Heritage Badlander 12 Gauge Coach Shotgun, 2-Round
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Heritage Badlander 12 Gauge Coach Shotgun is a compact side-by-side break-action shotgun engineered for simple, traditional shotgun handling. It represents a modern take on the classic two-round coach gun profile, with double triggers and a fixed choke system that prioritizes mechanical reliability over modern modularity. This firearm is explicitly built for shooters seeking a no-frills, historically-adjacent tool for range drills and close-quarters patterning.
What is the Heritage Badlander 12 Gauge used for?
The Badlander is used for close-range scenario training, sporting clays practice, and as a mechanical introduction to traditional shotgun handling. Its 2-round capacity, fixed cylinder chokes, and 20-inch barrel length—measuring exactly 20.25 inches from breech to muzzle—make it a dedicated tool for double-tap drills and transitioning exercises. I would not recommend it as a primary hunting shotgun due to the fixed chokes, but it excels as a training analog for law enforcement or security-oriented shooters working on breach-and-clear fundamentals.
How does the Heritage Badlander 12 Gauge compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?
The Badlander is a mechanically simpler and more durable training tool, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is a better choice for actual clay target sports. The Stevens 555 offers interchangeable chokes, a single selective trigger, and a longer sight plane, making it more versatile for different ranges and target presentations. For pure, repetitive mechanical training where simplicity and durability under abuse are paramount, the Badlander's double triggers and fixed-choke barrels are an advantage, as there are zero small parts to fail or lose in the field.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6 pounds, 8 ounces (2.95 kg) unloaded and has an overall length of 37.5 inches. Its 20.25-inch barrels give it a compact profile well-suited for vehicle or tight-space manipulation. The length of pull is a standard 14.25 inches, making it suitable for average-to-larger frame shooters; smaller-statured shooters may find it less optimal without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for a hunter needing versatility across waterfowl, upland game, and turkey. The fixed cylinder chokes are designed for close-range patterning (under 25 yards) and will not provide the tight patterning needed for ethical longer-range bird or slug shooting. It is also not ideal for a first-time shotgun buyer looking for a single, do-everything firearm; a pump-action or semi-auto with choke tubes would be a far more practical and economical first purchase.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, one set of barrel-specific choke keys (for disassembly only, not for changing chokes), and the mandatory trigger lock required by federal regulation. Expect a generic hard case—not a fitted one—and basic documentation focusing on safety and rudimentary maintenance. There are no additional tactical rails, sling swivels, or optic plates included; this is a bare-bones, turnkey system designed to be field-stripped with a coin.
Is the Heritage Badlander worth it at $718.99?
At $718.99, its value is entirely situational and dependent on your specific training needs and appreciation for traditional mechanics. You are paying for a solid walnut stock, functional double-trigger mechanics, and a durable, simple action—not for modern features. If your use case is purely repetitive, close-quarters maneuver training where you value reliability and a classic manual of arms, it justifies its price. For general recreational shooting, a used Remington 870 or Maverick 88 offers far more capacity and aftermarket support for half the cost.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6 lbs 8 oz unloaded — manageable for extended training sessions
- Double-trigger system provides immediate barrel selection with zero mechanical delay
- Fixed cylinder chokes eliminate the risk of losing choke tubes during rapid fire or manipulation drills
- 20.25-inch barrel length offers a compact 37.5-inch overall length for confined spaces
Trade-offs
- Lacks sling swivel studs — requires aftermarket installation for $40-$60
- Fixed chokes limit effective range to under 25 yards for ethical patterning
- Turkish walnut, while serviceable, is not as dense or finely figured as American black walnut and may show handling marks more quickly
Key attributes
| upc | 727962709115 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BL1218BK |
| action | Side By Side |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Black |
| length | 36.4000 |
| model | Badlander |
| package height | 3.4 |
| package width | 10.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | Front Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 12 gauge shells?
- Yes, it is chambered for standard 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch 12 gauge shells. You can safely use target loads, buckshot, and standard velocity slugs. Always consult the manual before using specialty high-base or magnum loads extensively.
- Does it come with a hard case?
- It ships in a generic, non-fitted hard plastic case that meets transport requirements. It is not a custom foam-cut case; for serious transport, I recommend investing in a Pelican 1750 or similar within 30-60 days of purchase.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard processing and ground shipping to a licensed dealer typically takes 7-10 business days after the order clears compliance checks. Expedited options may reduce this to 3-5 business days for an additional fee.
- Can I return it if there's a manufacturing defect?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory offers a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. The firearm must be returned to their factory-authorized service center for inspection; the process usually takes 4-6 weeks for diagnosis and repair or replacement.
- Does this work with a standard shotgun sling?
- No, not without modification. The stock lacks integrated sling swivel studs. Adding a set of Uncle Mike's QD swivels requires professional drilling and fitting, adding approximately $40-$60 to the total cost of ownership.