Taylors & Company Wyatt Earp 12 Gauge Side-by-Side 20-inch
About this product
The Taylors & Company Wyatt Earp 12 Gauge Side-by-Side 20-inch is a period-correct hammer-fired shotgun designed specifically for Cowboy Action Shooting and traditional shotgun handling. Built by Pedersoli with authentic 19th-century mechanical controls, this shotgun delivers the tactile feedback and reliability demanded by serious historical firearm enthusiasts. Unlike modern tactical shotguns, this design prioritizes mechanical simplicity and period authenticity over rapid reload capabilities.
What is the Wyatt Earp 12 Gauge used for?
This shotgun excels in Cowboy Action Shooting competitions requiring period-correct firearms, where its 20.1-inch barrels and external hammers meet SASS regulations perfectly. The fixed Cylinder and Improved Cylinder chokes handle both birdshot and buckshot effectively at typical CAS distances under 25 yards. Double-trigger operation allows instant choke selection without manual adjustment during timed stages.
How does the Wyatt Earp compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Wyatt Earp offers superior historical authenticity while the Stevens 555 provides better practicality for modern shooting sports. The Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge features a single selective trigger and interchangeable chokes, making it more versatile for clay shooting and hunting applications. For pure Cowboy Action Shooting, the Wyatt Earp's external hammers and period-correct controls provide the authentic experience competitors demand.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7.8 pounds with an overall length of 37.5 inches and 20.1-inch barrels. The 14.5-inch length of pull accommodates most adult shooters while maintaining the compact handling needed for fast transitions between targets. Balance point sits 2 inches forward of the hinge pin, giving it slightly forward-heavy handling that stabilizes swing.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for tactical or home defense applications where rapid reloading and accessory mounting matter. The break-action design limits capacity to two rounds versus the 5-8 round tubes on pumps like the Mossberg 500. External hammers require manual cocking between shots, adding approximately 0.5 seconds to follow-up shot timing compared to internal hammer designs.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, two Briley thin-wall choke tubes (Cylinder and Improved Cylinder), and a factory test target showing 40-inch pattern at 25 yards. The package includes a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and Pedersoli's warranty registration card. No case or cleaning kit is included—budget $75-150 for proper storage.
Is the Wyatt Earp worth it at $2354.99?
At $2354.99, this represents significant value for serious Cowboy Action competitors needing SASS-legal equipment. Compared to custom-built period shotguns costing $3000+, the Wyatt Earp delivers 90% of the authenticity at 65% of the price. For casual shooters, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U offers more versatility at less than half the cost.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- 20.1-inch barrels meet SASS length requirements exactly—no modification needed
- Chromed bores resist corrosion—600 rounds between cleanings versus 200 in plain steel
- Color case hardening provides authentic appearance with superior wear resistance over blued finishes
- Double triggers enable instant choke selection—0.2 seconds faster than manual choke tubes
Trade-offs
- Fixed chokes limit pattern adjustment—cannot accommodate Turkey or Long Range chokes
- External hammers add 0.5 seconds to follow-up shots versus internal hammer designs
- No sling swivels included—requires $45-75 gunsmith installation for carrying convenience
- Walnut stock susceptible to dings—25% more visible wear than synthetic stocks under field use
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 8029874027786 |
| manufacturer | Taylors and Company |
| manufacturer part number | 210114 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 20" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Cylinder/Fixed Improved Cylinder |
| length | 31.9500 |
| safety | Tang |
| sights | Brass Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this shotgun accept modern screw-in chokes?
- No, it uses fixed chokes—Cylinder and Improved Cylinder patterns are permanently installed. The barrels are not threaded for interchangeable choke tubes, which maintains historical accuracy but limits pattern adjustment. For choke versatility, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting with its 5 included choke tubes.
- Can I use 2¾-inch shells in this shotgun?
- Yes, the 3-inch chambers safely fire standard 2¾-inch shells with proper patterning. The chromed bores handle both lead and steel shot without excessive wear. Avoid high-pressure slugs exceeding 11,000 PSI to prevent excessive wear on the 150-year-old action design.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Most orders ship within 3 business days via FedEx Ground, arriving at your selected FFL in 5-7 business days. We require signed adult signature confirmation and FFL documentation before shipment. International orders to Canada take 2-3 weeks for export compliance processing.
- Does this work with Quick Release sling mounts?
- No, the walnut stock lacks swivel studs for modern sling attachments. The traditional field stock design predates quick-detach systems by nearly a century. You'll need gunsmith installation of swivel studs ($45-75) or a traditional leather saddle ring.