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

Appendix-Carry
Appendix-Carry

Rifleman Report: Proficiency Is Key

As the end of the calendar year approaches, and new firearms and related products continue to become available, we’re reminded that, while gear is important, training safely with it while developing familiarity is just as vital.

Tips & Techniques: Applying A Linseed Oil Finish (Without Turning Your Stock Into A Sticky Mess)

Linseed oil may be the oldest wood finish known to man, with evidence of linseed oil finishes being applied to wood as far back as ancient Egypt.

I Have This Old Gun: British Garate Revolver

World War I, as it would come to be known, rather took most powers by surprise. In 1914, Great Britain, which had not entered into a formal alliance with France and Russia, was expected by some to sit on the sidelines while the others went at it.

Beretta Commemorates 50th Anniversary Of 90 Series Pistol Family

Beretta's popular 90 Series handguns, including the iconic Beretta 92, celebrates 50 years of production in 2025, and to honor the milestone, the company has released a limited-edition variant.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 24, 2025

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

Ruger & Glenfield: Revisiting The Budget Approach To Firearms

Decades ago, no-frills firearms were offered within the sporting-goods departments of many popular retailers. Does the return of the Glenfield Firearms brand by Ruger signal a return to those days?

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.