O/U or SxS?

[jeff100]

I didn't want to hijack the other thread on the fella looking for a birthday shotgun.

I've been shooting O/U's for years, and have had a number of them.  I've still got one Eyetalian O/U in twenty gage, and it's one of my favorite field guns.  I've been thinking about getting a SxS shotgun.  I've heard SxS shotguns can be difficult to learn to use.  Personally I've never shot one. 

What is you're guys experience?  O/U easier to shoot well than a SxS?  No difference?

Jeff

[MountainWalk]

To me, a side by side is the way to go. I do understand that o/u are more affordable and more available. I do think that a side by side is faster to reload in a hurry, owing to the barrels not having to tilt so low. I also hit better with a side by side

[jeff100]

Waaay back in the day, SxS reigned king of the upland field.  O/U didn't become popular until after WWII or later.  From what I understand, SxS shotguns can be a bit trickier to master due to the shot string convergence on a horizontal plane.  With O/U this is not nearly as big a deal with shot string convergence in a vertical plane.  Not having any experience with SxS, I don't know if this is a big issue or not.  I've also read that the SxS barrels provide a very nice 'platform' to target a flying bird on, as compared to O/U shotguns.  True or not, these are my understanding as the big difference between the two types of shotguns....

[high country]

I am a SxS convert from O/U's. I have hunted for 3 years on wild birds exclisivly and have had but one day where I could not put birds on the ground. I RELLLLLLLLY like to carry a SxS as I can grab all the way around the gun at rh balance point, I can't do that on any of my o/u's. I find that the SxS is faster to mount, and in reality it's just like looking down the train tracks. I shoot sxs in 20 and 16ga and I have 30", 28" and 26". a 26" in 20 ga is so rediculously quick handling it is silly. my 30" 16ga is a 1924 guild gun that is actually lighter and as fast handling. I like the old european, spanish, winchester and fox guns. in the sxs I am sure you have found that it takes a lot more money to get a top notch gun. I have been pleased with my cz's at the 8-900 range, but they are not the same league as my handmade guild piece.

barrel regulation is one of the things that is gonna need to be shot to understand. if you go but a purdey, you can bet that both barrels will be bang on the money, buy a "cheap" sxs and you are gonna need to pattern it for sure, however, mine have been good to very good, but I have heard stories of grief.

if you plan on hunting in nontox areas you need to realize that you will be buying expensive nonsteel shells if you go with a vintage gun, or snug choked gun. that is one of the selling points of the cz range of guns. my 16ga is choked mod and a bit less so it would be just about ok for steel, but I don't risk it. in my late model guns I never worry.


if you have any upland purist trying to emerge, the SxS will reign king in your life for sure.

1924 guild gun

[MountainWalk]

High country, that is a most beautiful piece there, and I envy you.

[high country]

thanks, here is a couple other views....

[MountainWalk]

mighty fine high country. Lady I used to work for promised me a Parker shotgun that used to belong to her husband she divorced. Everyday, i would fondle that shotgun. Too bad she never gave it to me after I quit.

[Intruder]

Not sure a SxS is harder to learn to use as much as it is just different.  As with any shotgun fit and your site plain is critical.  I think most of us Yanks grew up shooting single barrel guns so there's really not much if any adjustment to using a O/U.  With the SxS it's just learning how the new site plain and how that effects lead etc.  I personally haven't shot a SxS enough to give you any practical advice on ways to spead the learning curve but I can say I do luv the way a well balance one feels in my hands as well as how nicely they shoulder.

[high country]

mighty fine high country. Lady I used to work for promised me a Parker shotgun that used to belong to her husband she divorced. Everyday, i would fondle that shotgun. Too bad she never gave it to me after I quit.

like this one