Hammered Coach Gun: Rossi Overlander or TTN 1878?

TheThurmanator · January 14, 2010, 01:56:05 AM

Hi all, first time posting because I've been wrestling with the idea for a while and can't decide.

I'm a bit of a gunsmith, and I have a Brazilian made Boito SxS that I cut down into a coach gun and refinished in an antiqued finish. I've had plenty of fun with it, but I've grown tired of it and want to switch to a hammer gun. I've done the research, and so far the two best options that I've found seem to be the Rossi Overlander, an older, out of production gun that's apparently very desirable, and the TTN coach gun that everyone I've ever talked to seems to rave about. I'm a bit tight for cash so I'm likely to hold out for a while to find a used one, but I'm still giving it some thought and wondering which gun would be the better buy. What is the general consensus here? Which of these two guns is a better choice in general?

Major 2 · January 14, 2010, 05:40:58 AM

The Rossi has been out of production 10 + years , you see then turn upon GB but not all that often.
Available parts is an issue.

TTn on the other hand is tank tough, currently carried by Cimarron (where Walt Johnson who owned TTn wound up)
Taylor's & EMF.

For and very limited time Walt offered a CHC model they all gone now

.... and now he has sold the TTn remaining stock to Cimarron.
I've owned one for 4 years bought it from Walt @TTn....it came with extra (OEM) main springs after he installed lighter mains.
The American Walnut is another plus ..over the Rossi Mystery Jungle wood.

If a Rossi by happen chance turned up, and I had the spare jingle I'd have one just because
...but if I were looking for a SXS , I'd go TTn...no question

Andy Pickard · January 14, 2010, 11:00:22 AM

As previously stated Rossi's are hard to find. I have a Rossi that I bought in 1973 and shoot at the matches. I have also shot the 1878. The hammers on the 1878 are much bigger and better placed for cocking at the same time with one hand. Something else to look at, my older Rossi can be opened with the hammers cocked, as I understand it the newer ones cannot. Mine has the Greener cross bolt and the newer ones do not.
Just my observations hope it helps.

Abilene · January 14, 2010, 11:57:45 AM

Walt from TTN now works for EMF, not Cimarron, and Cimarron does offer the '78 with CCH frame (EMF may also, not sure). I love my TTN

TheThurmanator · January 14, 2010, 03:41:42 PM

Alright then, looks like I'll be holding out for an 1878. I'd love to find one with a CCH frame and an antiqued finish. But I'll probably be waiting until one comes up cheap and going for it regardless. Thanks for the info folks!

Major 2 · January 15, 2010, 05:54:20 AM

Quote from: Abilene on January 14, 2010, 11:57:45 AM
Walt from TTN now works for EMF, not Cimarron, and Cimarron does offer the '78 with CCH frame (EMF may also, not sure). I love my TTN

DoH ..I knew that ! about Walt ....I plead brain fade $:-\$ I was recalling his remaining stock sale tp Cimarron

what I did not know was Cimarron had the CCH Frame hmmmmmm!

I've been thinking of having mine done... however might be wise just to get another SXS

Ten Wolves Fiveshooter · January 15, 2010, 11:07:05 AM

Walt stopped the CCH for awhile, he told me it was too labor intense, and was causing him to get backed up on orders, so he quit it altogether, so if he's doing it again then that is good news, I saw one back then, and it was beautiful, I got mine from EMF at Walker 47, I don't think anyone could go wrong with the TTN, like the Major said they are tank tough, and have real walnut stocks and come with the lighten springs if you want them, the lighter springs were a big improvement.

Regards

tEN wOLVES

TheThurmanator · January 15, 2010, 11:28:59 AM

So is there any particular reason I should go for an EMF versus a Cimarron or vice versa? I wouldn't mind getting a CCH frame, but otherwise if the guns are more or less the same I doubt I'd have a reason to go one brand over the other.

Ten Wolves Fiveshooter · January 15, 2010, 03:34:19 PM

Quote from: TheThurmanator on January 15, 2010, 11:28:59 AM
So is there any particular reason I should go for an EMF versus a Cimarron or vice versa? I wouldn't mind getting a CCH frame, but otherwise if the guns are more or less the same I doubt I'd have a reason to go one brand over the other.

The guns are the same, unless they have been redone by the distributor, and with that I mean stock checkering and CCH of the frame, and this will all cost you more money, aside from that all the TTN SXS's are the same. so go for the best price you can get.

tEN wOLVES

Major 2 · January 15, 2010, 04:45:24 PM

FYI you can get either 20" or 28" barrels too now....

Ten Wolves Fiveshooter · January 15, 2010, 08:38:18 PM

You're right Major2, I think Rowdy just got one a few weeks ago, that extra 6" should prove to be very popular, a TTN with 26" barrels, how could you go wrong.

tEN wOLVES

ColtonWhite · January 16, 2010, 03:53:07 PM

Thanks for the good info, but i have to admit i am new and ignorant when it comes to coach gun terminology... Whats is this special CCH frame you speak of, and also you said EMF, TTN, and Cimarron all carry the same shotgun so if that's the one i like i should just find the kindest price available?... Thank you all for sharing your knowledge with me... i look forward to my first CAS event

Major 2 · January 16, 2010, 06:52:32 PM

The TTn is a replica of the 1878 Colt SXS ....It first saw light in this Country when Walt Johnson began importing them under the TTn International.
I bought mine directly from him...he installed lighter main springs and a large bead front sight, I asked him to hand select mine for a nice grain figure to the American Black Walnut stocks, he did not disappoint me.

A year or so ago, he sold his remaining stock of SXS guns to Cimarron.
He now is at EMF and the 78 SXS is offered by Cimarron, EMF & Taylor's & I think also Buffalo Arms which is in league with Cimarron and carries their line.

While Walt Johnson was operating TTn he offered for a short time a Color Case hardened ( real bone Case hardening ).
The up charge was about $125, and Turnbull was doing it , later another Vendor.
The Original Colts were CCH , so this was even closer to the PC look.

I understand you can order CCH from EMF, and Cimarron but there is a premium up charge.
I have no doubt Tayor's can do it as well...

Ten Wolves Fiveshooter · January 16, 2010, 07:29:19 PM

Quote from: Major 2 on January 16, 2010, 06:52:32 PM
The TTn is a replica of the 1878 Colt SXS ....It first saw light in this Country when Walt Johnson began importing them under the TTn International.
I bought mine directly from him...he installed lighter main springs and a large bead front sight, I asked him to hand select mine for a nice grain figure to the American Black Walnut stocks, he did not disappoint me.

A year or so ago, he sold his remaining stock of SXS guns to Cimarron.
He now is at EMF and the 78 SXS is offered by Cimarron, EMF & Taylor's & I think also Buffalo Arms which is in league with Cimarron and carries their line.

While Walt Johnson was operating TTn he offered for a short time a Color Case hardened ( real bone Case hardening ).
The up charge was about $125, and Turnbull was doing it , later another Vendor.
The Original Colts were CCH , so this was even closer to the PC look.

I understand you can order CCH from EMF, and Cimarron but there is a premium up charge.
I have no doubt Tayor's can do it as well...

Howdy Major2

Walt did mine too, the reduced hammer springs were a big improvement, and the walnut they use in these guns are beautiful, mines a honey of a sxs, and I wouldn't trade it for anything but a Greener, maybe? $:-\$

Here's mine, the picture isn't as good as it should be, I was just learning how to the little digital camera.

Regards

tEN wOLVES

ColtonWhite · January 17, 2010, 02:15:30 AM

first of all thanks for the help, second, does this shotgun need work done to operate smooth enough for competition or will i be fine using it stock? if it does need some work should i just contact walt at emf and ask him to customize it for me when i purchase it? I am ready and eager to purchase... Thanks again for the help

Major 2 · January 17, 2010, 04:36:47 AM

Mine did not.... It worked fine right out of the box.
The lever spring might be a bit heavy for serious speedsters . but then again they probably would have & use a 97 anyway.

Mine flings Hulls just fine (can't say the same for the Stoeger I had it did need some work)

I can't say with any authority what EMF (Walt) offers in customization, I'd venture the call and ask.

But if you do, you might ask if he'll have one of his eariler sales (mine) to have CCH done

ColtonWhite · January 17, 2010, 12:35:37 PM

Preciate it, But i think someone said the CCH will run me an extra 125 bucks or somethin so ima need to stick with the cheaper stock model... thanks a bunch..now all i need to do is find a local dealer or buy directly from walt at emf and have them send it to the range im a member of... I will inform you when i receive it... thanks for all the good info...