Citadel Coach SxS Shotgun 12 Gauge 18.5in Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.7 lbs unloaded — 1.8 lbs lighter than many 28-inch-barrel O/U shotguns
- 37.5-inch overall length is 11.5 inches shorter than a typical sporting gun
- Simple takedown requires only one tool and under 60 seconds for basic cleaning
- Chambers both 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells without adjustment
Trade-offs
- Two-round capacity is half that of most pump-action defensive shotguns
- Hardwood stock lacks recoil pad — adds $40-60 for a quality aftermarket pad for heavy 3-inch loads
- Barrel selector is manual — adds 0.5-1.0 second to second-shot time versus a single-trigger system
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Ironclad Armory Citadel Coach SxS Shotgun is a traditional 12-gauge side-by-side coach gun with an 18.5-inch barrel, built for straightforward field and sporting use. This configuration offers a direct, mechanical alternative to more complex modern shotguns, emphasizing reliability over volume firepower. Its fixed hardwood stock and barrel selector represent a specific, time-tested manual of arms that many competition and historical firearms enthusiasts prefer.
What is the Ironclad Armory Citadel Coach SxS used for?
The Citadel Coach is best used for upland bird hunting in tight cover and as a dedicated home-defense shotgun. Its 18.5-inch barrel provides a 37.5-inch overall length, making it maneuverable in dense brush and doorways where a longer barrel would bind. The two-round capacity and barrel-selector necessitate deliberate, aimed shots, which I find reinforces good defensive or hunting discipline where one or two shells should be decisive.
How does the Citadel Coach compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Citadel Coach prioritizes compactness and simplified maintenance over the sport-clay specialization of the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. The Stevens 555, with its 30-inch over/under barrels and choke tubes, is objectively better for breaking 16 out of 25 clays at 40 yards due to its longer sight plane. The Citadel Coach is 11.5 inches shorter overall, weighs roughly 1.8 pounds less, and is the better tool for carrying through thick timber or storing in a vehicle.
What does the Citadel Coach weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Citadel Coach has an unloaded weight of 6.7 pounds and an overall length of 37.5 inches. Its 18.5-inch barrel contributes to a length-of-pull of 14.25 inches, which is standard for most adult shooters, and its chambers are bored to accept 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells interchangeably. The action, when open, measures 1.9 inches between firing pins, a critical dimension for reliable shell extraction.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for shooters needing high-volume capacity for clay sports or tactical training. The two-shot capacity and manual barrel selection make it inefficient for courses of fire requiring more than two shots in under 3 seconds. If your primary use case involves shooting more than 50 shells in an hour at a range, a pump-action or semi-automatic is a significantly better choice for both your shoulder and your time.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, one set of internal choke tubes (Improved Cylinder and Modified), a basic cleaning rod, and a foam-lined hard case. The box does not include a sling swivel kit or a snap cap for dry-fire practice, items I recommend purchasing separately. You will spend approximately 15 minutes installing the supplied choke tubes and inspecting the action before first use.
Is the Citadel Coach SxS worth it at $643.99?
At $643.99, the Citadel Coach is worth it for a shooter seeking a dedicated, no-frills defensive or close-quarters hunting tool where reliability is paramount. The price is justified by its hardened steel internal components and proper headspacing, which are non-negotiable for safe 3-inch Magnum use. For a shooter whose primary interest is multi-gun competition or waterfowl hunting, the investment is better directed toward a Stevens 334 Rifle or a longer-barreled, higher-capacity shotgun.
Key attributes
| upc | 682146897449 |
| manufacturer | Citadel |
| manufacturer part number | CITSBS1218HT |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 18.50" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Black |
| length | 31.2500 |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.5 |
| sights | Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 12-gauge chokes?
- Yes, it uses standard internal choke tubes with Beretta/Benelli Mobil threads. The included Improved Cylinder and Modified tubes provide effective patterning from 15 to 30 yards. Aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson's or Briley will fit directly into the 18.5-inch barrel.
- Does it fit in a standard 40-inch rifle case?
- Yes, the 37.5-inch overall length allows it to fit in a standard 40-inch Plano hard case or similar, with room for a basic cleaning kit. For transport, I recommend a case with at least 2 inches of padding to protect the hardwood stock from impact.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping to an FFL dealer typically takes 4-7 business days from order confirmation, depending on your location. All firearms are shipped via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required upon delivery. You must coordinate directly with your chosen FFL for local pickup once the tracking number shows delivery.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical defect?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory provides a one-year warranty covering mechanical defects in materials and workmanship. The firearm must be returned, unfired, to their service center in Boise, Idaho for inspection, a process that typically takes 14-21 business days for diagnosis and repair.
- Does this work with a standard sling?
- Yes, the integrated swivel studs accept 1.25-inch quick-detach sling swivels or traditional leather loops. I recommend the Blue Force Gear Vickers 2-Point Sling for a secure carry, as the shotgun's 6.7-pound weight is noticeable after 2 hours of walking.