Coach gun: Stoeger vs. Remington

[redbone]

My wife is asking for a coach gun for personal defense. I think something with internal hammers would be best, and probably a 20 gauge. That seems to narrow it down to the Stoeger and the Remington (Russian made Spartan). The prices are about the same, so cost isn't really an issue. Quality and reliability certain are. I've read a lot of good reports on the Stoeger (most seem to be on the 12 gauge, though), much less on the Remington.

Anyone have experience with the Remington? Or, better yet, with both the Remington and the Stoeger?

Thanks.

RBH

 

[Loyalist Dave]

I have the Stoeger in 20, my Dad the Remington. I got the better deal. The wood to metal fit was better, and the action on the Remington was so dang tight, that I had to use valve-lapping compound on it to smooth it out so it would work. Otherwise his arthritis would prevent him from breaking open the action on reloading; not so good on a quail hunt. Not too good for home defense unless you're a person with good upper body strength.

I prefer an 870 in 20 gauge for home defense. Only one thing on the planet sounds like a shotgun being pumped and a shell being racked into the chamber..., and that's a shotgun being pumped and a shell being racked into the chamber.

Speaking from almost two decades of law enforcement experience, I'd say it'd be better for a badguy to hear your lady has a shotgun, than to have to see her with it, as with a SxS. IF he can see her, he can hurt her more easily than if he hears her rack the slide from somewhere inside the house, eh?

LD

 

[scout26]

Simple,

Which one does she prefer ????

Let her try several and choose her favorite. Good fit is the most important thing in selecting a shotgun.

Then BA/UU/R by playing some clay games. (It may take 100-500 rounds to get it broke in.) That way she learns the MOA/chops and is comfortable with the tool, should G_d forbid she should ever have to use it in a HD/SD situtation.

Remember that people do not rise to the occasion, they revert back to they're level of training.

 

[ArmedBear]

Stoegers are very popular for CAS competition.

This says a lot on their behalf, since CAS involves beating the crap out of your firearms.

When I did a little demo shoot with a local CAS club, that's what they handed me. In my world, the gun I am willing to let strangers shoot is a gun that I know can stand a lot of abuse. Now the gun may have had a few custom parts like pins and springs, but nothing that would be too expensive or too big of a deal to install.

Hit targets with both barrels on the first try, too, and really fast. I know what kind of coach gun I'll get, or maybe the Uplander for birds at some point...

 

[MrAcheson]

When the Russian guns were imported by EAA (and therefore were cheap) the two guns were generally considered a wash among the CAS community. The Stoeger was better out of the box, but the Baikal's were at least a hundred bucks cheaper. Since you were probably sending them off to a smith anyway, the rougher action on the baikal didn't amount to much.

Now that Remington imports the Baikal's, the price difference has disappeared but the quality difference hasn't changed at all. So the Stoeger is probably the better buy.

 

[ArmedBear]

Stoegers are much prettier, IMO. The ones I've seen or shot have nice walnut, with a nice finish, and a generally nicer appearance than the Russkie doubles.

They're not Pigeon Grade Berettas, but they're attractive. The Russian guns remind me of a wartime-production military weapon.

 

[redbone]

Thanks, guys. It sounds like the Stoeger wins the popularity contest.

Loyalist Dave: I agree with your thoughts on the pump guns. The reason I'm suggesting a side by side for her is from my experience with her and my Glock 27. After she shot it the first time, she commandeered it for her own. That was fine with me, I was delighted she wanted it. But even with lots of practice she never really felt comfortable with the auto, and we ended up getting her a S&W 442 based on it's simplicity (which she shoots like a pro). I'm thinking the pump vs. the side by side would kinda be the same deal. Doesn't get much simplier than a side by side.

Scout 26: She'll certainly have the last say on the purchase. I'm just doing the legwork on comparison shopping.

Thanks again.

RBH