I’m thinking about buying my first double gun for upland hunting. Lots of people I know, say that SxSs are harder to learn how to shoot, or that they shoot better with an O/U, but i definitely prefer how side by sides look and feel. Will I be at a disadvantage if I pick a SxS?
SxS or O/U for first double
Augieoutdoors
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I’m thinking about buying my first double gun for upland hunting. Lots of people I know, say that SxSs are harder to learn how to shoot, or that they shoot better with an O/U, but i definitely prefer how side by sides look and feel. Will I be at a disadvantage if I pick a SxS?
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Only you can answer that question. SXS is a different animal to shoot. Can you learn, probably so, they are not for everyone. I would suggest you find someone with one and shoot it before buying.
I have quite a few of both and it's akin to picking a favorite child, I can't do it myself. I don't believe there is a disadvantage for Upland with SxS. For upland I personally prefer the lower weight and quick handling of a SxS, though I also have a Browning 525 Filed 16 gauge O/U that also works well for me. A decent example of either one with regulated barrels will most likely run 1600.00 plus used to start. Though the market has softened considerably so it is a reasonable time to buy.
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Do you really want to gamble the price of a gun? Wouldn't it be better to shoot examples of each before you "pull the trigger"?
If you haven't shot enough to know if you prefer an o/u or sxs, I would suggest using your 870 until you get a chance to shoot some double guns. In my opinion there are more quality o/u's available on the market at lower prices than there are quality sxs's. If you are only looking to spend $800, I would still recommend a reliable pump or semiauto.
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Side by sides are great for upland hunting, that’s just my opinion. They take up so much space visually it is easy in low light or on quick shots to get that blob in your vision close to the bird.
I agree with the fellas above, try shooting both as much as you can first. You’ll probably have both one day anyway, but it’s best to start with your favorite first.
I agree with the fellas above, try shooting both as much as you can first. You’ll probably have both one day anyway, but it’s best to start with your favorite first.
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It doesn't work like that for most.
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You will probably shoot the O/U better...but there is nothing finer than wing shooting with a SxS. As much as I like my 100 year old SxS's if I was spending good money upland hunting I would suggest a more modern gun. I have some intermittent mechanical issues with mine and would not want to ruin a hunt because of them. I have my eye on a Huglu Ringneck or an older SKB
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I just don't buy that you can shoot better with an O/U, early in the 20th century, most all people shot SxS's.
There have been some feats shot with a SxS (pigeon shooting) that have never been matched.
Just like any other gun, if you get a gun that fits, you should shoot it as well as any other.
I shoot clays with an O/U, hunt with SxS's, I can't shoot one better than the other.
If I ever find the right SxS, I will buy one for clay games and Helice.
There have been some feats shot with a SxS (pigeon shooting) that have never been matched.
Just like any other gun, if you get a gun that fits, you should shoot it as well as any other.
I shoot clays with an O/U, hunt with SxS's, I can't shoot one better than the other.
If I ever find the right SxS, I will buy one for clay games and Helice.
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Some thoughts:
All upland SxSs are not created equal...neither are all upland O/Us created equal....nor are all shotgun makes a guarantor of a perfect upland day.
Best is never one definition....or one type of scattergun.
Fit & Try re your first upland double.
You did not specify your idea of 'upland' hunting or upland bird hunting...some models of each will be better in the alders, some on the shortgrass, imo....finding is a journey.
Embrace the journey before the purchase.
Vintage...can bring rewards and costs.
New....can bring greater do-alls and keeping up with the Jones family.
Your choice and....choices often change.
All upland SxSs are not created equal...neither are all upland O/Us created equal....nor are all shotgun makes a guarantor of a perfect upland day.
Best is never one definition....or one type of scattergun.
Fit & Try re your first upland double.
You did not specify your idea of 'upland' hunting or upland bird hunting...some models of each will be better in the alders, some on the shortgrass, imo....finding is a journey.
Embrace the journey before the purchase.
Vintage...can bring rewards and costs.
New....can bring greater do-alls and keeping up with the Jones family.
Your choice and....choices often change.
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Depends on your intended purpose
If you are a field shooter get the s x s since it seems that it’s what you like most
An O/U will serve you a lot better as a clay shooter than a s x s
you will of course end up with both at some time. …………
If you are a field shooter get the s x s since it seems that it’s what you like most
An O/U will serve you a lot better as a clay shooter than a s x s
you will of course end up with both at some time. …………
On medium sporting clays targets or live birds I can shoot a sxs as well as my auto or o/u. If I’m shooting big technical targets then I don’t shoot a sxs quite as well. However, the pleasure I get shooting a sxs is unmatched by other guns! My guns are fitted to me so that makes a difference, especially with older guns that have large amounts of drop.
Fabarms L4s Initial Hunter Compact, Syren Elos D2, Ithaca Model 37s
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I recommend two triggers, unless you spend new-italian-gun money or old Beretta money. The action is breathtakingly simple and most times, a failure still gets you one working barrel.
12 gauge is out, because my goal with a sxs is to look like a gentleman afield and not to lug around a lot of weight.
While my CZ (huglu) can be found for reasonable money, I warn that I got mine used and from a club member. I could feel the trigger pull (heavy but not terrible) and knew it had 250 trouble free shots through it. We patterned the barrels and they regulate perfectly. It's a good one. Not all of them are. You're the QC department with these inexpensive Turkish shotguns.
I suppose I would be recutting the laser checkering of my CZ to make it look hand-done and maybe... well, point is I am NOT fixing up the plain-jane cosmetics. I expect I will sell it soon.
As much as I enjoy the feeling of a sxs over my arm, and yes it can shoot a very stout 20 gauge load or a perfect grouse load too... I wish the gun was fancier and lighter. So one could have a hobby of seeking the perfect old sxs.
Me... I think my 16 gauge Ithaca pump over my arm works for my "show piece" when I go more intending a walk than a harvest. It has pretty old wood and it's own "oooo" factor.
But I enjoyed last season with the sxs very much. The only learning was with the 2 triggers. This took only a few times of messing up!
12 gauge is out, because my goal with a sxs is to look like a gentleman afield and not to lug around a lot of weight.
While my CZ (huglu) can be found for reasonable money, I warn that I got mine used and from a club member. I could feel the trigger pull (heavy but not terrible) and knew it had 250 trouble free shots through it. We patterned the barrels and they regulate perfectly. It's a good one. Not all of them are. You're the QC department with these inexpensive Turkish shotguns.
I suppose I would be recutting the laser checkering of my CZ to make it look hand-done and maybe... well, point is I am NOT fixing up the plain-jane cosmetics. I expect I will sell it soon.
As much as I enjoy the feeling of a sxs over my arm, and yes it can shoot a very stout 20 gauge load or a perfect grouse load too... I wish the gun was fancier and lighter. So one could have a hobby of seeking the perfect old sxs.
Me... I think my 16 gauge Ithaca pump over my arm works for my "show piece" when I go more intending a walk than a harvest. It has pretty old wood and it's own "oooo" factor.
But I enjoyed last season with the sxs very much. The only learning was with the 2 triggers. This took only a few times of messing up!
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Some people have been asking what kind of upland hunting I’ll be doing and to clarify it will be used for ruffed grouse in very heavy cover
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Ah.......so, some will say that a two-row gives a noticeable and worthwhile visual presence against thick cover, while others will say...."huh?...such a thing is certainly not for me in shooting flying!".
Personally, I do not believe barrel orientation to be of any great import, anywhere.....as balance trumps barrel orientation and having a personal liking ie confidence with a scattergun also greatly matters.
What really matters most tho are experience, enough bird contacts to expose odds from that experience and good ol' luck.
Equipment......of any measure is down the bent tailgate importance list a good ways, imo.
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Definitely SxS. Over/Unders are just a fad! 🤣
I would get thyself to a Clays course and shoot both. The first order of business is fit, neither barrel design will work if it does not fit. You may find a greater selection of guns to shoot if you are both friendly and careful, esp. if you bring a flat of low base 8 target loads with. 
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