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

Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle
Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle

Review: EAA Balikli BLK

EAA’s new Balikli BLK bolt-action rifle is a Model 700-inspired rifle that’s feature-laden and affordable.

Big Iron: The Smith & Wesson Model 1917 Classic & Model 22 Classic

Smith & Wesson is resurrecting and updating two of its classic .45 caliber revolvers, with the Model 1917 Classic and Model 22 Classic.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 2, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

2nd Amendment Freedom is on the Ballot

This midterm election on November 3 will soon be behind us. We could see, come January 2027, a Congress that respects our Second Amendment freedom, or the American electorate could vote in the opposite.

Suppressor Demand Outpaces Production

The demand for suppressors is setting new records. National Firearm Act (NFA) item purchases in September—primarily suppressors—more than doubled compared to the same month in 2025.

Book Review | Five Decades of a Fabulous Firearm: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Beretta 92 Pistol Series

In this wide-ranging book, you’ll find a history of Beretta, discussion of developments leading to the Model 1951/951 Brigadier, its evolution into the Model 92 and the U.S. military’s adoption of the platform (as the M9) in 1985.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.