Double Barrel Shotguns

Double Barrel Shotguns

There are two types of double barrel shotguns: side by side shotguns and over-under shotguns. Double barrel shotguns once used two triggers that allowed for each barrel to be discharged. In time, the single selective trigger (SST) that allowed it to alternate between the two barrels when firing. Today’s double barrel shotguns are typically the most costly shotguns you can purchase among guns for sale.

Today, the over-under shotgun is used for sports such as trap, clays and skeet, and waterfowl hunting. The choke design of double barrel shotguns allows the shot group to converge at a particular range, usually the maximum distance. Each barrel can be individually set for distance at the point of convergence. This means one barrel can be set to fire at a closer range, while the other barrel can shoot a further distance.

Hammerless shotguns were in use in Europe in the early 19th century. By the 1930s the over-under design started to replace the side by side shotgun in the U. S. due to the high cost of side by sides.

The over-under shotgun is typically finely crafted with a sleek design, it may be embellished with engravings, premium wooden stocks and other cosmetic extras. This is the reason they typically cost more among guns for sale. The over-under shotgun generally features less recoil than other types of shotguns, partially due to its greater weight.

Break open action, also called breech-loading, is the most common for over-under shotguns. The opening of the action can also be used to cock the shotgun.

Side by Side Shotguns

Side by Side shotguns are typically more expensive. Finer craftsmanship typically results in higher prices. Recoil is typically greater in the Side by Side than other types of shotguns. Today’s side by side uses a single selective trigger that alternately fires both barrels. Both barrels can’t be fired at once, as the single trigger has to be pulled twice to fire both barrels.

Some side by side shotguns utilize an inertial system. In an inertial system the recoil of firing the first barrel toggles the trigger to the next barrel. This system will function best with the heavier shotshells, as using lighter shot with lower recoil does not reliably toggle the inertial trigger resulting in an occasional failure to fire of the second shot, requiring a manual selection of the second barrel to fire.

The production of side by side shotguns eventually priced themselves right out of production. In recent years a few companies have returned them to production, but their price remains beyond most shooters means or desire to pay for guns for sale. Especially when other more modern shotguns among guns for sale can be purchased for considerably less.

The double barrel shotgun that remains popular due America’s fascination with the old west is stage coach guns. In good condition, these historic guns are highly desired.

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