Choosing the right side-by-side shotgun is crucial, whether you're a seasoned hunter or a first-time buyer. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the world of side-by-side shotguns, exploring the best options on the market, key features to consider, and factors to keep in mind when making your purchase. We'll cover everything from classic designs to modern innovations, ensuring you find the perfect side-by-side to suit your needs and budget.
Understanding Side-by-Side Shotguns
Side-by-side (SXS) shotguns have a long and storied history, prized for their elegance, balance, and often, superior craftsmanship. Unlike over-under shotguns, the barrels are arranged side-by-side, offering a distinct shooting experience. This configuration can provide a wider field of view, making it popular for certain types of hunting.
Advantages of Side-by-Side Shotguns:
- Classic Elegance: SXS shotguns are often considered the most aesthetically pleasing type of shotgun, embodying traditional gunmaking artistry.
- Balanced Handling: The side-by-side barrel configuration contributes to a well-balanced feel, making them comfortable to swing and shoot.
- Wide Field of View: The barrels' arrangement often allows for a slightly wider field of view compared to over-unders, beneficial for certain hunting situations.
- Variety of Calibers and Gauges: SXS shotguns are available in a wide range of calibers and gauges, from smaller .410 bore to larger 10-gauge, allowing for versatility across various hunting applications.
Disadvantages of Side-by-Side Shotguns:
- Higher Cost: Generally, SXS shotguns are more expensive than comparable pump-action or semi-automatic shotguns.
- Slower Follow-up Shots: Because of the action's design, follow-up shots can be slightly slower than with other types of shotguns.
- Maintenance: SXS shotguns often require more careful maintenance and cleaning than other designs.
Top Side-by-Side Shotguns: A Detailed Look
This section will delve into some of the top-rated side-by-side shotguns on the market, highlighting their features and suitability for different purposes. Note that "best" is subjective and depends greatly on individual needs and preferences. Pricing can also vary significantly depending on the model, condition, and retailer.
1. Browning Citori 725 Sporting
The Browning Citori 725 Sporting is a high-end over/under, but is frequently compared to top SxS models and represents the standard for quality. Though not an SxS, it highlights the expectation of superior performance you might hope to find in a top-end SxS. Known for its reliability, exceptional build quality, and smooth action, the 725 is a popular choice for sporting clays and hunting.
Key Features: Invector-DS choke tubes, Inflex recoil pad, adjustable comb, and a wide array of options.
Price Range: High (expect to pay $3000-$4000+)
2. Krieghoff Double Rifle
Krieghoff is a legendary name in the world of high-end firearms. Their double rifles (which often adapt for shotgun use) are renowned for their impeccable craftsmanship, exquisite detail, and exceptional accuracy. These are bespoke firearms, not for the casual shooter.
Key Features: Hand-engraved receivers, meticulously fitted parts, and custom options to tailor the rifle to the shooter's specifications.
Price Range: Extremely High (think tens of thousands of dollars).
3. AyA No. 1
AyA (Armería y Artificios) is a Spanish gunmaker that produces high-quality side-by-side shotguns known for their robust construction and classic styling. Their No. 1 model represents an excellent balance of quality, performance, and price.
Key Features: Beautifully hand-engraved receivers, high-grade wood stocks, and reliable mechanicals.
Price Range: Mid-to-High
4. CZ-USA Bobwhite G2
For those seeking an excellent entry-point into the world of side-by-side shotguns, the CZ Bobwhite G2 offers a great combination of value and performance. While not as ornate as higher-end models, it's a reliable and well-built shotgun.
Key Features: Durable construction, affordable price point, and relatively lightweight design.
Price Range: Mid-range
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Side-by-Side Shotgun
Selecting the right side-by-side shotgun involves careful consideration of several key factors:
- Intended Use: What will you primarily use the shotgun for? Hunting, clay shooting, or something else? This will help determine the ideal gauge, barrel length, and overall design.
- Gauge: The gauge refers to the diameter of the barrel and directly impacts the shell size. Popular gauges for SxS shotguns include 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and .410 bore.
- Barrel Length: Barrel length influences the shotgun's swing characteristics and recoil. Shorter barrels are easier to handle but may have more recoil. Longer barrels offer more velocity and a flatter trajectory.
- Stock and Forend: A comfortable and properly fitted stock and forend are crucial for effective shooting. Consider the drop at comb and heel, length of pull, and overall ergonomics.
- Ejectors vs. Extractors: Ejectors forcefully eject spent cartridges, while extractors simply extract them. Ejectors are generally preferred for faster reloading.
- Chokes: Interchangeable choke tubes allow you to customize the shot pattern based on your shooting conditions and target.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Side-by-Side
Selecting the best side-by-side shotgun depends on individual needs and preferences. While price is a significant factor, don't solely base your decision on cost. Prioritize the factors discussed above – intended use, gauge, barrel length, stock fit, and ejectors – to ensure you choose a shotgun that provides the performance and shooting experience you desire. Investing in a well-fitting, well-maintained side-by-side shotgun will provide years of enjoyment and reliable performance in the field or on the range.