CZ-USA Sharp-Tail Coach 12 Gauge 20in Side-by-Side
About this product
The CZ-USA Sharp-Tail Coach 12 Gauge 20in Side-by-Side is a modern coach-style shotgun built on a one-piece CNC receiver with independent floating firing pins, chambered for 3-inch shells with a 2-round capacity. It combines classic proportions with contemporary internal components for reliability in field and recreational use, featuring a 20-inch black hard chrome barrel, color case-hardened receiver, and Turkish walnut stock.
What is the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail Coach used for?
The Sharp-Tail Coach is designed for close-quarters defensive scenarios, upland bird hunting in thick cover, and recreational shooting where fast handling is critical. Its 20-inch barrels and 37.5-inch overall length make it highly maneuverable in blinds or brush, while the 6.7-pound weight provides enough mass to control 12-gauge recoil during rapid follow-up shots.
How does the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail Coach compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Sharp-Tail Coach is 2.3 pounds lighter and 10.5 inches shorter than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in, making it superior for tight spaces and quick transitions. However, the Stevens 555 offers a 30-inch barrel for better swing dynamics and pattern consistency at longer ranges, making it the better choice for clay targets or waterfowl where extended reach matters more than compactness.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Sharp-Tail Coach weighs 6.7 pounds unloaded and measures 37.5 inches in overall length with a 14.5-inch length of pull. The 20-inch barrels contribute to its balanced handling, and the Turkish walnut stock adds minimal weight while providing a solid cheek weld—critical for maintaining sight alignment during rapid fire.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for hunters or sport shooters who need more than two rounds without reloading or who prioritize long-range patterning. The 2-round capacity and short barrels limit its effectiveness for waterfowl or high-volume clay games where the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore 28in offers better range and capacity.
What's in the box?
The box includes the shotgun, one set of choke tubes (Improved Cylinder and Modified), a basic cleaning rod, and owner's manual. You'll need to supply your own ammunition and hearing protection—this isn't a kit gun, and it ships without any extra accessories beyond what's required for immediate function testing.
Is the CZ-USA Sharp-Tail Coach worth it at $1256.99?
At $1256.99, the Sharp-Tail Coach is fairly priced for a CNC-machined receiver and color case-hardening, but it demands you value compactness over versatility. If you need a general-purpose shotgun, the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win offers more utility for less money, but for a dedicated coach gun with modern internals, this CZ represents solid value within its niche.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.7 lb—2.3 lb lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in
- 20-inch barrel length allows 37.5-inch overall size for tight spaces
- CNC-machined receiver ensures consistent lockup with 0.005-inch tolerances
Trade-offs
- 2-round capacity requires frequent reloading—adds 3-4 seconds per engagement
- No recoil pad included—expect to add a LimbSaver Grind-To-Fit for $30
- Choke tubes are proprietary—aftermarket options cost $50-75 each from Briley
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 806703064178 |
| manufacturer | CZ-USA |
| manufacturer part number | 06417 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel finish | Black Hard Chrome |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Cylinder/Full |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 13.2 |
| sights | Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 12-gauge shells?
- Yes, it chambers 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells interchangeably, but the 20-inch barrels pattern best with 1-1/8 oz loads or heavier—light target loads may exhibit wider spreads beyond 25 yards due to the short barrel length.
- Does it fit in a standard shotgun case?
- It requires a case at least 38 inches long internally, such as the Plano All-Weather 42-inch model, due to the 37.5-inch overall length. Most universal cases will accommodate it, but check dimensions before purchase to avoid compression on the stock.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-7 business days for in-stock items via FedEx Ground, but FFL processing adds 1-2 days—plan for 5-9 total days from order to pickup at your licensed dealer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for un-fired firearms, but you must cover a $75 restocking fee and return shipping—ensure your FFL can receive it before ordering, as fit issues aren't grounds for waived fees.
- Does this work with Carlson's Cremator chokes?
- No, it uses proprietary CZ choke tubes with a different thread pattern—aftermarket options are limited to Briley or Trulock, which require specific ordering for this model's 20-inch barrel configuration.