CZ Hammer Coach vs Cimaronn 1878 Coach

[Doc Cussewago]

Howdy All,

 

Looking for comparisons from people who have shot both.

 

For Classic Cowboy, which do you prefer and why.

 

Again, looking for people who have shot and competed with both guns.

 

Thanks,

 

Doc Cussewago

[Warden Callaway]

I have very limited experience with the Cimarron 1878 and a lot more with the CZ-USA hammer coachgun.   The Cimarron is noticeably heavier and far more crudely made. I still have the CZ,  the Cimarron went to a new shooter. 

[Johnny Meadows,SASS#28485L]

If you look at the top Classic cowboys over the last 10 years, the majority shoot an 1878.

I have worked on both guns for around 20 years.

The 1878 is heavier providing less recoil. The hammers on the 1878 are closer together making it easier to sweep them with one movement to cock them. Although not as pretty as a CZ, they are almost indestructible.

The CZ is a beautifully made shotgun and functions very well. If your interested in a top of the line gun, it could fill your needs.  

 

[Cibola Al]

I own several Chinese 1878 shotguns now, one tuned by Johnny Meadows. I have shot a few stages with a CZ to see if I NEEDED one. As mentioned above, I find the hammer position of the 1878 easier to manipulate. I also like the extra weight as I tend to shoot cheap factory Remington Gun Club shells and the recoil is less pleasant in a lighter gun. The CZ is a much more attractive firearm if that’s important to you.

[Doc Cussewago]

Thanks guys.  I have an opportunity to buy both and was trying to decide.

 

i like the finish on the CZ.  I like the hammer position on the 1878.

 

Decisions, decisions…

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Get both, then you have a backup. 

[Warden Callaway]

Keep in mind, if you're planning to cock both hammers with a sweep of the off hand, you're holding the gun with you're dominant shooting hand by the wrist of the shotgun. (T-Bone method) I found it more comfortable to do this with lighter CZ.  

[Cowtown Scout, SASS #53540 L]

When I used the TTN  before moving to the 87 I cocked the hammers with my thumb. Never did the sweep.

[Diamond Jake]

Personal opinion: I prefer the look and feel of the 1878.  I like historical accuracy, and the 1878 (mine was a TTN) is almost exact.  It says "Cowboy" to me, while the CZ says "English bird hunting".

[Buckshot Bear]

3 hours ago, Diamond Jake said:

Personal opinion: I MUCH prefer the look and feel of the 1878.  I like historical accuracy, and the 1878 (mine was a TTN) is almost exact.  it says "Cowboy" to me, while the CZ says "English bird hunting".

 

I feel pretty cowboy when I look down the barrels of my CZ

 

[Diamond Jake]

6 hours ago, Buckshot Bear said:

 

I feel pretty cowboy when I look down the barrels of my CZ

 

That is indeed a very beautiful shotgun.  No offence meant by my earlier statement.

[Buckshot Bear]

14 hours ago, Diamond Jake said:

That is indeed a very beautiful shotgun.  No offence meant by my earlier statement.

Of course DJ... No offence taken mate

[Rooster Ron Wayne]

I have had no problems with my Rossi 12g Hammer gun .

No need to Try the New Guns .

[Colorado Coffinmaker]

Ah well.  NONE OF THE ABOVE.  I owned and shot TTN 1878 replicas for years.  Then tried a CZ.  THEN I tried a Pedersoli.  Wowzers, talk about a Rolls Royce.  Then I added Pietta's new 1878 replica.  'Nother Rolls Royce.  Stiff out of the box but built better than anything else out there by far.  Not cheap my any means, but ya only buy once fer sure.

[watab kid]

im always interested in reading these threads in case i need to replace my stevens hammered coach gun down the road 

[Slick McClade]

My wife shoots Classic with a Rock Island Armory hammered double. Very well made shotgun and weighs 3lbs less than my TTN. According to Snake Oil George(40yr master machinist) the internals of the RIA are superior quality and very well made. The hammers are positioned well, much like the TTN. The wood is very nice and comes with factory cut checkering.

Snake oil does make a new release lever that’s a little longer than the factory which works very well and makes a perfect addition. Best part is cost is around $500.

 

Slick.

[Dacotua]

I have a CZ Hammer Coach. I love the shotgun, but I can tell you right now, parts for the gun are difficult to come by. I had to call CZ multiple times to finally get a replacement extractor. (I wanted to bob mine and I wanted to keep the original so I can put it back to factory). Getting the replacement hammer springs was a pain also. (I wanted to shave the sides down to make the hammers lighter, but I wanted to be able to return it to stock).

 

Next thing you have to be ok with on a CZ Hammer Coach, its going to get dinged or scratched in competition.

 

The Rock Island Armory Hammered Double is really appealing for the sport. If you scratch it or break it, its 1/2 the cost of the CZ Hammer Coach.

 

[Mad Major]

I don't want to steal the OP's thread here, but I am also trying to find the best bang for the buck.  I plan to get into CAS as soon as I can get my guns together( still need one more pistol and a shot gun). 

 

I am drawn to the RIA Hammer gun because of the reviews and the "modern" design, and the de-cock-ability of the hammers while keeping the chambers loaded.  Same for the CZ hammer, but its sure pricey.  I have seen Stoegers everywhere, and it seems a lot of people like them.  I am trying to stay around $500 for a shot gun.  My local Ace Hardware(Culpepper Outdoors) also carries an Iver Johnson 800 hammerless.  But I have seen many posts that say it is too heavily sprung for CAS.  So of those 4, which is the best bang for the buck?  I don't intend to limit myself to classic cowboy, but I like the look of the hammer guns. 

 

I don't intend to be a world champion, I just want to shoot for the fun of it an maintain my shooting skills in a challenging course.  So I don't need a Corvette, an old Chevy C10 that gets the job done and can take a beating is what I am looking for.   Thanks in advance!

 

p.s.  IF there is another thread on here somewhere that is nothing but shot gun comparisons, please point me to it.

[Possum Skinner, SASS#60697]

Major,

Of the ones you mentioned, I would lean toward the RIA.  Have heard very good things about them.

 

Possum

[Cholla]

Which of these would be the easiest to do the T-Bone method? I have a stiff hammered CZ and Shotgun Boogie said he won’t work on them. 

[Warden Callaway]

1 hour ago, Cholla said:

Which of these would be the easiest to do the T-Bone method? I have a stiff hammered CZ and Shotgun Boogie said he won’t work on them. 

I have no problem with stock springs on the CZ.  Shot the TTN one match and a bit at home. Is heavier and made it more cumbersome to hold with right hand while doing the Tbone sweep and loading. Video of me shooting at the end.

 

 

 

[Kid Rich]

The new 78's take very little to be easily useable. SB won a 78 at KS state and the chambers were already very good, fired winchester or gun clubs both fall out with ease, the extractor need a little smoothing and the back of the chambers needed to be polished. Springs needed a little tuning and now she can cock both hammers at the same time with one hand. Very nice sg.

kR

[Flanigan Flats]

I have both the Cimmaron and the CZ.