Over/under vs SxS

[wrong-eye/dead-eye]

I would like to know what other shooters think about, when it comes to choosing an o/u or a sxs. I'm seriously considering purchasing one or the other for some grouse hunting that I'm finally going to do at my cabin. I would like for some one to point out what I should be considering. before I buy. thank you

 

[ArmedBear]

What kind of grouse?

What kind of terrain, i.e. how do they fly? Are you more likely to have to hit fast-crossing birds from hills above you, or birds rising from the ground in front of you?

Different O/U and SxS shotguns vary in how they handle. I have a 26" 20 Gauge SKB O/U that handles pretty much like a quick, light SxS, for example, and an old 28" 16 Gauge SxS that swings pretty well, more like an O/U than many SxS guns. Barrel length matters, weight matters, etc.

For a given quality gun, an O/U can generally be had for less money than a SxS.

 

[wrong-eye/dead-eye]

Ruffed grouse hunting up in the upper peninsula of mi. After talking to the locals that live there I believe that some of them think I'm crazy, for wanting to get a 20ga. sxs or a o/u. What there gun of choice is, a 410 in a single shot,#6 shot, modified, choke. When I told them I would like a 20ga.sxs or o/u in a imcyl./mod they commented by saying that I would not have to worry about field dressing or preparing meat for dinner because there would not be any. So it got me to thinking that maybe I should consider a 410 or perhaps a 28ga. I really didn't think those birds looked that fragile. But then again I have never hunted any before.

 

[ArmedBear]

Sounds like they just shoot the birds on the ground. Is that the case?

 

[wrong-eye/dead-eye]

Good question that's what Iasked him, He looked at me and said, bub when you live up here, you hunt for meat to eat, so you get your game the best way you know how. For me, he continued is to hope for and wait for a nice soft fall rain, then flush em up in a tree and let them lite down on a limb and then shoot em, ya just gotta put the odds in your favor when you want to have somethin to eat. Well that's not the answer I was hoping to hear but I'm sure he was telling me most of the truth. I say most of the truth because this guy didn't look like he missed many meals. Wheather he always hunts this way is just a guess on my part, but I'd say he probably does.

 

[rcmodel]

Sounds like you need to find someone beside a game poacher to get gun advice from!

A .410 would make a dismal grouse or quail gun as they pattern so tight with so little shot charge you would have a difficult time hitting with them in the timber or brush, or at longer range in open land.

An open choked 20 would make a fine upland gun, as would a 12 ga if that's what you want..

The advantages / disadvantages of O/U vis S/S is:

Some people can shoot an O/U better then a S/S due to the single sighting plane.
The wide muzzle of a S/S makes judging lead harder for some folks.

There seem to be a lot more reasonably priced good quality O/U's made today then S/S's.

rc

 

[RSVP2RIP]

I'd go for the SXS with 26" barrels, thin beavetail forend, prince of whales grip and double triggers, extractors. It's a personal thing, and it's what my grouse gun in 28ga is.

 

[BHP FAN]

I like SXS's,but I am terribly old fashioned.

 

[eastbank]

i have found the sxs guys like to wear funny looking duds and beinie style hats(tams i think),knee high socks with knickers and a gun coat with a 2 inch recoil pad sewed in. and the look down their long noses at pump and semi auto users. he,he. eastbank. ps it took me a year to find the right duds.

 

[ArmedBear]

Have you ever shot clays with a shotgun?

 

[DaleCooper51]

My field gun is an older Ithaca/SKB 500 12ga O/U.

I would love to have a nice side by side, but shooting southpaw, those double triggers give me fits. If I could have them reversed, so the front trigger is on the left, I would definitely consider a nice double gun.

 

[MCgunner]

Dang, they got hillbillies in Michigan? Who'd a thunk it? ROFL!

Screw that idiot, get the 20 gauge. He's a moron, obviously. Stack barrel or SxS, well, I've got two SxSs, but I wanna add a stack barrel. I can't really compare the two, but I do like double triggers. I'll take a selectable single trigger. But, I don't want a non-selective single trigger. That's about all the input I can give ya. Most of your better stack barrels have a selective single trigger and will have selective ejectors. Most of the affordable SxSs will have double triggers. I don't know why it's so hard to get selective ejectors on cheaper SxSs, but I'd really prefer them. Extractors are simple, though, and I do like to police my brass, don't leave it in the field.

As to how they shoot and swing, I've never hunted with an OU, but the one's I've picked up and swung and shot on the range that belonged to friends seemed more forward weight bias than I'm used to with a SxS. Why, I don't know, just seemed to swing and balance more like a repeater, not as quick, but smoother swing and easier follow through. But, I'm a guy that used to hunt ducks with a 6.5 lb 12 gauge SxS, so whadda I know? LOL

 

[Ithacaman]

You can't make a wrong choice here.

I prefer 16s and 12s myself.

If I was going out for grouse in the morning (and I truly wish I was) I'd take my Browning Superposed in 12 with 26 inch barrels. I shoot it fairly well.

Second choice in the safe would be my Ugrtechea 12 SXS, the gun that gave me my best shooting day ever (eight birds on first eight shots). I'll spend the rest of my life trying to repeat that. It also has 26-inch barrels.

I've found that more important than how the barrels are aligned or how long they are is the "feel" of the gun. How does it come up to your shoulder? How easily does it point? When I first picked up the Ugi off a gun show table a number of years ago, I put it to my shoulder and it took my breath away. I started counting out the money.

Good luck.

 

[oneounceload]

The advantages / disadvantages of O/U vis S/S is:

Some people can shoot an O/U better then a S/S due to the single sighting plane.
The wide muzzle of a S/S makes judging lead harder for some folks.

Let's back up a second

first things first -what's the budget?
secondly - what guns have you fired of each type?
third - what GUN fit YOU? FIT is ABSOLUTELY critical, especially with a SxS
fourth - do you prefer single trigger, double triggers........beavertail or splinter foreend......English, POW or pistol grip?
fifth - short barrels (25"), or longer ones (30"?)

too many variables currently to give good advice

 

[Fastcast]

It's about choosing the right tool for the job and so you wonder. Here's my opinion.

A SxS in the grouse woods. Light, quick & natural, nimble so to speak. Just like the birds you're hunting.

An O/U at the range. Steady, smooth & controlled. Just like the clay targets.

 

[TomADC]

I've owned both still do main drawback IMHO is SxS just plain kick harder.

 

[Virginian]

I don't shoot over and unders because my eyes are side by side. I have only ever handled one O/U that came close to feeling as good as a decent SxS, and that was a 28 gauge Beretta many moons ago. I can't imagine anything better for grouse than a slim 20 gauge SxS.

 

[huntsman]

I would choose the SXS in a covert over the o/u. I believe the SXS is a little easier to handle in the brush and the barrels seem to give a better definition against a cluttered background.

I personally wouldn’t disparage your neighbor for the way he gets his food but if you’re sport hunting choose a gun you want to own and can use with some success.

 

[oneounceload]

I've owned both still do main drawback IMHO is SxS just plain kick harder.

IF you fired equal ammunition in guns of equal weight, and the SxS still kicked harder, then the stock simply did not fit you - that is the direct result of non-fitting guns

 

[TomADC]

IF you fired equal ammunition in guns of equal weight, and the SxS still kicked harder, then the stock simply did not fit you - that is the direct result of non-fitting guns

I don't agree to me its because the barrels are postioned different then a O/u or semi auto, take one of each and point it at a mirror, difference is easily seen and at the range felt.

 

[oneounceload]

Equally weighted guns,firing the same load will generate the same amount of recoil - that is physics. FELT or Perceived recoil can vary because the gun's stock is different, (or in the case of a semi it spreads the recoil out over time). Typically, a SxS requires cast - on or off - to properly have it mounted in your shoulder. When that doesn't happen, the recoil will seem to kick harder than a gun that fits better......

 

[win71]

I'd go down to a decent retail outlet and shoulder a couple of each within your price range. I doubt it will make much difference which one you buy. Most shooters get used to whatever they have and shoot fine, especially if it feels good in the first place.
I shoot grouse, quail, and pheasants with both a 28 ga. O/U and a 20 ga. SxS and really have no preference for either one over the other.

 

[MCgunner]

Quote:
I've owned both still do main drawback IMHO is SxS just plain kick harder.



IF you fired equal ammunition in guns of equal weight, and the SxS still kicked harder, then the stock simply did not fit you - that is the direct result of non-fitting guns

+1. Fit is a huge factor as is weight. Equal weight guns, fit is the difference.

 

[azyogi]

I just bought a Stoeger SXS with both 20 and 28 gauge barrels will get back to you if I make it up north for grouse. The 28 is great for the Gambel quail around the homestead.

 

[tactikel]

I've hunted grouse near Iron Mountain Mich. for nearly 40 years. 20 ga is perfect for your needs. Use 7 1/2 or 6 shot. I shoot a O/U choked improved cylinder for the under barrel and improved modified for the second shot. I usually shoot 7 1/2 shot 1oz load first and a #6 shot mag for second shot. I have a 870 special field 20 ga choked improved cylinder (with 3" chamber) but prefer the fast second shot the OU gives. I never shot a SxS as well as an OU, but 2 of my hunting buddies swear by them, 4 others and me shoot UOs. Try and mount as many different shotguns as you can, and soon you will know which gun just feels right (if you can, wear the vest you will wear in the field). Ruffed Grouse is, IMHO, the most fun and challenging upland game you can hunt.