Side-by-side shotguns use two barrels positioned horizontally in a break-action configuration. These traditional double-barrel shotguns remain popular for upland hunting, field use, recreational shooting, collecting, historical-style competition, and sporting applications. Modern examples range from practical working guns to premium models with high-grade wood, engraving, selective triggers, ejectors, and interchangeable choke systems.

Side-by-Side Shotguns

A side-by-side shotgun positions its two chambers and barrels next to one another. Opening the hinged action exposes both chambers for loading, unloading, and inspection. Trigger configuration, extraction, ejection, safety, barrel selection, and choke design vary by manufacturer and model.

Choosing a Side-by-Side Shotgun

• Gauge: Compare 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge, .410 bore, and other available configurations.
• Intended Use: Consider upland hunting, field use, recreational shooting, collecting, competition, or general sporting use.
• Barrel Length: Compare barrel dimensions, overall weight, balance, sighting plane, and handling.
• Stock Fit: Review length of pull, drop, cast, comb shape, grip style, and recoil pad or buttplate.
• Trigger & Chokes: Verify single or double triggers, barrel selection, fixed or interchangeable chokes, and factory specifications.

12 Gauge Side-by-Side Shotguns

12 gauge side-by-sides are available in traditional hunting, sporting, field, competition, and collectible configurations. Weight, barrel length, chamber length, and stock dimensions vary substantially.

20 Gauge Side-by-Side Shotguns

20 gauge double guns are popular for upland hunting and field use and may be built on smaller or lighter frames than comparable 12 gauge models.

28 Gauge Side-by-Side Shotguns

28 gauge side-by-sides are offered by selected manufacturers and are popular with upland hunters and shooters who prefer smaller gauge sporting guns.

.410 Bore Side-by-Side Shotguns

.410 bore double guns are available for recreational shooting, field use, collecting, and lawful hunting applications.

Field Side-by-Side Shotguns

Field guns generally emphasize practical weight, traditional stock dimensions, manageable barrel lengths, and straightforward controls for sporting and hunting use.

Upland Shotguns

Side-by-side shotguns remain closely associated with upland hunting. Lightweight frames, responsive handling, wood stocks, double triggers, and traditional sighting ribs are common features.

Sporting Side-by-Sides

Sporting models may use longer barrels, interchangeable chokes, refined triggers, upgraded wood, recoil pads, and other features intended for clay-target or recreational shooting.

Competition Side-by-Sides

Certain historical or sporting competitions use side-by-side shotguns. Equipment rules may specify acceptable actions, gauges, hammers, triggers, ammunition, or other features.

Traditional Double Guns

Traditional side-by-sides may use exposed or internal hammers, double triggers, fixed chokes, splinter or beavertail forearms, straight or pistol-grip stocks, and classic receiver finishes.

Modern Side-by-Side Shotguns

Modern-production double guns may retain traditional styling while adding interchangeable choke tubes, modern steel, updated safety systems, recoil pads, corrosion-resistant finishes, or other contemporary features.

Shotgun Chamber Length

Chamber length determines the shotshell lengths approved for the firearm. Use only ammunition that matches the shotgun's gauge and falls within the manufacturer's chamber specifications.

2 3/4-Inch Chambers

Many traditional and modern side-by-side shotguns use 2 3/4-inch chambers, although older firearms can have different chamber specifications.

3-Inch Chambers

Selected modern field side-by-sides use 3-inch chambers. Verify the exact chamber marking before selecting ammunition.

Older Shotgun Chamber Dimensions

Older or collectible shotguns may have chamber dimensions, materials, proof standards, or ammunition requirements that differ from current-production firearms. Manufacturer documentation or evaluation by qualified personnel may be appropriate.

Barrel Length

Barrel length influences overall dimensions, weight, balance, sighting plane, and handling. Side-by-side field guns are available with a variety of barrel lengths.

Shorter Field Barrels

Relatively compact barrels may be selected for quick-handling field configurations, depending on gauge and manufacturer.

Longer Sporting Barrels

Longer barrels can alter forward weight and sighting plane and may be found on sporting, waterfowl, or other manufacturer-specific configurations.

Barrel Regulation

Double-barrel shotguns are manufactured so the two barrels produce a manufacturer-defined point-of-impact relationship. Standards and intended distances vary by firearm.

Barrel Ribs

Side-by-side shotguns may use solid, concave, raised, ventilated, or manufacturer-specific ribs between or above the barrels.

Concave Ribs

Concave sighting ribs are traditionally associated with many side-by-side field guns.

Raised & Ventilated Ribs

Some sporting double guns use raised or ventilated ribs to provide a different sighting plane or visual presentation.

Fixed Chokes

Many traditional side-by-side shotguns use fixed choke constrictions. Each barrel may have a different choke depending on the firearm's intended use.

Interchangeable Choke Tubes

Modern side-by-sides may use removable choke tubes. Choke threads, gauge, length, and ammunition ratings are specific to the manufacturer's system.

Different Chokes in Each Barrel

Because each barrel operates independently, a side-by-side may use different choke constrictions in the left and right barrels when permitted by the firearm's configuration.

Steel-Shot Compatibility

Steel and other non-lead shot may not be appropriate for every barrel or choke, particularly on older firearms. Verify manufacturer specifications before use.

Break-Action Design

Side-by-side shotguns use a hinged action that allows the barrel assembly to pivot away from the receiver when unlocked.

Top Levers

Most modern double guns use a top lever to unlock the action. Internal locking geometry varies by manufacturer and model.

Locking Systems

Double guns may use bolts, lugs, bites, crossbolts, underlugs, or other locking arrangements. Exact construction should be evaluated by model rather than assumed from appearance.

Extractors

Extractor-equipped shotguns lift shells from both chambers when the action opens so they can be removed manually.

Ejectors

Ejector-equipped shotguns may move fired shells farther from the chambers when the action is opened. Operation varies according to the firearm's internal system.

Selective Ejectors

Some ejector systems distinguish between fired and unfired cartridges according to their mechanical design.

Double Triggers

Traditional side-by-side shotguns commonly use two triggers, with each trigger associated with a barrel according to the firearm's design.

Single Triggers

Many modern double guns use a single trigger that fires the two barrels sequentially.

Selective Single Triggers

Some shotguns allow the first barrel to be selected through a control integrated with the safety or another selector.

Mechanical & Inertia Triggers

Double guns may use mechanical, inertia-assisted, or other trigger systems. Exact operation should be confirmed from manufacturer documentation.

Exposed Hammer Shotguns

Certain traditional, reproduction, and historical-style side-by-sides use exposed external hammers.

Hammerless Shotguns

The term hammerless commonly refers to designs with internal hammers or strikers rather than exposed hammer spurs.

Safety Systems

Side-by-side shotguns may use tang safeties, automatic safeties, manual safeties, barrel-selector functions, or other manufacturer-specific systems.

Automatic Safeties

Some double guns automatically place the safety into a specified position when the action is opened. Exact operation varies by firearm.

Manual Safeties

Other models use a safety that remains under manual control rather than automatically changing position.

Receiver Construction

Receivers may be made from steel, alloy, or other manufacturer-specified materials. Frame size can vary by gauge and model family.

Boxlock Shotguns

Boxlock describes a traditional double-gun lockwork arrangement housed primarily within the receiver. Construction and details vary by manufacturer.

Sidelock-Style Shotguns

Premium or traditional double guns may use sidelock or sidelock-inspired construction. Exact mechanical design should be verified from the manufacturer.

Engraved Receivers

Side-by-side shotguns are available with finishes ranging from simple field-grade receivers to elaborate machine, laser, or hand-finished engraving.

Case-Color-Style Finishes

Traditional-style firearms may use case-color or case-color-inspired receiver finishes for a classic appearance.

Silver & Coin Finishes

Selected sporting and premium models use bright or satin silver-tone receiver finishes with varying levels of decorative engraving.

Wood Stocks

Walnut and other hardwood stocks are common on side-by-side shotguns. Wood grade, grain, checkering, finish, and dimensions vary widely.

Straight-Grip Stocks

Straight or English-style grip stocks are commonly associated with traditional upland and field side-by-sides.

Pistol-Grip Stocks

Some side-by-side shotguns use rounded or full pistol-grip stocks for a different hand position and overall fit.

Prince-of-Wales Grips

More open, rounded grip profiles may be described as Prince-of-Wales-style stocks by some manufacturers.

Splinter Forearms

Splinter-style forearms provide a narrow traditional forward grip and are common on classic field shotguns.

Beavertail Forearms

Beavertail forearms are wider and provide more wood beneath and around the barrel area than traditional splinter designs.

Checkering

Stock and forearm checkering may be cut, pressed, laser-applied, or produced through other manufacturer-specific methods.

Length of Pull

Length of pull is measured from the trigger to the rear surface of the stock and should be considered when evaluating firearm fit.

Drop at Comb & Heel

Stock drop influences alignment between the shooter's eye and the barrel rib. Review manufacturer dimensions when shotgun fit is important.

Cast

Cast describes lateral stock offset. Factory cast varies by manufacturer, model, and intended market.

Buttplates & Recoil Pads

Traditional firearms may use hard buttplates, while modern field guns may use rubber or synthetic recoil pads.

Shotgun Weight

Gauge, frame size, barrel length, receiver material, wood density, forearm design, and accessories influence total firearm weight.

Lightweight Upland Guns

Lightweight side-by-sides can be attractive for extended field carry, although lower firearm weight can change recoil and handling characteristics.

Heavier Sporting Guns

Some sporting doubles use additional barrel or receiver weight to produce different balance and swing characteristics.

Shotgun Balance

Barrel weight, action size, stock density, forearm dimensions, and overall geometry influence how a side-by-side balances.

Recoil Characteristics

Perceived recoil depends on gauge, shotshell load, firearm weight, stock dimensions, recoil pad, and individual shooter factors.

Shotgun Fit

Side-by-side shotgun fit is influenced by length of pull, comb height, drop, cast, grip style, barrel relationship, and the shooter's individual dimensions.

Front Bead Sights

A simple front bead is common on traditional double guns.

Double Beads

Selected sporting configurations may include a front bead and smaller mid-bead along the rib.

Fiber-Optic Sights

Fiber-optic sights are less traditional but may appear on certain modern sporting or hunting side-by-side configurations.

Ammunition Compatibility

Use only ammunition that matches the exact gauge and chamber length specified for the shotgun.

Target Loads

Target shotshells are available in multiple shot weights, velocities, shot sizes, and gauges for recreational and competitive clay shooting.

Upland Loads

Upland hunting ammunition is available in a variety of shot sizes, materials, and payloads. Choose ammunition appropriate for the firearm and lawful hunting application.

Non-Lead Shot

Modern hunting regulations may require non-lead shot in some areas or applications. Barrel and choke compatibility must be verified, particularly with older or collectible shotguns.

Older Shotguns & Ammunition

Older side-by-sides may have chamber lengths, proof standards, barrel materials, or choke configurations not intended for every type of modern ammunition. Do not assume compatibility based only on gauge marking.

Cleaning Side-by-Side Shotguns

Follow manufacturer guidance for unloading, opening the action, barrel removal where applicable, bore and chamber cleaning, hinge lubrication, locking-surface care, stock care, inspection, and reassembly.

Hinge & Action Maintenance

Hinge pins, hooks, trunnions, bearing surfaces, and other action components should be kept clean and lubricated only as recommended by the manufacturer.

Locking-Surface Inspection

The barrels should lock according to the firearm's design. Suspected looseness, damage, or improper lockup should be evaluated by qualified personnel.

Extractor & Ejector Maintenance

Extractor and ejector systems should be kept clean and inspected according to manufacturer recommendations.

Choke Maintenance

Removable choke tubes should be maintained according to the shotgun and choke manufacturer's instructions.

Wood Care

High-quality wood stocks and forearms should be protected from excessive moisture, heat, and aggressive solvents. Care methods should match the actual finish.

Receiver & Barrel Care

Blued steel, polished surfaces, case-color-style finishes, engraved receivers, and other finishes benefit from appropriate cleaning and corrosion protection.

Shotgun Storage

Side-by-side shotguns should be stored securely according to applicable law, household circumstances, manufacturer guidance, and responsible firearm-storage practices.

Breakdown Cases

Side-by-side shotguns can often be stored or transported in fitted breakdown cases with separate areas for the barrel assembly, receiver and stock, choke tubes, and accessories.

Full-Length Cases

Soft and hard full-length cases are also available. Interior dimensions should match the firearm's assembled length.

Gun Safes

Long-gun safes and other secure storage systems can provide controlled access for field, sporting, premium, and collectible shotguns.

Transporting Side-by-Side Shotguns

Transportation laws vary by jurisdiction and destination. Review applicable firearm, ammunition, vehicle, and case requirements before travel.

Hunting Regulations

Hunting rules may regulate gauge, ammunition, shot material, species, season, and other equipment requirements. Verify current regulations for the specific hunt.

Competition Rules

Sporting and historical competitions may have rules covering gauge, action type, trigger configuration, ammunition, external hammers, or other firearm features.

FFL Transfer Requirements

Side-by-side shotguns purchased online generally must be transferred through a federally licensed firearms dealer when required by applicable law. Buyer eligibility and transfer procedures depend on the transaction and jurisdiction.

State & Local Restrictions

Firearm, ammunition, hunting, transfer, transportation, and possession requirements vary by jurisdiction and may change over time. Buyers should verify current applicable requirements before ordering.

Compare Exact Model, SKU & UPC

Side-by-side shotguns with similar model names may differ by gauge, chamber length, barrel length, choke configuration, stock style, forearm, trigger system, ejectors, receiver finish, wood grade, weight, included accessories, and distributor package. Verify the exact manufacturer model number, SKU, UPC, and current specifications.

Always Verify Manufacturer Specifications

Side-by-side shotgun gauge, chamber length, barrel length, choke system, stock dimensions, grip style, trigger configuration, barrel selector, safety, extractor or ejector system, receiver construction, weight, finish, ammunition compatibility, included equipment, and legal configuration vary by manufacturer and model. Always review the current manufacturer's specifications for the exact shotgun being considered.