When it comes to home defense you can’t beat the shotgun. Not only does it pack a mean wallop, but it is a little more forgiving when it comes to aim. However, like any other firearm, the more moving parts, the more chance for malfunctions. And during a home defense scenario is the worst time for a malfunction. For this reason, due to its simple platform, the old coach guns provide a reliable home defense.

Coach Guns for Home Defense

We are not suggesting that coach guns never malfunction. We are only saying that, like a revolver, the simple operation of the coach gun leaves less room for malfunction. Although the racking of a pump action shotgun makes a great deterrent and may chase the intruder away, things like double feeds, stovepipes, failure to eject, etc. are all real possibilities.

However, with a coach gun, drop your two shells into the double barrel and fire. While a failure to fire is still a possibility with a coach gun, it sure beats the list of other malfunctions. Statistically speaking, you have far less chance of experiencing an issue while defending your home.

The shorter profile of the coach gun also makes it easy to maneuver throughout the house and manipulate around corners. However, with that said, the smaller profile makes them kick quite a bit more. So, when it comes to using a coach gun for home defense, a 20 gauge would be a lot more manageable than a 12 gauge.

CZ Sharp-Tail Coach

With a more modern approach to the coach gun than its Hammer Coach, CZ offers the Sharp-Tail Coach. Featuring a 20-inch barrel, the Sharp-Tail Coach is easy to maneuver through a home or tight space. Available in either 12- or 20-gauge, the Sharp-Tail will chamber both 2 3/4- or 3-inch shells. The Sharp-Tail features cylinder bore and does not accept chokes.

The mechanical single selectable trigger also provides more space in the trigger guard than a double trigger option. However, it uses a case extractor, as opposed to an ejector, so you will have to remove the shells by hand.

MSRP: $1,199.00.

For more information, please visit CZ-USA.com.

Stoeger Coach Gun

Available in 12-, 20-, or .410-gauge, the Stoeger Coach Gun not only provides dependable operation, but is also affordable. Featuring a two-trigger design, the rear trigger is set far enough back to easily accommodate your trigger finger. However, it’s also available in a selective single trigger if you prefer but is only available in 12- or 20-gauge.

The Stoeger features a 20-inch barrel for easy maneuverability. In addition, it comes standard with fixed improved cylinder and modified chokes. The Stoeger also uses a case extractor instead of an ejector, so shells need to be manually removed.

MSRP: $499.00-$579.00

For more information, please visit StoegerIndustries.com.

Charles Daly Triple Threat 3 Barrel Shotgun

One of the drawbacks to a coach gun for home defense is there are only two shots between reloads. Well, how do three shots suit you? Although far from a budget-friendly option, the Triple Threat from Charles Daly definitely steps things up a bit.

Available in either 12- or 20-gauge, the Triple Threat features a short 18.5-inch barrel. As a result, comes with just a little more maneuverability in tight spaces. Likewise, the removable butt stock makes it even more maneuverable and easily stored. The Triple Threat also features a single, non-selective trigger with mechanical reset.

The Triple Threat features Remington Choke Thread MC-5 and comes with skeet choke, improved cylinder choke, modified choke, improved modified choke, and full choke. In addition, the Triple Threat utilizes an extractor instead of an ejector, so shells have to be manually removed.

MSRP: $2,014.00.

For more information, please visit CharlesDaly.com.

Charles Daly 520 Side by Side Coach Shotgun

The 520 Side by Side from Charles Daly is available in either 12- or 20-gauge with a single-selective mechanical reset trigger. In addition, the 20-inch barrel features Remington Choke Thread MC-5. Correspondingly, it comes with a skeet choke, improved cylinder choke, modified choke, improved modified choke, and full choke. The 520 also uses an extractor instead of an ejector, so shells will have to be removed manually.

MSRP: $946.00.

For more information, please visit CharlesDaly.com.

Cimarron 1878 Coach Gun

A true throwback design, the Cimarron 1878 Coach Gun features exposed side hammers and a double trigger. Although available with a 26-inch barrel, the 20-inch is ideal for home defense. Capable of holding 3-inch shells, 1878 is chambered in 12-gauge, so it will have some kick to it. But the simple design and feature set keeps the 1878 Coach Gun affordable.

MSRP: $670.80.

For more information, please visit Cimarron-Firearms.com.