Side by Side or Over Under????

[BD1]

So I am turning the big 50 this year. My kids are set on getting me a new shotgun. My son has always heard me talk about wanting a side by side mostly because I think they are cool. I have semi autos and pumps and have shot a few over unders. I duck and goose hunt and also pheasant a few times a year. This would primary be for the pheasant  hunting. What do you see as pros and cons of both. I am thinking probably in 20 gauge since all of mine are 12's except for the youth 20 I use for upland currently. Also I would have them get me a budget one...I don't need to spend money on a high end gun at this point. Thanks for any input. Good luck on this last week of waterfowl 
Mike

[Special T]

I love double barrel side by sides. You can sometimes find older ones reasonable but you shouldn't shoot much if any steel so that means expensive Biz or lead. I love side by sides but haven't shot any new ones. I would love one that is pasteurized, shoots 3.5" and removable chokes. That would be sweet!

[Dan-o]

I always wanted a sxs, but never got one. 

Picked up an o/u about 20 years ago and really like it. It takes 3.5", and has removable chokes.  I like that.

[GWP]

‘Real men’ hunt with a SXS with 2 triggers!
😄
While I have a little of everything I like my side by sides best. Most are 16’s.
You can find some used that will not break the bank, but if you want to shoot steel shot (same with any shotgun) you need a very open choke. In any ‘regulated’ barrel the steel in anything tighter than improved will hammer loose the barrels, starting at the choked end.
Easy to tell if one (or any fixed choke gun) has had steel through it is look for a slightly discolored (shiny) ring around the barrel a couple inches from the end of the barrel where the choke starts.
On a single barrel steel will hammer out the choke to improved over time. Hevi Shot will do it as well.

[Badhabit]

Look at SKB SXS, Browning BSS, Winchester 21 and 23. If you can find a Skb 385 with screw in chokes. Win win

[baldopepper]

I'd suggest you try to get out and shoot both. Personally have some sort of mental block on OU's and can't shoot them well at all. Talked to a couple of guys shooting trap and they both claimed that was not unusual. One of them said he had the same problem with side by sides.  I have an uggie side by side 20 gauge that I love and shoot well, but can't hit beans with brothers high end Browning OU.

[duckmen1]

I love the over unders.

Vote for CZ Drake

[Magnum_Willys]

An over & Under shoots like a regular shotgun - bead on top of the barrel.  Side by side bead is between barrels - remember that Steve Martin Movie with the glasses 

[Farmer72]

I am a o/u guy when it comes to upland birds. I used to use my sxs coach gun for quail but I like a nice o/u to much.

[phildobaggins]

CZ O/U  The Drake is a beautiful and great gun.

[jackson7]

i would think on buying used sxs 20 versus a new one. tend to get pricey quick. there are many nice used ones that can shoot steel and are well made guns. A few mentioned above. As for upland, like my 20 for all, weight being major factor. Good Luck and God Bless.

[BD1]

Great stuff..thank you guys...keep it coming

[haftard]

Get the sxs. You said you have always wanted one. What more reason do you need.

[BD1]

Amen to that...I know my boy will enjoy it in his gun safe someday...maybe shooting it with his boy/girl  I have buddies who will let me shoot their O/U when I want..nobody I hunt with has a SXS 

[b23]

I like guns of just about all shapes, sizes, and types, but to me there is no better looking gun out there than a nice over/under.