The Coach Gun

A few weeks ago while at the local pawn shop I spotted a used Stevens 311 in 20 gauge, I would have preferred one in 12 gauge, but the price they were asking was fair and the gun was in perfect condition, so after paying the guy behind the counter my money and filling out the customary paper work, I was on my way with my new project in hand.

The first thing I did was to cut the barrels down from the standard the 26 inches to a more fitting 20. Next I drilled and tapped the barrels for a new bead sight out front, after some sanding, finishing and cold bluing to tidy up the business end of my new coach gun; I headed outback to my makeshift shooting range to get “the feel” of my new creation. The first thing I noticed was that the Stevens handled and pointed much easier then before, and was a lot more compact and quicker to maneuver in tight places, like those afforded by the walls of my 26 foot travel trailer.

If you are in need of a defensive shotgun, consider looking at one of the short barreled coach guns in 12 or 20 gauge. They are just as good today as they were at the O.K. Corral or “riding shotgun” with a Wells, Fargo & Co. gold shipment in 1859. A double barreled shotgun is still a formidable weapon even today and would be a welcome addition to the survival arsenal.

If a suitable double barrel can’t be found or afforded, a single shot 12 or 20 gauge can be a workable substitute, for what I like to call the single barrel coach gun. Have a gunsmith (or do it yourself) cut the barrel back to 18 – 20 inches and replace the bead at the front and you have a low cost weapon that would make any yuppie survivalist green with envy or a looter piss his pants.

Related:
Survival Gun Selection

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