z Sold Meriden Fire Arms Co. Street Howitzer / Coach Gun / Sawed off shot gun 12 Ga.

Coach Gun / Sawed off shot gun / Street Howitzer / Scatter Gun.  The Coach Gun received its many monikers on the stagecoaches and streets of the Wild West.  Stagecoach companies quickly implemented the use of guards to ride along side the driver carrying a weapon that allowed for some leeway in accuracy as they bounced along the bumpy trails.  Cut-down versions of the Stagecoach Shotgun were also popular among Marshals and Sheriffs for their mobility and lenient accuracy at close quarters.  Thumb the locking lever and you can break open the gun to reveal the lead-spitting barrels of this close-quarters defense weapon. These barrels have a light black powder frost, but still better than most of the era, a rarity in these old double hammer guns. Close and lock the barrels and cock both hammers. Finger the double triggers one at a time and the hammers will fall. On the plains of the late 19th century there was nothing else like the sound of a shotgun hammer. The feel and action of this legendary Old West tool will transport you back to the Dakota Territory, when your trusty shotgun was your last and best line of defense. Features Overall Length: 35", barrels 18 1/4 inches. Lock up is tight and secure. On the top rib it is marked  DAMASOUS STEEL MFGD BY THE MERIDEN FIRE ARMS CO. MERIDEN, CT. U.S.A.  Gutta-percha  (hard rubber) butt plate on a stock with no cracks or chips.  Marked "THE A.J.AUBREY" on both the left & right locks and both locks show traces of case color. Overall brown patina.