In a world where tactical polymer shotguns rule the racks, the Heritage Badlander Nickel 12-gauge side-by-side shotgun arrives like a silver-plated breath of fresh frontier air. It’s a modern-made coach gun that looks like it time-traveled straight out of a spaghetti Western—with enough firepower to back up the swagger.
New from Heritage Manufacturing, the Badlander is part of a growing resurgence in side-by-side shotguns for personal defense, range fun and cowboy action shooting. It’s got the looks, the specs and the pedigree to appeal to fans of traditional break-action guns and modern shooters alike.
The Heritage Badlander Shines in Every Sense
The Heritage Badlander Nickel isn’t subtle. The polished nickel finish gleams like a freshly minted badge, while the Turkish walnut stock and forearm offer a rich, old-world contrast that screams quality. At just over 6.5 pounds and sporting 18.5-inch barrels, it balances quick handling with solid shooting feel.
Chambered for 3-inch shells, this coach gun handles everything from light target loads to heavy buckshot with ease. And the classic dual-trigger setup offers fast follow-up shots and total control over barrel selection. It’s about as cowboy as you can get without a horse.
Coach Gun Function, Defensive Potential
What was once designed for guarding stagecoaches is now a valid choice for home-defense and ranch-ready utility. The shorter barrel length and traditional break-action design make it fast, intuitive and reliable under pressure. It might not be semi-auto, but it is straightforward—and that counts when adrenaline kicks in.
Instead of ejectors, Heritage uses extractors on this model. That’s a nod to classic shotgun design and it also allows shooters to manually remove spent shells, which some clay shooters and cowboy action competitors prefer.
Modern Materials, Styled for the Old West
Unlike antique double-barrel shotguns that live out their days in gun cabinets, the Heritage Badlander is built for shooting. With updated machining and solid steel construction, it offers dependable performance with the visual flair of a collectible. The fit and finish match the price point well and it stands out at any range.
Best of all, it’s not priced for collectors only. With an MSRP around $700, the Badlander Nickel 12-gauge shotgun brings major visual appeal and functional value without burning a hole in your holster.
This Side-by-Side Shotgun Is Worth a Look
The Heritage Badlander Series answers a growing desire among gun owners for firearms that have both form and function. For shooters who want more than another black synthetic pump, this side-by-side brings heritage, personality and just enough attitude to be fun as well as effective.
Whether you’re a firearms collector, a home-defense enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a gun that looks as good as it shoots, the Badlander Nickel delivers on every count.
Final Thoughts on the Heritage Badlander
The Heritage Badlander Nickel 12-gauge side-by-side shotgun is many things. It is a functional coach gun, a stylish throwback and a conversation starter. It’s ideal for home protection, range days or stepping into your first cowboy action shooting match.
So if you’ve got a taste for classic double-barrel shotguns but still demand modern build quality, this nickel-finished beauty could be your new go-to gun. Just be prepared for questions—because everyone who sees it is going to want to know what it is and where you got it.
By Allen Forkner, GunBroker Publisher
