I haven't shot one in about 50 years. Are the "pointing" characteristics similar to a single barreled gun? Two barrels distracting??

You really don’t get distracted by the 2 barrels with your eye(s) on the rib/bead.

The field of view is significantly different on an SxS. Not a bad thing, but worth noting. I love the classic feel of them, but I don't shoot them particularly well

The field of view is significantly different on an SxS. Not a bad thing, but worth noting. I love the classic feel of them, but I don't shoot them particularly well

I’ve had quite a few shotguns; couple 870’s, a 870 wingmaster, couple 1100’s, couple Citori’s, some Beretta, Browning and Benelli gas guns, and a few others.

About 12 or 13 years ago I wanted a SxS so I bought a cheap 20 gauge double Stoeger. Thing wasn’t the prettiest gun I’ve ever seen but man could it shoot. I almost couldn’t miss a dove or quail with it. For me, the sight picture was better than a O/U where I sometimes catch myself looking down the side of the barrel rather than down the rib

Sold the gun but will 100% buy a 28 gauge SXS in the near future for estate upland hunts.

I have a Spanish-made 1970s side by side that may be the best shotgun I have. It's fantastic. Ugartechea I think is the brand. Try to find an older European one - they're just a different breed.

I’ve found that I shoot my sxs really well on crossing birds/clays, decent on birds rising and going away in front of me, I struggle shooting high birds coming directly over head. It’s definitely a much different sight picture from an o/u or semi auto, but like anything else the more you shoot it the more efficient and comfortable you become with it.

I love hunting and shooting mine, the 26 inch barrels an a small 20 gauge frame handles like a dream in the field

Never spent much time behind a SxS, but they’re supposed to handle better on birds than an O/U.

They handle just as well as any other shotgun. It depends on who is swinging it.

Buzzz….once you go black you won’t go back….Jes sayin

My favorite quail gun is an SKB Ithaca Model 200 E. 20 ga 25 inch barrels skeet/skeet.

I wanted a SXS 15 years or so ago, wound up with a Huglu 20ga straight grip version and love it, lively in the hands and shoots great. After I bought it CZ started getting Huglu to make shotguns for them. I do not know of they still do but they had some models with high grade walnut on them.

Great replies guys, thank you very much. Looks like the CZ's and Fair Isides (had never heard of them) and other Turkish made guns are going to be in my $1500 Budget. I need to find some in stock to handle.


Jes, I would but the burn bans are in effect you know

I bought a 20 gauge SKB Ithaca a couple years ago but still haven’t shot it. I really need too. Mine is improved cylinder/modified.

Beautiful. I love that wood.

Thanks. It was one of the reasons I picked it up. I don’t think it’s seen much use. It’s immaculate.

Love the look and feel, but I can't shoot a SXS worth a darn. No idea why since I'm a decent enough wingshooter with an O/U or single barrel shotgun.

SXS guns seem to hit low for me generally, especially older versions.

I prefer the sight picture of a SXS. My Bobwhite 28 is a joy to shoot on waterhole doves.

I don't shoot autos much anymore (except in Argentina) and only occasionally pick up a pump or O/U. My "serious" shotgun work these days is done with a couple of side-by-sides: a Winchester Model 23 in 28 bore and a bespoke Arrieta in 12 bore. They're not for everyone, but I love mine...

Well, I went to Scheels yesterday to handle a few double barrels. Turns out, I cant open them without pain in my F'ed up wrist. So, back to my good ole Benneli Ethos sport.

This thread had me looking at CZs again, nice Wingshooter Elite on GB but the Drake is a good bit lighter and cheaper.

I like side by sides. When I was growing up my grandpa bird hunted with a 20 gauge Winchester model 21. All these years later, a blue steel and walnut SxS is what I think about when I think of a classic bird gun. Out of all the ones I’ve shot, a 16 gauge LC Smith with a prince of wales grip is by far my favorite.

here, here, I never noticed much difference, I did not go from one to another during season