Help finding economical side by side doulble barrel 12ga

[Hellbore]

Hi, I'm new to gun collecting. My father has a bad shoulder and is unable to use his pump shotgun. I'd like to go hunting with him but he would really like to find a double-barreled side by side 12 gauge.

What are some good, cheap guns of this kind? Preferrably a modern enough one that the barrel doesn't have a risk of exploding and can handle today's shells. Aren't there some Russian ones or something that are cheap?

 

[Dave McCracken]

You're thinking of the Baikals. Many of us would regard an older Savage 311 as a better choice. Price would be similar.

 

[Jim Watson]

Lots of Cowboy shooters using the Stoeger IGA Brazilian doubles. They are, to put it kindly, less crude than the Russians.

 

[SASS#23149]

Is it recoil or weight that is the problem?
Doulbes are heavy,and have a rep for not being ergonomic......in other words they kick harder than you think.
If he's recoil sensative I'd really recccomend a good auto.the 'kick' is somewhat abosrbed by the re-cocking action of the shotgun.
Dave is right,the american made used ones will be about the same price as a cheap imported one,and much better steel,IMHO.
You can do some things to reduce recoil....forcing cone lengthening,a GOOD recoil pad,a 'dead mule' in the buttstock.Heck ,do em all and really tame the beast. Watch the loads you buy too.

Jim Watson,my Stoeger appreciates you're choice of words. LOL

 

[Okiecruffler]

Very easy to find a Stevens 311 in good shape for under $300. Was holding a 16g just yesterday for $225. Not the prettiest girl at the dance, but they could never be described as "crude". Made in America back when that meant more than it does today, and made for decades of use.

 

[Hellbore]

Well, my Dad's rotator cuff is shot, and the biggest problem he has with his pump shotgun (a Mossberg) is that his hand that goes on the pump has to stretch too far forward to be comfortable. See, he also has a bolt-action shotgun that is as heavy as his pump, but he can hold it just fine because he is able to grip with his off hand closer to the trigger hand. Does that make sense? Extending his front hand so far forward is his biggest complaint, and it is necessary on the Mossberg because the pump is so far forward and he kind of has to hold it there.

He also has always wanted a side-by-side double barrel gun but always thought they were way too expensive ($500 or more). If I can find him a decent one for under $350 he would be happy. An auto shotgun would be cool too if it was within the price range, but what about hunting? I think there's a 3 shell rule right? Can you hunt with auto shotguns, and if so, what measure do you have to take to make it legal?

 

[Okiecruffler]

I understand completely, I've done 99.999% of my shooting with a SXS, so a pump just feels kinda strange. Most autos you buy should come with a plug for the mag tube that limits capacity to 3 rounds to keep them legal for hunting.

 

[Smoke]

I purchased an American Arms Gentry SXS and am pleased with it.

Stoegers and Bakails are decent field guns.

I'd go for the Stevens as others have said myself.

Smoke

 

[Dr.Rob]

Be aware, a new Stevens is a Russian shotgun. Nowhere near as nice as the originals.

 

[sm]

Another vote for the Stevens, yes these are "that" good !
I'd go so far to state; since he really wants a SxS to get one of these, sentiment and memories have no price tags.

Normally I'd recommend to one with physical limitations to get a used 1100 or 303, even a 20 if need be.

Not in this case, you have dad that has hunted, wants to continue to hunt, and to share with you more experiences and memories.

Never had my dad do any of this...forget the price tags.

 

[Majic]

What are you hunting? The 12 guage may not be necessary. It's hard to beat an old Stevens 311 for value.

 

[Grayrock]

I have a Huglu S2 SxS that I like a lot. They have a lower priced model you might like:javascript: opener2 ('images/Side_by_Sides/S0_LARGE.jpg') . They are found at www.dhshotguns.com . Mark DeHaan, the owner is a very knowledgable and friendly person to deal with.

MODEL S0 SPECIFICATIONS
Gauge: 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 Barrel: 26", 28", 30"
Chamber: 3" with lengthened forcing cones Trigger: Double triggers
Rib: Convex high Engraving: Hand-engraved, light scroll work
Stock/Forend: Select walnut, hand cut checkering, satin finish Chokes: 5 choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC, C)
16 ga & .410 fixed (IC,M)
Stock Dimensions: Length of pull: 14.5", comb drop: 1.45", heel drop: 2.25", cast off: 0.24", toe out: 0.35" Average Weight: 7.3 lbs (12ga),
6.7 lbs (16 ga),
6.5 lbs (20 ga),
5.3 lbs (28 ga),
4.7 lbs (.410)
Grip: Straight (English style) Butt plate: black soft rubber
Safety: Manual Shell Removal: extractors

S0 SxS Straight English stock, double triggers, extractors, light (15% of area) engraving, 5 choke tubes (16 ga and .410 with fixed IC & M chokes) 12, 16 $579 (was $625)
20 $579 (was $645)
28, .410 $689 (was $895)

 

[Majic]

Oh yea, I forgot to mention that Savage has updated the Stevens 311 with a new model this year, the 411. It's suppose to be an affordable utlility side x side made in the popular guages with screw in chokes in atleast the 12 guage.