I like shotguns.
Before I was a cowboy shooter, I was a shotgun shooter. In the Old West, "scatterguns" were ubiquitous. If a poor pioneer sod buster family could afford a firearm, it was likely a long barreled, SxS or single shot scattergun. That single long arm could gather game and defend the homestead. The wealthy gentry carried thier embelished Purdeys and Parkers afield with joy. Lawmen loved them. Nothing more intimidating pointing at a disruptive bar patron, than the sheriff's double 16 bore Hopkins & Allen shotgun with both hammers back.
I usually shoot a different shotgun at each match. I've got an '87, a '97, and a nice mule ear SxS coach gun from Cimarron. I also have a "BBQ Shotgun": My Beretta 470 Silverhawk. I use it mainly for sporting clays and pheasant, but I'll use it at the occasional cowboy trap match (with the ejectors disabled).
I'm a student of history and I enjoy reading about how things "really were" back in the old days. If you read much on the real Old West, you'll realize that the short barrelled "coach guns" were the exception, not the rule. Slow burning black powder in a 18" barrel produced a lethargic shot pattern at best. Most shotguns in use were documented to have 28" to 32" barrels, even for lawmen and coach guards. Thus, in the effort of being more authentic with the period, I've been on the hunt for a nice long barrel shotgun to add to my collection. I thought about getting an antique (looked at a few beat-up Parker Trojans), but rather than damaging a nice old gun at the CAS range, I decided to buy "new".
My friend and gunsmith at 3B Shooting Supply directed me to the Baikal MP220, imported by USSG. I'd never had the chance to really look over one of the Baikal shotguns. I was pleased by the low sticker price. It is a solid box lock action with the following specs:
12 bore, 3" chamber
28" barrels with screw in chokes (F, M, IC) and choke wrench.
oil finished checkered walnut stocks with a "splinter" style forend
Chrome lined barrel
Extractor, but no ejector
Internal hammers
Rubber buttpad
double trigger
auto tang safety
I had my 'smith hone the chambers, disable the auto safety and work the action so she would open a little quicker.
I really like this shotgun. It is a relatively light weight long gun, but recoil is very manageable. The only issue regarding the appearance of this gun is the perforated recoil pad. I like my replica guns to be as authentic as possible. Whild some solid rubber recoil pads did exist in the Old West, they were not of the modern "perforated" pad type seen on this Baikal. Rather than remove the recoil pad, I covered it with a nice leather butt cover from Peterson Custom Leather.
The Baikal is not a "beauty queen". The action is very solidly built and feels like it will stand up to abuse. The stocks are plain "utility" grade walnut with an even oil finish. I won't feel bad dropping this on an unprotected table at a match.
I ran the Baikal at a recent NCOWS match. I really like the natural swing through of the long barrels. Both barrels patterned to the point of aim. With the action work done by 3B Shooting Supply, she broke open easy and dropped shells with little effort.
I know short barreled coach guns are all the rage in CAS competition. If you aim to be a little more authentic and want a long barreled scattergun that won't break the bank, but is built to last, take a look at the Baikal MP220.
Pictures courtesy of Bryan Buck at 3B Shooting Supply: