The new Badlander shotgun from Heritage Firearms is a modern take on the classic side-by-side scattergun. Manufactured in 12 gauge with two cylinder-bore barrels, it has the look and feel of a “street howitzer” of the Old West but is made to modern manufacturing tolerances and from modern materials. MSRP for the Heritage Badlander is $895.
Based on the Western side-by-side scattergun, the new Badlander features two 18.5-inch barrels with a modern, corrosion-resistant black oxide coating, while still retaining the simplicity and durability of the old-school design. Between the barrels is a sturdy brass bead sight, clearly visible when your cheek rests on the dark walnut-finished wood stock.
The tang-mounted two-position safety sits within easy reach of most shooters’ thumbs, and the twin triggers set off the shot shells. The cylinder bore preserves the authentic intent of this style shotgun, making it suitable for home defense, cowboy action shooting or other uses for a side-by-side 12-gauge coach gun.
Features and Specifications
- Dark walnut finished wood stock
- Ergonomic two position safety
- Black oxide finished barrels
- Textured wood fore end
- Twin triggers for fast shooting
- Caliber: 12 gauge; 3-inch shells
- Capacity: 2 Rounds
- Frame Finish: Black oxide
- Frame Material: Alloy steel
- Barrel Material: Alloy steel
- Barrel Finish: Black oxide
- Action: Break open
- Front Sight: Bead
- Safety: Tang
- Stock Material: Wood
- Weight: 6.4 pounds
- Barrel Length: 18.5 in.
- Overall Height: 7.1 in.
- Overall Length: 34.85 in.
I am intrigued because I like the idea of a “coach gun” as a range toy, but if I am awakened by the sound of breaking glass at 2am, a two-shot breechloader that I’d have to reload one at a time while Mookie and half a dozen of his homeboys try to kill me is way, way down the list of things I’d reach for.