EMF 1878 Hartford Coach 12ga Side-by-Side, 20″ Barrel
Pros & cons
What works
- 20-inch barrel provides 37.25-inch overall length—15% shorter than standard field guns
- External hammers allow immediate visual safety verification without manual checks
- Walnut stock features hand-fitted inletting with <1mm gap at receiver interface
- Double triggers enable instant barrel selection with 4.5-pound pull weight consistency
Trade-offs
- Fixed cylinder bore limits effective range to 25 yards—requires aftermarket modification for choke tubes
- 9.0-pound weight is 2 pounds heavier than modern tactical shotguns with similar barrel length
- No accessory mounting options—cannot install optics or lights without custom gunsmithing
- External hammers require manual cocking—adds 2-3 seconds to first shot compared to internal hammer designs
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The EMF 1878 Hartford Coach is a 12-gauge side-by-side shotgun featuring external hammers, double triggers, and a 20-inch barrel designed for mechanical simplicity and period-correct handling. This coach gun configuration weighs 9.0 pounds with an overall length of 37.25 inches, making it substantially shorter than most modern sporting shotguns while maintaining the tactile feedback of 19th-century firearms design. Built with a blued metal finish and walnut field stock, it's intended for shooters who value traditional operation over modern convenience.
What is the EMF 1878 Hartford Coach used for?
This shotgun is designed for close-quarters defensive scenarios, cowboy action shooting, and recreational clays at distances under 25 yards. The 20-inch barrel provides quick handling for moving targets, while the external hammers allow for immediate visual verification of the firearm's status. It's particularly effective for stage setups requiring quick transitions or for use in confined spaces where longer-barreled shotguns would be cumbersome.
How does the EMF 1878 Hartford Coach compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in?
The Hartford Coach offers mechanical simplicity and faster handling, while the Stevens 555 provides superior target-breaking performance at longer ranges. The 20-inch barrel on the Coach gives a 10-inch advantage in maneuverability compared to the 30-inch Stevens, making it better for dynamic shooting sports. However, the Stevens' over-under design with chokes delivers more consistent patterns beyond 30 yards, where the fixed-cylinder Coach begins to lose effectiveness.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun measures 37.25 inches overall with a barrel length of exactly 20 inches and weighs 9.0 pounds unloaded. The 2.75-inch chamber accommodates standard sporting loads, while the walnut stock provides a length of pull measuring approximately 14 inches. These dimensions make it approximately 15% shorter than typical field guns like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, though it carries similar weight distribution.
Who is this NOT for?
This firearm is not suitable for competitive trap or skeet shooters needing consistent long-range performance. The fixed cylinder bore and short barrel produce patterns that spread significantly beyond 25 yards, making it inefficient for registered clay target events. It's also poorly matched for hunters pursuing waterfowl or upland birds where choke tubes and longer barrels provide necessary range and pattern control.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, a basic set of cleaning tools, and documentation covering NFA compliance for short-barreled shotgun configurations. The cleaning kit contains a single-piece 36-inch rod, brass jag, and two patches—sufficient for field maintenance but lacking the bore guide and specialized solvents needed for long-term preservation. Purchasers should budget for additional choke maintenance tools if planning heavy use.
Is the EMF 1878 Hartford Coach worth it at $1,297.99?
At this price point, the Hartford Coach delivers authentic period-correct features that justify the cost for serious cowboy action competitors or collectors. The hand-fitted walnut-to-metal interface and functional external hammers represent approximately 40 hours of skilled labor that cheaper reproductions omit. For shooters who value mechanical reliability over modern convenience, this represents fair value compared to custom-built alternatives costing $2,000+.
Key attributes
| upc | 641996000300 |
| manufacturer | Pietta |
| manufacturer part number | SGP78BL1220 |
| action | Side By Side |
| barrel length | 20 |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 31.2000 |
| shipping weight | 9.0 |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this shotgun require an NFA tax stamp?
- No, the 20-inch barrel keeps this firearm outside NFA regulation for short-barreled shotguns, which requires barrels under 18 inches. The overall length of 37.25 inches also exceeds the 26-inch minimum, making it legal for standard purchase through any FFL dealer without additional paperwork.
- Can I use 3-inch magnum shells in this shotgun?
- No, the maximum chamber length is 2.75 inches as stamped on the barrel. Attempting to fire 3-inch shells creates dangerous pressure levels and may damage the locking mechanism. Stick with standard 2.75-inch target loads or equivalent low-brass ammunition for reliable function.
- Does it come with choke tubes?
- No, the barrels feature fixed cylinder bore with no choke tube system. The pattern spreads approximately 1 inch per yard from the muzzle, making it effective for close-range work but limiting versatility. Aftermarket threading for choke tubes costs approximately $200-300 from specialized gunsmiths.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard shipping through Ironclad Armory takes 3-5 business days once payment clears and FFL documentation is verified. Expedited 2-day shipping is available for an additional $45 through UPS or FedEx, though additional FFL processing time may apply depending on the receiving dealer's schedule.