Over-Under Shotguns

Over/under shotguns feature two barrels stacked vertically, each with its own trigger or a single selective trigger — giving shooters two choke options in one gun and a sight picture that many find more natural than side-by-side designs. The O/U is the dominant configuration in clay target sports and a traditional choice for upland bird and waterfowl hunting. We stock over/under shotguns from Browning, Beretta, Caesar Guerini, Mossberg, and more across a wide price range.

Read our Over/Under Shotgun Buying Guide ↓

Why Choose an Over/Under?

The over/under's primary advantage is versatility in choke selection — with two barrels, you can load each with a different choke tube and select which fires first based on the shot. For clay target shooting, you might use improved cylinder for the first clay and modified for the second. For hunting, you can load different loads in each barrel. The stacked barrel configuration also provides a single sighting plane that most shooters find more intuitive than side-by-side designs.

O/U for Clay Target Sports

The over/under is the standard configuration for trap, skeet, and sporting clays at every level from beginner to Olympic competition. Key considerations for a competition O/U are barrel length (28–32" for most disciplines), trigger quality (single selective trigger is standard), stock fit, and weight — heavier guns absorb recoil better for high-volume shooting. The Browning Citori and Beretta A300/A400 series dominate the entry and mid-range competition market; Caesar Guerini and Perazzi are the premium choices.

O/U for Hunting

For upland bird hunting, the O/U's slim profile and natural pointability make it a favorite. A 26–28" barrel, lightweight frame, and quality wood stock make for an excellent field gun. For waterfowl, look for models with weather-resistant finishes and chambers rated for steel shot. The Browning Citori Field and Beretta A400 Upland are excellent hunting O/Us.

Price Tiers

Entry ($500–$1,000): Mossberg Silver Reserve, Stevens 555 — reliable field guns for new shooters and hunters who want an O/U without a premium investment.

Mid-range ($1,000–$2,500): Browning Citori CX, Beretta A300 Outlander — the sweet spot for serious hunters and recreational clay shooters. Excellent fit and finish with proven reliability.

Premium ($2,500+): Caesar Guerini, Browning Citori 725, Perazzi — for dedicated clay target competitors and collectors. Exceptional triggers, custom fit options, and significantly better wood and metalwork.

Frequently Asked Questions: Over/Under Shotguns

What is the best over/under shotgun?
The Browning Citori is the best-selling over/under in American history and the benchmark at its price tier. The Beretta Silver Pigeon 686/687 is its primary competitor and equally well regarded. At the premium tier, Perazzi, Krieghoff, and Beretta’s DT series represent the finest production O/U shotguns. For buyers entering the O/U market, the Browning 725 Feather or Beretta A300 Outlander represent accessible entry points before stepping up to the Citori or Silver Pigeon.

Is an over/under better than a side-by-side?
For clay target shooting (sporting clays, skeet, trap), over/unders dominate — the single sighting plane aligns with the shooter’s natural point of aim more consistently than a double-barreled side-by-side, and O/U barrels are easier to regulate for consistent point of impact. For traditional upland bird hunting and aesthetic preference, side-by-sides retain strong appeal. Functionally, both work equally well; the O/U is the competition standard and the more popular choice by a wide margin in the US market.

What chokes should I use in an over/under for sporting clays?
For sporting clays, most shooters use Improved Cylinder (IC) in the first barrel and Modified (M) in the second as a general-purpose combination that handles both close and mid-range targets. Skeet shooting typically uses Skeet/Skeet. Trap uses Modified/Full or Improved Modified/Full for longer target distances. Extended aftermarket chokes from Kicks, Patternmaster, and Carlson’s are popular for achieving tighter or more open patterns than standard chokes allow.

How long do over/under shotguns last?
A quality over/under from Browning, Beretta, or similar manufacturers is built for hundreds of thousands of rounds with proper maintenance. Many Browning Citori and Beretta Silver Pigeon shotguns from the 1970s and 1980s are still in active competition use today. The boxlock action used in most production O/Us is extremely robust — proper cleaning, occasional spring replacement, and regular lubrication are all that’s typically required for a lifetime of service.

What gauge over/under is best?
12 gauge is the standard for maximum versatility — the widest ammunition selection, most affordable target loads, and suitability for all clay and hunting applications. 20 gauge O/Us are popular for upland hunting and youth shooters. 28 gauge is used primarily for upland hunting of smaller birds and by experienced shooters who enjoy the challenge of a smaller payload. The .410 is a specialty option for advanced clay shooters.