Century JW-2000 Coach: A Popular Side-By-Side Shotgun

by
posted on January 13, 2021
** 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-jw-2000.jpg

Century’s Coach Gun continues to be a popular choice among enthusiasts shopping for a side-by-side shotgun, according to results from GunBroker.com, but squeaking in just behind in the standings is another version once sold by the company—the Century JW-2000 Coach. Century no longer offers either firearm, although they continue to be a popular choice on the used market.

Two versions were made, a 20 and 12 gauge. Both break-action shotguns had the “by definition” two shotshell capacity and wore rabbit ear external hammers. Barrels and receiver were blued nicely, the manual safety was mounted on the tang and the guns had double triggers. Choke was fixed and a brass bead up front provided sighting.

The stock and fore-end were hardwood with a walnut stain and oil-rubbed finish. Modest checkering at the grip and forearm ensured a solid grip, whether hunting in poor weather or during a sweaty stage at a cowboy action shooting match. A rubber recoil pad was also standard, as well as sling swivels.

Barrel length in both came in at 20 inches and the guns could chamber shotshells up to 3 inches. Weight for both was roughly 7.5 lbs. and overall length 37.5".

There’s no denying the timeless look of a side-by-side shotgun, and reliable performance continue to make it a popular choice among enthusiasts. That fact’s confirmed with a quick look at the prices.

Brand new and out of the box these guns ran for roughly $350, sometime above. On the used market today, despite the fact they’ve modern takes on the classic, you can expect to pay at least $200, and they’ll likely show some abuse. It’s still a great deal, if you can find one.

Latest

Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web
Gotw Wilson Combat Divison 77 Project 1 Web

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1

Join American Rifleman staff on the range in this video to get a closer look at Wilson Combat’s somewhat cryptically named “Division 77 Project 1.” 

The Armed Citizen® July 18, 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.

Review: POF-USA LMR BASE Rifle

The Patriot Ordnance Factory LMR Base offers a .308 Win. chambering in a lightweight, AR-15-size package, which makes it a capable platform for today's new gun owner. And it comes at a fair price.

2025 Accessory Of The Year: Wyoming Sight Drifter

For each of the past 23 years, the editors of American Rifleman have convened to select our top picks for the past year’s best and most innovative products. Here are the most recent winners.

Henry Donates Rifles To Support Young Leukemia Victim

Henry Repeating Arms has donated a limited run of 50 “Team Keane” Golden Boy .22 lever-action rifles to support 13-year-old Keane Rhodes of Universal City, Texas, who is currently undergoing aggressive treatment for ALL T-cell leukemia.

Rifleman Review: Springfield Armory Echelon

Springfield Armory introduced its Echelon in 2023, bringing a modernized, chassis-style, striker-fired handgun to the market that has since seen several notable line extensions.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.