Kokak d' Frog Posted December 19, 2016 Posted December 19, 2016 We were out at our favorite store (Bass Pro) this weekend and BJM (Butter J' Mouse), my wife, started looking at S x S shotguns. I told her I would have the stock on my old Stevens S x S cut down for her and we would share, but her response was "I want my own". I have been married to this young lady for 23 years now and I know not to try and convince her of anything. Plus... having another Shotgun, is not a bad thing... So she lookied at a Stoeger S x S Coach Gun Uplander Combo. This is the Coach gun with a 20" barrel but includes the Uplander 28" barrel for $499.00 + Tax and DROS (~$80) Then she started looking online (Davidson Guns) and found the Cimarron 1878 Coach Gun with a 20" barrel, Hammers and a lifetime replacement warranty for $580 (out the door). So I come to you with yet another question; which of the 2 above guns sounds good to you? Quote
Blackey Cole Posted December 19, 2016 Posted December 19, 2016 I have the predessor to the 1878 in the ttn and like it for classic when I don't shoot my 87. I never had a stoeger. If the stoeger is hammerless and she doesn't shoot classic cowgirl I'd go with the stoeger as it will be faster. Personally I'd check with Johnny Meadows to see if he's got a baikal in you price range or if you really want to treat her get her an skb. Quote
Rooster Ron Wayne Posted December 19, 2016 Posted December 19, 2016 I have two Stogers . One I have been using for 8 or 9 years now. The other one was bought as a back up But never needed it yet ! Just saying :-) 1 Quote
Ace_of_Hearts Posted December 19, 2016 Posted December 19, 2016 I would highly suggest your lady go to the clubs closest to you and shoot all the shotguns that she sees before making a purchase. Especially those used by the ladies of the club. You have have some excellent lady shooters at that club and they can show her how to properly shoulder the gun without getting bruised. Your old Stevens will serve you well till you find something better. Cutting the stock to fit her will turn it into a nose buster for you. Quote
Warden Callaway Posted December 19, 2016 Posted December 19, 2016 Mary has 5 Marlin 1894s, two sets of Cattleman 357 but she's stuck on her Stoeger Uplander. She's shot my Stoeger coach gun and would take it if she wanted it but she loves the Uplander. It points better and opens easier. I have a Cimerron 1878 with 26" barrels. It actually feels lighter than the 20" models my buddies have. They looked it over and commented that it points and balances better. Who'd figure? Quote
Colorado Coffinmaker Posted December 19, 2016 Posted December 19, 2016 Since your darling bride is making her own choices, best listen to what she wants. THE most Cowboy is the Cimarron 1878. THE best value for dollar is the Cimarron 1878. At this point Speed ... or "faster" should be the least of your worries. It'll be a while before she gets "fast." Coffinmaker Quote
John Henry Quick Posted December 19, 2016 Posted December 19, 2016 Ace is spot on. I started with a Rossi Overlander, then I got a Stoeger. It was OK, but then I bought an SKB from Johnny Meadows and I absolutely love it. Quote
Pit Bull Tex Posted December 19, 2016 Posted December 19, 2016 What ever SHE wants make sure it is cut to fit her.Go to shoots and get her to try the ladies' shotguns. Quote
Warden Callaway Posted December 19, 2016 Posted December 19, 2016 I caught Mary handling the Cimarron 1878 we traided into. We haven't shot it yet. Maybe won't. I was impressed with the wood and fit and finish for a Chinese knockoff on this specific gun. Colt 1878 above. Quote
Seamus McGillicuddy Posted December 20, 2016 Posted December 20, 2016 If they still make the 1878 like they used to its a TANK! Hands down the best deal in mule eared SxS. Seamus Quote
Kokak d' Frog Posted December 20, 2016 Author Posted December 20, 2016 (edited) Just as an added... I will be reloading 12ga specifically for her. I will be having her try some 3/4 oz and 7/8 oz loads. There is a slight chance I will be able to get her out to the Skeet and or Trap range with me. For this reason I am leaning towards "recommending" the Stoeger Coach/Uplander combo. But I really like the Cimarron (for myself). Thanks for all the great advice everyone Please keep it coming. Edited December 20, 2016 by Kokak d' Frog Quote
John Henry Quick Posted December 20, 2016 Posted December 20, 2016 Just as an added... I will be reloading 12ga specifically for her. I will be having her try some 3/4 oz and 7/8 oz loads. There is a slight chance I will be able to get her out to the Skeet and or Trap range with me. For this reason I am leaning towards "recommending" the Stoeger Coach/Uplander combo. But I really like the Cimarron (for myself). Thanks for all the great advice everyone Please keep it coming. If she has trouble with recoil, consider real black powder loads. I make 7/8 ounce BP loads that are milder than any smokeless load I've tried and they reliably knock down the poppers. I can send you the recipe if you're interested. Quote
Kokak d' Frog Posted December 20, 2016 Author Posted December 20, 2016 ... I can send you the recipe if you're interested. That would be well appreciated John... Quote
Warden Callaway Posted December 20, 2016 Posted December 20, 2016 If she has trouble with recoil, consider real black powder loads. I make 7/8 ounce BP loads that are milder than any smokeless load I've tried and they reliably knock down the poppers. I can send you the recipe if you're interested. Absolutely! That's how Mary started shooting a shotgun. Bitter cold winter with snow on the ground. I put some laundry detergent jugs on sticks. She loved blasting away at them. They would often jump off the sticks. She would blow them down the hill. Good therapy! Quote
Marauder SASS #13056 Posted December 20, 2016 Posted December 20, 2016 Definitely have her test the shotguns. The recoil of the Stoeger can be a problem for many due of the drop of the stock and the slightly lighter weight. Some have no problem with it, but my bride and a few others hated them, even with recoil reducers, padded stock, lighter loads, etc. If that is the case, contact Johnny as mentioned for a slicked up Baikel. The external hammer guns are fun, but a bit more challenging for someone to start, slower for practically all of us, and they are heavier, if that matters. Quote
Warden Callaway Posted December 20, 2016 Posted December 20, 2016 Don't automatically assume all women are recoil sensitive. Mary had done almost no shooting before getting into CAS two years ago. Certainly nothing that had any recoil. I gave her some basic instructions on butt placement and hold and she took to it like a duck to water. One day at Wally-World I loaded 10 boxes of AA Featherlights in the cart. She says, "Do we need these?". I explained they were at a good price with the $2/box rebate and they had less recoil. She replied, "What's the fun in that?". This summer she wanted a 1911. We shoped at a half-dozen gun shops. Most salesmen cautioned her on the recoil and drug her over to see the pretty pink 380s. No, she wanted a 1911 in 45ACP. And she got one. Shoots it just fine. I think once past propper hold and technique, the rest is mental. I've seen big, husky men that can't handle recoil. Quote
Randy Saint Eagle, SASS # 64903 Posted December 20, 2016 Posted December 20, 2016 Make sure she handles an 1878 before you buy one for her, they are very heavy. I shot one for years and really like it but it started making my elbow hurt due to the weight. I went backto a Stoeger for a while and then made the mistake of buying an SKB. Now I have 2 SKB's and doubt if I could ever go back to anything else. 3/4 oz loads will knock down anything we shoot if you hit it. Randy Quote
Tyrel Cody Posted December 20, 2016 Posted December 20, 2016 Make sure she handles an 1878 before you buy one for her, they are very heavy. I shot one for years and really like it but it started making my elbow hurt due to the weight. I went backto a Stoeger for a while and then made the mistake of buying an SKB. Now I have 2 SKB's and doubt if I could ever go back to anything else. 3/4 oz loads will knock down anything we shoot if you hit it. Randy If you put powder in it and assuming no one is holding the rope to keep it up Quote
The Original Lumpy Gritz Posted December 20, 2016 Posted December 20, 2016 Just buy'em BOTH for her. Then sell the one she doesn't want. If you use Unique powder. I have a 1oz, 12ga load that has less recoil the 'Featherlites'. Just PM me for loads details as we will be struck by lightning, if we post load info on the open forum. OLG Quote
Randy Saint Eagle, SASS # 64903 Posted December 20, 2016 Posted December 20, 2016 If you put powder in it and assuming no one is holding the rope to keep it up Tyrel, no one would hold the rope to keep your target from falling, we'd just tie it Randy Quote
Lead Friend, SASS #53635 Posted December 20, 2016 Posted December 20, 2016 I agree with OLG. Buy 'em both and let her pick her favorite, or keep both if it suits her. They each suit a different purpose and both have their merits. Remember we don't buy guns, we just rent them. Play with 'em both for awhile. Quote
Warden Callaway Posted December 20, 2016 Posted December 20, 2016 Maybe another one to look at is the CZ-USA Hammer Coachgun. Beautiful, well made but a tad bit more expensive. 1 Quote
Lead Friend, SASS #53635 Posted December 20, 2016 Posted December 20, 2016 Maybe another one to look at is the CZ-USA Hammer Coachgun. Beautiful, well made but a tad bit more expensive. I have both. The 1878 is a little easier to use. Quote
Pat Riot Posted December 20, 2016 Posted December 20, 2016 Do not forget about the width of the forend. Barrels get hot. Narrow or splinter forends do not help with that. Quote
Kokak d' Frog Posted December 20, 2016 Author Posted December 20, 2016 (edited) ...If you use Unique powder. I have a 1oz, 12ga load that has less recoil the 'Featherlites'. Just PM me... That would be well appreciated OLG... Edited December 20, 2016 by Kokak d' Frog Quote
Kokak d' Frog Posted December 20, 2016 Author Posted December 20, 2016 ... Buy 'em both and let her pick her favorite... I like the way you all think. I did mention this option to my lovely bride. She doesn't think that's too bad of an idea... Quote
Rye Miles #13621 Posted December 20, 2016 Posted December 20, 2016 I would say go with the Stoeger. Hammerless is the way to go. I shot a TTN hammered shotgun for 4 -5 years and when I went back to hammerless it was a joy! I got rid of my hammer guns and now have 2 Stoegers and a Baikal. Hammered shotguns are definitely the most "cowboy" but I like to try and go as fast as I can so the hammerless is my choice! Quote
Noz Posted December 20, 2016 Posted December 20, 2016 I would highly suggest your lady go to the clubs closest to you and shoot all the shotguns that she sees before making a purchase. Especially those used by the ladies of the club. You have have some excellent lady shooters at that club and they can show her how to properly shoulder the gun without getting bruised. Your old Stevens will serve you well till you find something better. Cutting the stock to fit her will turn it into a nose buster for you. Why I have no idea but a lot of ladies like the 97. Quote
Two Spurs Posted December 21, 2016 Posted December 21, 2016 My bride Sunny Spurs (a little drink of water) shot a Stoeger for a hand full of years because that's what she was given to shoot. Didn't know what she was missing.....until she shot a slicked up SKB. Shortly after that she had an SKB. She said to sell the Stoeger cause she would never shoot it again. Quote
John Henry Quick Posted December 21, 2016 Posted December 21, 2016 My bride Sunny Spurs (a little drink of water) shot a Stoeger for a hand full of years because that's what she was given to shoot. Didn't know what she was missing.....until she shot a slicked up SKB. Shortly after that she had an SKB. She said to sell the Stoeger cause she would never shoot it again. Ditto. I got my SKB from Johnny Meadows and I can't imagine shooting a Stoeger again. Ya really do get what you pay for most of the time and this was no exception. Quote
Mack Hacker, #60477 Posted December 21, 2016 Posted December 21, 2016 I have always heard how well the 1878 is made, but when I opened mine up, it appeared that every part was made in a blacksmith shop. It was absolutely crude I may have just been the unlucky one. Wouldn't be the first time Quote
Hoss Carpenter Posted December 21, 2016 Posted December 21, 2016 I have shot a TTN (1878 knockoff) for 10 years with no problems. No they are not as fast as a hammerless SxS, unless you watch T -Bone Dooly shooting. But you win on style. Also, as many have stated, they are heavy; guess what, a lot less recoil. Cheers, Hoss C. Quote
Warden Callaway Posted December 21, 2016 Posted December 21, 2016 I have always heard how well the 1878 is made, but when I opened mine up, it appeared that every part was made in a blacksmith shop. It was absolutely crude I may have just been the unlucky one. Wouldn't be the first timeI was not impressed with some of the first ones I saw. But I ran across one in a gunshop that really impressed me. I showed it to three guys at a match that all shoot the 1878 clone and they all agreed that my gun out of the box was fitted and much better than there's. Even every screw was timed - a mark of quality gun. Colt 1878 10 gauge foreground, Cameron 1878 center, Colt 1878 12 gauge background. Of the three, the Cimarron has the lightest hammer springs. The Colt 12 has lock springs that could be used on a dump truck. So stong it's a struggle to cock both at one time. Colt lock above Cimarron. Mary's Stoeger Uplander weights just a bit over 7 pounds. The 26" Cimarron weights just over 7.5 pounds. Quote
Kokak d' Frog Posted December 25, 2016 Author Posted December 25, 2016 So an update... BJM has decided to get both. She will try them and then decide which one is hers and the other will be my new scattergun. As always; Thanks for all the advice! Have a Merry Christmas all! Quote
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