Why O/U and not Side x Side?

[countertop]

It seems to me that in recent years - everyone is going the over/under shotguning route and that the trusty old side by side seems to be a thing of the past - so much so that the local sporting goods store didn't even have any on display the last time I was in.

Can anyone tell me why? What are the benefits/disadvantages of each?

I don't have a O/U but I do have an old side by side that I rarely use for clays (as well as a couple of side by sides that are too old and in no condition to use at all other than collecting). When ever I have taken it out, I get funny stares (plus it kicks to all hell).

Of course, no one stares when I take out the pump shotgun (in most cases, a Browning BPS with a 28" barrell - I love that gun) or my 16 guage single shot (as fine a bird gun as you will find).

Anyway, just wondering why no one seems to do the side by side thing anymore.

 

[Magnum88C]

People say they're easier to hit with.

Me, I think they're too ugly to own, and prefer SxSs for my 2-shooters.

 

[scout26]

AFAIK, the are two primary reasons:

1. Money, SxS cost more to manufacture then the other types. So to make what used to be called a "hardware store gun" would be a somewhat pricey propostion. However, I have yet to see a "cheap" O/U, and a new pump gun can be had for around $200. I personally think that this reason "Cost to much to make" is a bunch of hooey.

2. POA. Stacked barrels have the same POA, therefore are easier to shoot. You don't have to adjust your lead based on which barrel you are shooting. I also think that this is a bunch of hooey.

I love SxS, They just look good. Maybe it's nostaglia in me for a simpler time when "going out to get dinner" meant grabbing the $8 hardware store SxS and heading out the backdoor. I love those finding those old guns, you know that they were "work" guns and put protein on the family table.

My real guess: They are just not trendy. Probably one more reason why I like them.

Shooters or not, if no one in your family wants them, mention me in your will. I'll give them a loving home.

 

[kudu]

A really good SxS is expensive, $2000 plus. A good O/U is $1100 plus now for new, you may find some in the $750 bracket if you look hard, not so with SxS's. No one makes a decent SxS anymore. Some of the imports aren't bad for the money, but they aren't a fine gun. You can pick up a utility Stoeger for a few hundred dollars in either configuration, but they are heavy and clunky feeling.

I just recently bought a Huglu SxS in 36ga, also known as .410. It is a dainty sweet gun with the handling of a classic SxS. Very good workmanship, but the triggers are an abomination at about 9 pounds, with no simple way to lessen them. It's only a play gun, my go-to guns are O/U's because of reliability and handleing.

There is really no simple answer to your question, other than a stack barrel is easier for joe shooter to hit with because of a single sight plain, like his pump or semi-auto gun.

 

[Smoke]

I have both. I like both. But I prefer SXS.
SXS feel better to me, I like the wide sight plane.
I like the way they look better.

Nothing against a nice O/U gun. I own a couple of Citoris that are nice, they
don't fit me well but serve a purpose.

Advantages to both. Fit is more important.

Smoke

 

[Hawk]

My workplace is about 15 minutes from the Dallas Beretta Gallery.

They had lots of nice SxS shotguns. The cheaper ones were called "SilverHawk". I could be plenty happy with the cheap ones.

Someday.

Beretta Gallery, grrrrrrr

 

[JohnBT]

Being a 'Nation of Riflemen' as the saying goes, I suppose most of us are easily confused by a SxS with two barrels and only one sight.

John

 

[countertop]

Thanks guys,

was not aware of the cost factor, and had not thought of the ability to aim factor.

Trends, of course, real or manufacturered always seem to play a role in product selection though.

And scout, while I said they were used, I certainly didn't mean they weren't valued. In fact, its because we value them so much that we don't really use them.

 

[scout26]

CT,


Glad to hear that you do value thos old SxS guns. If only they could speak, the stories that they could tell about days in their woods and fields and the fine food they put on the family table.

My offer stands to anyone who wants to rid themselves of some nasty SxS. I'll gladly take those not trendy, old, obsolete, cumbersome, kick-like-a-mule, grampa guns and give them a good home.