Cowboy shotguns are a vital part of the Wild West history. They were used by cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws alike for protection, hunting, and as a symbol of their rugged individualism. These guns had to be reliable, durable, and easy to use in harsh conditions.
The shotgun was the versatile weapon that helped tame the Wild West. Countless shotguns were carried by settlers, pioneers, farmers, and wagonloads of others. For lawmen, the shotgun had the ability to stifle barroom arguments and bring desperados to their knees. The break-action, side-by-side shotgun was the most common type, but pump- and lever-action shotguns made their mark, too. And well before shells, there were muzzle-loading percussion models where you loaded all the required fixings. Luckily, several companies are offering modern reproductions to suit your needs. So, without further ado, here’s a roundup of some of the best cowboy shotguns.
Chiappa Model 1887
This is a dead ringer for the Winchester Model 1887 lever-action shotgun, which was Winchester’s first repeating shotgun. Chiappa updated the design with a 28-inch barrel and three choke tubes. This 12 gauge can put food on the table and keep your homestead safe. Learn more at chiappafirearms.com
- Gauge: 12
- Barrel: 28 inches
- OA Length: 45 inches
- Weight: 9.3 pounds (empty)
- Stock: Walnut
- Sights: Front bead
- Action: Lever
- Finish: Blued, casehardened
- Capacity: 5+1
- MSRP: $1,480
CZ Hammer Coach
If you were riding shotgun in the Old West, this would be the type of shotgun cradled in your lap. Featuring double triggers and double barrels with fixed cylinder-bore chokes, the Hammer Coach is a fast-handling shotgun offering a quick one-two punch. Learn more at cz-usa.com
- Gauge: 12
- Barrel: 20 inches
- OA Length: 37.38 inches
- Weight: 6.7 pounds (empty)
- Stock: Walnut
- Sights: Front bead
- Action: Break
- Finish: Black chrome, casehardened
- Capacity: 2
- MSRP: $1,049
CZ Hammer Classic
This side-by-side is definitely not a wall-hanger. With its casehardened sidelocks with exposed hammers, walnut stock, forend, and long 30-inch barrels, this shotgun is a modern interpretation of shotguns from generations passed. Learn more at cz-usa.com
- Gauge: 12
- Barrel: 30 inches
- OA Length: 47.38 inches
- Weight: 7.5 pounds (empty)
- Stock: Walnut
- Sights: Front bead
- Action: Break
- Finish: Black chrome, casehardened
- Capacity: 2
- MSRP: $1,099
Dixie Gun Works Baker Cavalry
This short-barreled shotgun is a reproduction of a gun made in 1850 by Ezekiel Baker, a gunsmith in London. It is of typical English style with 11¼-inch barrels, percussion locks, a single trigger, and an overall length of only 27½ inches. These weapons were devastating in close-quarters combat, and now you can have a modern reproduction. Learn more at dixiegunworks.com
- Gauge: 20
- Barrels: 11¼inches
- OA Length: 27½ inches
- Weight: 5.75 pounds (empty)
- Stock: Walnut
- Sights: Front bead
- Action: Percussion
- Finish: Blued, casehardened
- Capacity: 2
- MSRP: $1,295
Dixie Gun Works M1887 Mare’s Leg
This Mare’s Leg version of the Winchester Model 1887 offers a compact, maneuverable design that is only 28½ inches long but offers plenty of 12-gauge power. This lever-action shotgun has a cylinder-bore, 18½-inch barrel equipped with a brass bead front sight that lines up well with a rear sight groove on top of the receiver. Learn more at dixiegunworks.com
- Gauge: 12
- Barrel: 18½ inches
- OA Length: 28½ inches
- Weight: 6.5 pounds (empty)
- Stock: Walnut
- Sights: Front bead, rear groove
- Action: Lever
- Finish: Blued, casehardened
- Capacity: 5+1
- MSRP: $1,425
IAC Model 1897 Cowboy
IAC Imports is now offering a reproduction of the iconic Winchester Model 1897 pump-action shotgun. The IAC Model 1897 Cowboy is faithful to the original design but has a few added features that improve safety and performance. The 20-inch barrel features a fixed cylinder-bore choke. Learn more at classicoldwestarms.com
- Gauge: 12
- Barrel: 20 inches
- OA Length: 39 inches
- Weight: 7 pounds (empty)
- Stock: Walnut
- Sights: Front bead
- Action: Pump
- Finish: Blued
- Capacity: 5+1
- MSRP: $975
Stoeger Coach Gun Single Trigger
Need more controllable power? Then the Stoeger Coach Gun Single Trigger is a great choice. This shotgun is available in 12- or 20-gauge with extractors, bead front sights, and 20-inch barrels with Improved Cylinder and Modified chokes. Of course, double-trigger versions are also available. Learn more at stoegerindustries.com
- Gauge: 12 or 20
- Barrels: 20 inches
- OA Length: 36½ inches
- Weight: 6.4 pounds (empty)
- Stock: Walnut
- Sights: Front bead
- Action: Break
- Finish: Blued
- Capacity: 2
- MSRP: $579
Stoeger Coach Gun Supreme
Perhaps not that traditional but styled for Cowboy Action Shooting and keeping foxes out of the hen house, the Stoeger Coach Gun Supreme features an AA-grade walnut stock and blued, polished nickel or stainless finishes. Available in 12- or 20-gauge, it comes with removable Improved Cylinder and Modified choke tubes and double triggers. Learn more at stoegerindustries.com
- Gauge: 12 or 20
- Barrels: 20 inches
- OA Length: 36½ inches
- Weight: 6.5 pounds (empty)
- Stock: Walnut
- Sights: Front bead
- Action: Break
- Finish: Blued, nickel, stainless
- Capacity: 2
- MSRP: $579
Taylor’s & Co. Wyatt Earp Shotgun
This is a truly fun, old-school side-by-side shotgun. The Wyatt Earp features locks engraved with Wyatt Earp’s name or it can be had without, plus exposed hammers for true period authenticity. The barrels are 20 inches, and it also comes with a rounded pistol grip, a thumb safety, and shell extractors. Learn more at taylorsfirearms.com
- Gauge: 12
- Barrels: 20 inches
- OA Length: 37¾ inches
- Weight: 7.05 pounds (empty)
- Stock: Walnut
- Sights: Front bead
- Action: Break
- Finish: Blued, casehardened
- Capacity: 2
- MSRP: $2,001.72
This article was originally published in “Guns of the Old West” #90. To subscribe to the magazine, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.
