Coach Gun for hunting

[CherryCola]

I dont do much hunting, but I want to start going on the occasional dove shoot as a way to bond with my dad and brother-in-law, so I'm looking for a shotgun.

The reason behind wanting a side by side coach gun is that I feel like it might can fill more than one purpose. I currently only own a cheap pump HD shotgun, but I feel like I might sell it and have this coach gun be for both HD and hunting. I'm trying to slim down my collection to be only firearms I actually use. I also think the coach could be used for hunting more than just dove if I wanted it to.

My question is, would a 20 or 24 inch coach be viable for dove at all?

Here are the two the Im looking at:

Buy STOEGER COACH GUN 1220 BLUE w Single Trigger Online

Stoeger Coach Gun 12GA 20" Blue & Walnut Stock w/ Single Trigger The Stoeger Coach Gun and Coach Gun Supreme

www.budsgunshop.com

Buy Rock Island Armory Side By Side 12 GA 24 2rd 3 Black Anodized Aluminum RecBarrel Walnut Fixed Stock Right Hand Fu Online

Rock Island 12RSS24 Side By Side 12 Gauge 24 2rd 3 Black Anodized Aluminum Rec/Barrel Walnut Fixed Stock Right Hand (Full Size

www.budsgunshop.com

 

[The Old Jaybird]

usually want 28 inch barrel with modified choke for dove. most coach guns have shorter barrels and more open chokes.

 

[CherryCola]

usually want 28 inch barrel with modified choke for dove. most coach guns have shorter barrels and more open chokes.

With both of these, one barrel is IC and the other is modified. The Stoeger also has a premium version that allows you to change out the chokes.

I'm not really worried about barrel length. The only thing that would give me is an easier/more time to track the dove.

 

[basstracker89]

If you can find one with screw in chokes and @ a 21" barrel or longer. Then you'd have something

 

[Bennyboy]

It can be done but don’t expect optimal performance. If your goal is just to bond and have fun, go for it.

Personally though, I’d get a pump gun combo with two barrels. A Maverick 88 for example is cheap and with a HD barrel and a field barrel, you’d be miles ahead of the coach gun.

 

[fattboyzz]

Get the one with the choke tubes. Then you can have options

The Stoegers are pretty good

 

[CherryCola]

Get the one with the choke tubes. Then you can have options

The Stoegers are pretty good

What do you think is more important, choke tubes on a 20 inch or the standard Mod/IC chokes on a 24 inch?

 

[basstracker89]

I very much prefer a good set of choke tubes any day. Then figure out best combo with choke and ammo to make it pattern it's very best. Then you have something

 

[GTN]

What do you think is more important, choke tubes on a 20 inch or the standard Mod/IC chokes on a 24 inch?

I would pick the 24" barrel with mod/ic over a 20" with screw in chokes.

Personally I would explore other options and keep my HD gun and buy another to hunt with because if you enjoy it that's going to happen anyway.

Without breaking the bank I would look at a Remington 870 and get 2 barrels, a 26-28" and a barrel for home defense if you only want one gun.

 

[fattboyzz]

What do you think is more important, choke tubes on a 20 inch or the standard Mod/IC chokes on a 24 inch?

I would choose the fixed choke gun if it was a smokin deal.