Good side by side 12 guage

Im looking for a good side by side 12 guage. SOmething for light bird hunting, mostly skeet, showing off, and home protection, thanks

 

Why do you want a double barrel? How about a good old 870 express?

 

X2

 

I've always liked the look of the side by sides, i mean sure the 870 looks sick, but come on, 2 barrels!! what could be better than that

 

For inexpensive SxS look at Stoeger or EAA. Both were about same cost as the 870 Express. I really wanted the Ruger Gold Label or even the Weatherby Athena but both had manufacturing issues and may not be in production anymore.

Anyway, after owning a SxS I realized they kick hard compared to say a Remington 1187 or other semi auto. The traditional SxS gets a lot of attention when you bring it to the gun club but they are hard on the shoulder.

I owned both the Stoeger and EAA. I still have Remington 870 Wingmaster, Remington 1187 Premier and the Weatherby Orion OU.

I vote for the semi-autos because I am 46 now and I ain't as tough as I once was.

 

For home protection the SxS has 2 shells, the unplugged pump or semi-auto holds 5. You do the math.

That being said, I totally agree with you on the SxS looks: it is my favorite gun based on looks but it is not practical for skeet unless you are young and tough. After the first round or two it is a lot less attractive.

 

for showing off, an 870 is pretty lame, unless you get an upgraded Wingmaster...I have a 1977 skeet grade and it's beautiful...but still an 870.
Look for a second hand SKB or Miroku.
Very nice finish and solid.
Fun to look at vintage doubles.
Don't rush.

 

I guess I get my guns to _use_ them, not look at them...

 

Brilliant.
A beautiful SXS has many uses.
Thanks for adding wisdom and insight.

In re OP...CDNN has some nice SXS and OU's that I'd buy in a minute.
Pm me if you're interested.

 

over and under is my shotgun...i have many of them.

for a good SxS, i like the winchester 100 (?). i have a cheap shortie sxs, that i left in texas. for home defense, nothing says, "git away from my daughter!!!" like two side by side barrels. i could defend my house easy with my arsenal.

 

If your willing to spend the money and want to get a lot of attention at the range find an A.H. Fox

 

You missed my point altogether, and in fact, if you had thought for a second, would have realized the above was therefore a retarded statement.

I was speaking in response to:

There's nothing wrong with a good double-barrel. However, for hunting I'd rather be able to have 3 shells loaded, and for home protection, a full magazine. Therefore, if he's only getting one gun, it makes much more sense to me to get a pump-action or semi-auto to serve all of his purposes.

However, he wanted a SxS instead because of how totally awsum it looks !!!!11!11111ONEONE, thus my comment.

Oh, and I forgot to mention it. Fuck you.

 

damn bro....little harsh dont ya think?

 

What about an over/under?

We have two Beretta white onyx...they're SEXY!! Great for skeet/trap, etc.

 

Growing up I'd use my dad's Stevens 20 ga SxS. It's a pretty good gun although I didn't use it much. I usually prefer a single shot or pump. It's not going to win you any awards for best looking or most expensive, but it gets the job done. Stevens was bought by Savage some time ago, so to get one you've got to look at gun shows.

EDIT: Oh yeah, if you look for a stevens, watch out for cracked stocks. I seem to remember that I've seen that on some of the old ones at gun shows.

 

The best bet in an "affordable" SxS double in my book is to look around gun shows, pawn shops, etc and find an old savage/stevens 311. They are very durable and handle nice for an economical gun. They were also sold under various store names also (Sears 101.7). I have handled and looked at most of the newer imports, and they seem to be built cheap until you get into the $1200- and up price range. The older Savage /Stevens guns were quality American made and built to last. I have seen some with cracked stocks, but they are cheap and easily replaced. It usually comes from shooting them with the stock loose. ( I occasionally snug up my stock bolt every season or so).
The Stoeger guns seem to be fairly decent for the price, but not the quality of the older guns.
I have had some bad experiences with the cheap Russian Baikal guns sold under various names, (Remington is selling them for one). I strongly suggest when you find a gun you are seriously interested in do some web research before laying down the $$. Many companies are outsourcing these days so you can't rely on a brand name for quality.

 

Alright guys thanks for all the help, i'll be buying one soon

 

Don't sleep on the 870's. They're very practical for skeet, etc. and they can be pretty too. Here's my Marine Magnum with factory walnut furniture:

 

I like that alot, mabye i'll look into that one