side by side shotguns Archives

Double Barrel Shotguns

June 19, 2014 | 0 Comments

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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Side-By-Side Shotguns For Sale

May 7, 2014 | 0 Comments

Side by side shotguns (S x S) have always had a loyal following, but for quite some time the price for a good side-by-side has been prohibitive for many. Today, the side-by-side shotgun is making a comeback and manufacturers are responding by offering the S X S among their shotguns for sale. You may wonder why purchase an obsolete gun, until you realize the S x S has advantages you will not receive in the pump-action or semi-automatic shotguns.

Why Side-By-Side?

First of all, the side by side shotgun for sale is so simple that a first time shooter can learn to use it in less than a minute. It is easier to operate than any pump action or semi-automatic shotgun. This alone offers a healthy market of young and inexperienced shooters among gun sales.

Second, the SxS lacks any action. This makes it shorter, lighter, and easier to operate. These are the features stimulating the growing popularity of the SxS as a home defense weapon. It is much easier to move through the tight halls and furniture packed rooms of the home. Its small size and maneuverability is a plus when hunting in dense vegetation and forests. Whether for home defense or hunting, the SXS has its place with a growing number of fans selecting it versus the popular semi-auto shotgun.

Third, side by side’s the break action enables you to use non-standard shells that don’t cycle very well in other shotguns. If the shell will fit and close it is very likely to fire. With two separate barrels and triggers on the side by side, you are able to use a mixed load. For example, you can use buckshot in one and birdshot in the other. This adds an additional benefit for hunters.

Side-By-Side Ammo

It is very rare for a SxS to jam a shell. That is a big plus in any experienced shooters view. Due to the SXS’s simplicity, on the rare occasions a jam has occurred, it is a 1-2 second fix. Reliability and its simplicity provide a strong factor fueling the SXS’s guns sales.

Short shells is a frequently used ammo in home defense. The short shells provide a light recoil that is ideal for youth and novices lacking experience, or those who can’t use a weapon with heavy recoil. Novices typically love the S X S, as the light recoil helps them to gain accuracy, as well as enables them to keep practicing without fatigue. No one wants to shoot a gun where they consistently miss due to heavy recoil and fatigue.

Disadvantages of The SXS

The primary disadvantage of the SxS is its limited ammunition, as it only provides 2 shots before you must reload. That is actually good for novices, it gives them more experience in loading. The other disadvantage is you must leave it unloaded in a home with children due to safety issues. For the right person, the SXS has plenty of advantages. It is easy to use, dependable, effective, and an awful lot of fun to shoot. It also provides a comfortable session on the range.

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The Comeback of the Side by Side Shotgun

December 12, 2013 | 0 Comments

Side by side shotguns are experiencing a rise in popularity of late, and are considered by many to be the best home defense weapon. After 1883 the popularity of the S x S declined to the point where some manufacturers ceased production. A recent climb in popularity of the venerable S x S is again placing it back on production lines. Many would question the purchase of an outdated gun, but the fact is the S x S has advantages not featured in today’s pump-action shotguns or semi-automatic shotguns.

First of all, the side by side shotgun is pure simplicity. Even a first time shooter can learn to use one in less than a minute. It is easier to operate than any pump action shotgun or semi-automatic shotgun.

Next, it has no action making it shorter, lighter and easier to operate. The S x S is easier to move through the narrow confines of a home accounting for its rise in popularity as a home defense weapon. Its smaller size and easier maneuverability is a plus when hunting in dense thickets and is gaining ground with feral pig hunters.

Third, the break action enables the use of non-standard rounds that won’t cycle well in auto-loading or pump action shotguns. If the shell will fit and close it will most likely fire.
Having two separate barrels and triggers enables you to use a mixed load. You can use buckshot in one and a slug in the other for example.
Any hunter who has missed a shot, or home owner defending himself who has ever had a shotgun to jam will appreciate the S x S. It is almost unheard of for the reliable S x S to jam a shell. On the rare occasions that one has, it is a 2 second fix.

The use of short shells provides a very mild recoil and this type of ammo is frequently used in home defense. It is great for those less experienced or unable to effective handle a weapon due to heavy recoil.

The disadvantages of the S x S are the need to reload after the two shots. More importantly is the fact that an S x S presents serious safety issues in a home with small children. Your best bet-leave it unloaded with the shells locked away or the gun in a gun safe. Not the best scenario when using it for home defense but absolutely necessary when safety is an issue.

Easy to use, fun to shoot, dependable and effective the side by side has advantages for the right user. With production increasing to meet the demand we can expect to see more of the S x S in use. Want to know more about the Side by Side? Check out our blog post on what you need to know about this shotgun.

Shop GrabAGun for a great selection of side by side shotguns for sale. We offer a variety of brands, with pricing to fit any budget. Shop with GrabAGun for all your guns and accessories.