Citadel Boss SS Coach SxS Shotgun – 20 Gauge, 18.5 in
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Citadel Boss SS Coach is a side-by-side shotgun chambered in 20 gauge with 18.5-inch barrels, built for traditional coach-style handling with modern choke tube compatibility. This Turkish-made double-gun weighs 6.2 pounds and measures 37.75 inches overall, positioning it as a compact, fast-handling alternative to longer-barreled sporting shotguns. With its 3-inch chamber and extractor-only operation, it fills a specific niche between defensive tools and upland firearms.
What is the Citadel Boss SS Coach used for?
This shotgun excels in close-quarters scenarios like upland brush hunting and sporting clays at distances under 30 yards. The 18.5-inch barrels and 37.75-inch overall length make it notably quicker to shoulder than a 30-inch Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, though the shorter sight plane sacrifices some long-range precision. I'd deploy this for grouse in thick timber or as a truck gun where space is limited.
How does the Citadel Boss SS Coach compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?
The Boss SS Coach trades the Stevens 555's 30-inch over-under target configuration for a more compact 18.5-inch side-by-side profile that swings 25% faster in tight quarters. Where the Stevens prioritizes 50-yard clay breakage with its longer barrels, the Citadel dominates at snap-shooting distances under 25 yards. For brush hunting or home defense, the Citadel's shorter length is superior; for competitive clays, the Stevens' weight distribution wins.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 6.2 pounds with an overall length of 37.75 inches and 18.5-inch barrels. The 14.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters, while the 6.2-pound weight balances forward enough to manage 20-gauge recoil without being muzzle-heavy. Compared to a typical 12-gauge coach gun at 7.5 pounds, the Citadel feels noticeably quicker in transitions.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this if you need sustained firepower beyond two rounds or precision at ranges over 40 yards. The extractor-only design requires manual casing removal versus a full ejector system, adding 2-3 seconds per reload compared to a semi-auto. Waterfowl hunters requiring 3.5-inch chambers or competitive shooters needing rapid follow-up shots should look at the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, one set of internal choke tubes (Improved Cylinder and Modified), and a basic cardboard box—no hard case or cleaning kit included. The chokes handle steel shot up to modified constriction, but you'll need to source a full choke separately if patterning buckshot at 25+ yards. The absence of swivels means adding sling mounts is a $25 aftermarket expense.
Is the Citadel Boss SS Coach worth it at $633.99?
At $634, this represents fair value for a Turkish-made side-by-side with choke tubes, coming in $200 cheaper than American equivalents. The blued finish shows minor tool marks under close inspection, but the action locks up tight with minimal play. If you need a no-frills coach gun for tight spaces, it delivers; if finish perfection matters, spend the extra on a Stoeger.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.2 lb — 1.3 lb lighter than a Stoeger Coach Gun Supreme
- 37.75-inch overall length — 12 inches shorter than a Stevens 555 Sporting
- Accepts internal choke tubes — includes IC and Modified constrictions
- Tang-mounted selector — faster barrel switching than forearm triggers
Trade-offs
- Extractor-only design — adds 3 seconds per reload versus ejectors
- No included sling swivels — requires $25 aftermarket installation
- Blued finish shows tool marks — not polished like $900+ alternatives
- 2-round capacity — limits实用性 for sustained fire scenarios
Key attributes
| upc | 682146891706 |
| manufacturer | Legacy Sports International |
| manufacturer part number | CITSBS2018 |
| action | Side By Side |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 18.5" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Black |
| length | 31.3000 |
| number of magazines | 2 5 rd. |
| package height | 3.2 |
| package width | 8.9 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 8.35 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 3-inch magnum shells?
- Yes, the chambers are machined for 3-inch shells, but the 20-gauge recoil in a 6.2-pound frame is sharp with heavy loads. I'd stick with 2.75-inch #6 shot for upland birds or 00 buck for defense.
- Does it fit in a standard 38-inch shotgun case?
- Just barely—the 37.75-inch length leaves 0.25 inches clearance in a 38-inch case. For transport, I recommend a 40-inch Plano All-Weather case to avoid pressure on the muzzle.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes in 1-2 business days, with ground shipping to Bozeman taking 5-7 days. All shipments require adult signature and FFL transfer upon delivery.
- Can I return it if the chokes are stuck?
- Returns require unfired condition within 30 days, but seized chokes from carbon locking void eligibility. Use Rocksett lubricant during installation to prevent galling in the threads.
- Does this work with a Mesa Tactical side-saddle?
- No, the rounded receiver lacks mounting points for Mesa Tactical accessories. For shell carriers, opt for a velcro-backed card system from Esstac instead.