Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

At some point I am interested in aquiringeither an over and under or side by side shotgun.

What I don't know is what are the advantages and/or disadvantages of either? The only shotgun experience I have besides my 870 Remington is my dad's .410 bore side by side shotgun. From that little bit of experience, andalso just based on looks, I am currently leaning towards a side by side of my own.

I'm considering both 12 and 20 guage. Bore size isn't the topic of this post though, I'll save that for later.

Useage islikely to be primarily breaking clay targets both in the air and along the ground, although rabbit and other small game hunting is a distinct possibility in the future, as is hunting for a variety of birds. The clays usage is simply informal, just a handful of us taking turns shooting clays at our property, not a dedicated formal setup with positions and so forth. I can't see taking part in something more formalon a regular basis.

So the question is: Will I be at a distinct disadvantage for any of these activities if I picka side by side, or for that should I go with an over/under?

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

From a personal preference I like the O/U better. I had a Citori and found this shotgun handled very well. I also find it’s easier to point with the view of a single barrel then a sxs. I have a little 410 sxs and if I could go back on my choice the O/U would be my choice now. Just my 2¢...

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

I have both and both do well. I personally prefer the classic looks of a nice SxS. My son shoots my Superposed O/U more than I do and he is very good with it. I let him shoot my SxS and he was missing a lot. Must be something about the wide vs. narrow sightplane because they are the same length barrel, same choke, etc... You should try both before you decide.

You can usually get a good SxS for less money than a good O/U.

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

I agree with kelbro. The O/U is technically superior because it has but one sighting plane, but a well-executedSxS is much prettier, balances better, and has a certain quality that the O/U's seem to lack. OTOH, a poorly made SxS can be a real clunker, and lack everything a good one has. Certyain SxS's are really outstanding, such as the Parker, L.C. Smith, and the Win. M21, not to mention the better british doubles. And I have seen some really nice J.P. Sauers and similar quality German pieces.

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

I have both, and like them for different reasons. I have a Winchester 101 12ga with 30" barrels that balances, and shoots like an extension of my arm. I prefer it for pheasant hunting, and shooting clays. I have beautiful little Spanish made ,410 bore sxs that I love for small game hunting, it's always a big decision when I go rabbit hunting wether to take it, or the .22, I love to shoot running targets, so the .410 goes a lot. I have an old 20ga sxs that I picked up at a farm auction a few years ago, and I really have no idea who made it, can't recall if there is even a name on it. It was pretty dirty when I got it, and I took it completely apart and cleaned it up, it shoots and handles very well, I have downed a few pheasants with it. I originally intended to give it to my grand daughter, as it is very slim and dainty, but it's very light, and kicks like a mule for a 20ga. I have a few others, as well but you get the idea. The only thing I can say is, get what pleases you, and get used to shooting it. I love doubles, and single shots, they are the most basic of firearms, and a lot of fun, and I get pretty nostalgic about them, but that's just me.

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

I own and shoot both. Back in my trapshooting days, it was nothing but single barrels and/or O/U's. As has been mentioned, the single barrel under the sighting plane is much more preferred. I can't ever remember a double barrel shooter(SXS) at trap with the exception of a few casual hunters who wanted to see how they could do. Got to be a reason for this,right?
Hunting gun is a different story for me. I always have loved the way a good double handles The classic lines and grace are unbeatable in my mind. My favorite go-to uoland gun is a little 28 ga. SXS I picked up a few years ago. I kind of feel it is maybe easier to pick up the muzzle of the gun with your eyes when mounting at game with the SXS due to it's broader profile. Anyhow, that's my $.02 also......

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

Seems to me that the decision comes down to two things (1) performance, and (2) aesthetics.

From a performance standpoint, I would take a close look at what competitive shooters use. In trap, skeet and sporting clays, the top shooters will typically use an O/U (or occasionally a Semi-Auto), but, O/U's dominate the competition. There has to be a reason for that.

Aesthetics? It's hard to beat the graceful lines of a nice SXS. There is a wide variation in aesthetics among O/U's. I use a Browning Citori and have really enjoyed using it in sporting clays competitions, but, fIind that it looks rather obese next to many of the Berettas and some of the other nice Italian O/U's...

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

My dad gave me a Spanish 12 gauge double sxs back with I was 12...I killed squirrels, rabbits, ducks, doves, geese and deer with that gun...I don't understand how looking down 2 barrels is so hard for some...I keep both eyes open when shooting and I don't even see the barrels...Mine also has the double triggers, which I prefer...Unfortunately, I don't really know who still makes a good sxs...

Guess I prefer a sxs...

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

I grew up clay shooting and we always used O/U... I have had a couple of SxS and they are just tough for me to get used to.. One thing to note is that a lot of sxs come with dual triggers. This completely throws me off also.. So keep that in mind also. To me the O/U is superiour, but it is because what I grew up with..

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

I do feel the O/U has a slight performance edge, but it really comes down to what you're comfortable with. I grew up with O/U's. To me a SxS feel "fat" in my hands. I know several bird hunting buddies that wouldn't carry anything but a SxS though.

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

We have an O/U and a S/S Baretta. The one thing i like about the S/S is that it's easier to unload and load. Got to make sure the action is all the way open to be able to get that bottom shell out/in.

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

I grew up hunting rabbits with a Spanish made SxS in 16 ga. Still have theSxS but now shoot an O/U. Just seems to sight better for quail and clays.

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

A decent sxs is going to cost alot more than a decent o/u. I have a citori, love it, still want a sxs too. I hate the double triggers, most better shotguns have one selective trigger, or atleast offer as an option. Havent looked in a couple of years, but a decent o/u can be had for around 1-1.5k, sxs's around 2-2.5k. I'm not sure why the difference is so high, but what its what ive seen.

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

Does anybody have any thoughts on the Kimber sxs? My boss is looking at one that I believe begins with a 'V'.

Thanks

Tom

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

I also have both...

Most folks like the O/U because they are cheaper...

I think one reason trap shooters like an O/U is, because when they use the "lower bbl.", there's less felt recoil...

Personally, i much prefera qualityS/S and i'm willing to pay more to get one...

DM

I want to edit in, that i have no use for a double with a "single" trigger... Having "two" triggers gives you an "instant" choise of chokes! And it works perfectly on a hunting gun...

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

I have another question.

I noticed a lot of people in here have commented about not liking dual triggers versus a single selectable trigger. How does the single trigger work? I mean how do you pick which barrel it fires at a given time?

To me it seems more logical that two triggers would be better due to not having to think about switching a selector.

Also, what would you guys consider a minimum quality gun? I don't mind spending a bit more for quality, but that money had better be put towardsactual qualityenhancements on the firearm (i.e. better material in the receiver, barrel, etc). I don't want a bunch of fancy wood, silly engraving or anything else to drive the price up. Does anybody offer anything like that? To me appearance isn't even a consideration, I just want somethingthat'll do its job long enough to hand down someday.

I simply can't see spending a ton of money on something I'll be afraid to shoot over concerns of marring a perfect finish.

So I guess I was wondering if the Remington SPS models are any good, or what other somewhat inexpensive models I might want to be looking at. I really don't want to spend more than $1k, and preferrably would rather spend a bit less.

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

With the shotguns I had or have has a selector to choose which barrel is fired first. If your looking at something inexpensive, may I suggest the Baikal shotguns. Not expensive and looks ok. As previously mentioned my little 410 sxs works very well and has a single trigger. Nothing fancy but it works. Check link for more info... www.baikalinc.ru/eng

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

If (by some act of god;)) I miss the first shot, there is no fumbling looking for the other trigger, its in the same place! Maybe it could be learned, but I dont like it. I almost always want the loose choke first, tighter second.

Edit: the sxs's cost that much without anything fancy, you can have a slightly well dressed o/u for $2500, not true with a sxs, plain jane.

RE: Talk to me about SxS vs O/U shotguns
 

I don't remember exactly who wrote it, but I think it may have been Bob Brister... he wrote that "If God wanted me to shoot an over/under shotgun, he would have stacked my eyes in a similar fashion."

It is really up to you. I will say that if you don't grow up shooting one like I did, then most folks I've talked to have expressed a difficulty in getting used to them...in regards to looking over two barrels instead of one. The sight picture is definately unique to anything else.

I will also say that in a situation that requires quick reloading, the SxS is FAR superior as it does not need to be broken at as great and angle to eject the cases, recock the hammers and reload quickly. Thats why you see African PHs carry double rifles... that an a quick second shot.... instead of O/U Express rifles. Rather a moot point unless you are being charged by a herd of disgruntled rabbits....might make a difference on a driven phesant hunt... but you'll have a gun man behind reloading anyway. Ahhh the finer things in life...

I'm not entirely sure here, but from my research and dealings in these things, it seems to me (and bear in mind I have conducted no tests) that when it comes to field guns, SxSs seems to usually have stronger actions (this of course depends on the gun and maker). Certainly the Kreighoffs are some of the toughest ever built, the K80 being an top and bottom, but the Winchester 21 action from what I understand is one of the few to have never been broken by English Proofing Loads. Could be rumors... who knows.