Side by Side or O/U?

[Sagedawg]

 Ive been thinking of buying a new shotgun ans am thinking of a SXS or O/U. Right now I have pump an a semiauto. I have shot skeet a few times with an O/U and had a fun time, as well as shooting a few cheaper made SXS with some problems. Anyone give me some pro's or cons  for or against each type? Im not even thinking of a brand yet, just trying to get a feel for what everyones expericence has been with them. I am wanting a 20ga, but thats not set in stone.


Thanks, Sage

[12Gauge]

I haved owned a Browning Side by Side for over 25 years, I used it for upland, and waterfowl and later sold it to buy a Browning Citori.  Both guns are great, but I like the O/U better because when you bring the gun to your shoulder and look down the barrel you will clearly see the rib, unlike a SxS, you have to always be careful not sight in on one of the barrels.  So for me O/U is better.

Most importantly you should go to a gun store and try them out to see what fits you the best.  Keep in mind that a good O/U will start at about $1000. or so

[Intruder]

It's going to be a total personal preference deal.  I'm not sure you can say there is any pro/con arguement assuming you're comparing 2 guns of similiar quality.  You're likely to get more gun for the money buying an O/U.  Good SxS's are normally pricey.  They are also less readily available.  You having shot a single barrel gun will likely find the O/U sight plane more familiar.  Some guys get buggered up by the wide SxS sight plane.  

SxS's to me always feel really great in my hand but usually I haven't been able to shoot them quite as well.  I'd luv to have a little 28 guage SxS but $ prevents me from justifying it.  

Your best bet is just going somewhere where you can really shoulder several and get a feel for em.  See which guns fit you best.  If you have buddies at the skeet range see if you can shoot their guns.  Just pick up and handle as many as you can.  

Don't buy a cheapo SxS... you'll more than likely be disappointed.  While over the last 5 years or so there have been some OK O/Us hitting the market for 500-700 there really aren't any SxS's for that price.  IMO you should be looking at spending at minimum 800-1000 on a new O/U and probably double that on a SxS to get the quality and realiability you'd want.  

Hope that helps...

[Gutpile]

I think it's personal preference. I bought a SxS a couple years ago and love it. I bought a CZ Bobwhite in 12 ga. The only reason I chose a SxS is purely aesthetic. It's just something I've always wanted. It's been a little bit of a challenge to get used to two triggers but the Ringneck is a single trigger. I'm not an authority on doubles but have talked to guys who are really into sporting clays and they strongly suggest you stay away from "bargain" doubles. CZ's arent known to be the best you can buy but for hunting I'm very satisfied although it does pack quite a whollup when shooting trap or sporting clays. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one to anybody. Check White Elephant I got mine on sale and saved quite a bit of money.

I agree with what the others said but I have really no problem shooting this shotgun. It points naturally and the rib is easy to follow.

Yet another reason we need to touch bases. 

Here's a partial pic of it. I like the CZ's because they arent "pimped" out.

[AWS]

I likem both.  I prefer a short barreled (26"-12ga, 28"-20ga) SxS for tight cover grouse and woodcock and a longer O/U for open coutry pheasants and sharptails.  At an International Skeet shoot my 24gram loads didn't arrive for my 12ga O/U so I used a old LeFever 20ga Skeet gun and took 6th place, just about where I would have ended up with the twelve but had alot of fun with the old double trigger gun.

AWS

[ecnclan]

The CZ ringneck in 20 gauge is next on my list of purchases.  Feels great and is a nice gun for the money.  I've always liked the feel and look of a SxS but most people seem to prefer the sight plane of the O/U.

[jackelope]

are you going to hunt with it or shoot clays with it?

if you plan to shoot clays with it a lot, a lesser quality gun will not hold up. a couple hundred rounds every weekend adds up to a lot of wear and tear quick.

if you are only going to hunt with it and maybe shoot clays a couple times a year, then this is not such a big issue. i prefer o/u guns because i feel they are easier to shoot/point/better sight picture/etc.
i have an ithaca/skb featherweight model 500 20 gauge o/u that i really like hunting with a lot, but it is very light, and therefore kicks quite a lot, especially for a 20 gauge. something else to consider.

what is your price range?
look at some older used browning broadways, citori's, etc. for an o/u gun. you can't go wrong if the $$ is ok.

[Sagedawg]

 Thanks for all the advice guys, really gives me some insight. I tend to agree with what has been said about the sight plane being eaiser to acquire on the O/U. For the most part all Ive ever shot were pumps and semiautos, so I think I could pick it up quicker. One thing that appeals to me with the SxS is the lightweight and it has a distinct "cool" factor to it.

  Jackalope, I want to take up sporting clays, as well as hunt with this gun, my wife gets kinda pissed at me sometimes because my way of thinking is buy the best you can afford so you only have to buy once, so Im planning on spending somewhere between 800 -1200 bucks if I can find what I want.  I just need to get out and fondle some guns and see what I like. Ill keep you guys posted.


   Sage

[Intruder]

  Jackalope, I want to take up sporting clays, as well as hunt with this gun, my wife gets kinda pissed at me sometimes because my way of thinking is buy the best you can afford so you only have to buy once, so Im planning on spending somewhere between 800 -1200 bucks if I can find what I want.  I just need to get out and fondle some guns and see what I like. Ill keep you guys posted.
   Sage

Based on your interest in clays and your price range you will get far more gun for the money buying an O/U.  Check out Citori, Win, Franchi, SKB, Weatherby (now made in Italy, older 1s were SKB).  There are also a large number of nice Italian guns.  

[high country]

sage, one thing to think about on a sxs is the barrels are regulated at a certain distance.....right barrle shoots slightly left and vice versa. on really long shots you gotta remember that. for the $$ you are talkling you could get a fox in decent condition. I carry my 20ga sxs 100% of the time now, even on late season pheasants. I have a couple o/u's but they are heavier and I don't seem to kill any more birds with em.

I would get a double trigger gun. all mine are singles and I occasionally screw up and get the selecter stuck in between barrels.........pisses me off. it happens to all of them dont let anyone tell you their brand is diffent, my family has pertty much every brand and they all do it.

I might have a sweet deal on a o/u 30" trap 12ga made in italy by churchill......not totally sure yet.

[12Gauge]

That happens to my Browning SxS and with 3" mags every now and again, ouch, I know how you feel.

[high country]

you guys are lucky, all mine does is wince in terror as I try to straighten th trigger....no bang, no click.....just safety.

I will say the selector on my new churchill works like you would want it to.

[C-Money]

Look at one of the new Winchester 101. It an O/U, Made to the original specifications