip on the stock were checkered. The guns shipped with a rubber recoil pad, sling swivels and a brass bead up front for the sighting.

The shotgun has been in that top-10 sales list for a number of years. In 2018 and 2017 it claimed third place. It was the fourth-place finisher in both 2016 and 2015. That kind of staying power is enviable in an industry where landscape and preferences routinely change.

On the other hand, there’s sometime timeless about the simplicity and reliability of rabbit-eared hammers on a side-by-side shotgun. None of will ever get to guard a stagecoach hauling gold in the old west, but one of these at least get a small taste of what it was like.  

Latest

target with holes
target with holes

Skills Check: The Tabula Rasa Method

Too many shooters step onto the range carrying the emotional residue of every missed shot, every bad stage and every ugly drill from the last six months like a tactical backpack full of disappointment. The Tabula Rasa method is designed to change that relationship.

Canadian Law Enforcement Agencies Select Federal Ammunition

Federal Ammunition will supply the Canadian Department of National Defense and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police with rifle and shotgun ammunition, respectively.

Shooting Surplus: Finding Affordable Mil-Surp Ammo in 2026

Today, the market for mil-surp ammo is vastly different than it was even just a few years ago. If you're a military-surplus collector and shooter, what should you look for in 2026? Here's our guide.

Colt Electro-Optics Introduces New Red Dots & Magnifier

No stranger to rebirth, Colt has recently spun off an optics division to make sure that, in a world where optics are considered to be standard equipment, a fully kitted-out gun can be all-pony.

What This Huge NFA Ruling Means for Gun Owners

The recent ruling in Jensen v. ATF and the subsequent lack of an appeal by the U.S. Department of Justice has left many gun owners with questions about purchasing NFA items. Here is some guidance.

Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

In partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson recently re-introduced two of its classic Night Guard revolvers, the Models 386 and 396, which are chambered for the .357 Magnum and .44 Special, respectively.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.