Side-by-Side Shotguns

SxS vs. Over/Under: The Practical Differences

Side-by-side and over/under shotguns are functionally equivalent as double-barrel shotguns—both provide two quick shots without requiring cycling, both use the same break-open loading and choke tube system, and both are available in field and sporting configurations. The differences are ergonomic and traditional. Side-by-sides have a wider barrel plane that some shooters find easier to track moving birds with peripheral vision. Over/unders have a narrower barrel plane that provides a more consistent rib sight picture shot to shot. O/U shotguns have largely displaced SxS in competitive sporting clays; SxS remains the traditional choice among upland purists, particularly for British and European-style bird hunting. See: Over/Under Shotguns.

CZ Bobwhite and Ringneck: Value SxS Options

CZ produces some of the most value-oriented SxS shotguns available, with the Bobwhite (fixed chokes, English straight grip) and Ringneck (extractors, splinter forend) providing quality Turkish-made side-by-sides at accessible prices. The CZ Hammer Classic adds exposed hammers for a more traditional aesthetic. For hunters who want a functional, attractive SxS for upland hunting without spending premium prices on a European import, CZ’s SxS lineup represents strong value.

Stoeger Coach Gun: American Heritage in a Working SxS

The Stoeger Coach Gun is a short-barreled (20″) side-by-side that reproduces the stagecoach guns of the American frontier era, popular for cowboy action shooting and as a compact home defense shotgun with historical character. Available in standard and supreme grades with extractors or ejectors, the Coach Gun provides reliable function at accessible pricing. For SASS cowboy action shooters, the Stoeger Coach Gun is one of the most commonly used SxS competition shotguns. See: Cowboy Action Shooting.

Upland Hunting with a Side-by-Side

The SxS excels as a field gun for upland hunting—pheasant, quail, grouse, and woodcock—where its light weight, quick handling, and two-shot capability without complex mechanics match the demands of bird hunting in cover. Typical upland SxS configurations use 26″ or 28″ barrels with improved cylinder and modified choke tubes. English straight grips (no pistol grip cap) are traditional for upland use and allow a natural pointing motion. For driven bird shooting in the European tradition, a SxS with 28″ barrels and a straight grip is the standard. See: Upland Game Shotguns.