Shotgun Shopping...HELP!?

Question

4 seconds ago
I am new (and female) to bird hunting and don't know whether to buy an over/under or side by side. I like the side by side b/c it lighter to carry around, but I'm a beginner. Help! :)

Answer 1

Bound's hubby here:

There are several things you might want to take into consideration before purchasing your shotgun.
First, what is your level of shooting/hunting experience?
Second, will you be hunting upland birds or waterfowl?
Third, how much money are you willing to spend?

If you were hunting upland birds (quail, pheasant, dove, chukar, etc.) you would want either a 20 or 28 guage which are available in either style action. If you are hunting waterfowl (ducks and geese), I would strongly recommend a 12 guage, which is also available in both styles.

I think your decision should be influenced by your pocketbook. You can get a quality side by side (Savage or perhaps AyA) for around $500 to $800. A quality Over/Under will start at no less than $1000 (consider a Browning, Beretta, Remington, or maybe Ruger).

A point to keep in mind, you have more wood to grasp at the forearm with an Over/Under than a Side by Side ... usually Side by Sides have a "Splinter Forearm", with little to grasp and a greater chance of "burning" your fingers on a "hot" barrel.

Stoeger shotguns are affordable, but the quality is lacking ... I have heard too many reports of the actions "stretching" and becoming unsafe.

This being said, why are you limiting yourself to only 2 shots with either a Side by Side or an Over/Under? You can get either a Remington Model 870 Wingmaster (12/20/28 guage) or a Browning Gold Semi-auto (12/20/28 guage) for under $800, and have more gun, a back-up shell, and a handy/trim/light handling shotgun ... for less than a side by side or an over/under!

Personally, I have shot and hunted with all four styles (side by side, over/under, pump and semi-auto), and prefer the single barrel of the pump or semi-auto over the 2 barrel arrangement of either the side by side or over/under. With the side by side and the over/under, you have to mentally compensate, since the point of aim for each barrel will vary as distances increase. The single barrel of the pump or semi-auto will always be relatively "on", ensuring a greater ability to drop more birds consistently.

If you are leaning to the side by side or over/under because you are a beginner and feel they will be safer, you may be mistaken. A pump shotgun (in my experience) can be as safe, if not more so.

In your current situation, my sequence of recommendation would be:
1) Pump
2) Side by side
3) Over/Under
4) Semi-Auto (only for safety reasons if you are very inexperienced!)

Good luck!

Answer 2

I have shot quite a few rounds with both types of gun and find the O/U easier to shoot. The thing that makes it easier is that you are looking down only one barrel whereas with the side by side you are looking between two barrels. For me, it was just easier to shoot when I was looking directly down one barrel. There are a number of people who like a side by side the best. They are a bit lighter in weight. The best way to decide is to try both types of gun and see for yourself which you like best.
As for the best gauge, I think the general consensus is that the 20 gauge is best for upland game. It is lighter than a 12 gauge and the difference in the amount of shot that it has in each shell is not significantly less than in a 12 gauge shell. The velocities of both shells are comparable. What you give up in number of shot per shell is more than made up for in weight savings. A second benefit is decreased recoil from the 20 gauge. Weight and recoil can really make a difference after a day of bird hunting. Good luck in your decision and good hunting.

Answer 3

I would think about a Remington 870 pump. About $300. Benneli makes a good semi-auto shotgun About $1200.

An over and under and a side by side you have extra weight just because the second barell.

Answer 4

Find whihc one fits you the best. Its sounds like the O/U might be the winner there. Another good deal is the Remington 870 and 1100, in the pump and semi-auto. Depending on your size, you may want to look at the youth models as they have shorter stocks. 20 ga. is fine, also I am fond of the 16 ga., which is bigger than the 20, but smaller than the 12. The 28 ga. is harder to find, but generally a sweet shooter.

Answer 5

my opinion, get a 12 Ga. not a 20. Need to be able to make clean kills. Get an autoloader or pump for simplicity of operation. Single barrel guns allow more than 2 shots. Lighter loads will reduce felt recoil to 20 ga. levels or about. If budget allows, look for Belgian Browning A5 (older) or Rem. 1100 or 1187 (newer). Japanese Brownings are OK, but not as good as Belgian. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I used to use a side by side which I found I could shoot quite well with and acurately, however I upgraded and made the switch to a over and under shotie. The over and under is easier to use in my opinon! you may find it different, I think you should buythe best gun depending on your budget.

The pump action or a lever action shotie is very tempting! if I had my time again maybe I would get one!

Answer 7

Personal opinion, I think an over/under is easier to shoot because you only have 1 barrel line. My dad bought a side by side last year and loves it. I guess I just think side by sides look weird and feel more comfortable with an over/under.

Answer 8

If you like the side by side, get the side by side. I've got both and they both do me just fine. .20 is a good all around guage to start with.

Answer 9

get a gun that u like point and swing sidebyside over under or even a good simi auto or pump but it must be gun that u are conferable with most of and that u like to shoot go to a good gun shop or a local gun club and ask to try people gun and find the one u liek and shot the best and thats the gun for u

Answer 10

what is your budget?? I like the franchi 20 ga veloce or like gun which is an ou you cna find it under a 1000. a 20 ga will do about everything you need for upland birds.