Duel at the Mostly OK Corral: 12-Ga. Cowboy Action Shotguns

Cowboy Action Shooting members, whose increasing numbers show no need of a stimulus package, have developed their hobby into a tribute to the gun battles of the Old West—both real and fictional. Shotguns often figured into these armed conflicts, normally giving the scattergun handler a distinct advantage over opponents armed with a handgun or rifle, as long as the battle was up close and personal.

One of Hollywood's classic depictions of how a shotgun could turn

Whether they are being used to knock down steel plates at a Cowboy Action Shooting competition or to defend a homeowner against home invaders, short-barreled shotguns styled after models that helped to win the West have become popular firearms with a growing number of both recreation-minded and defense-minded shooters. We put two typical modes, a side-by-side hammer gun and a pump-action hammer gun both listed for under $500, to the test. This competitor is using a Model 1897 replica at the Trailhead competition in Columbus, Texas.