Best Budget Over-Under Shotguns (2025 Guide)

September 29, 2025

Best Budget Over-Under Shotguns (2025 Guide)

Want an over-under for clays or upland without torching your wallet? Entry-level O/Us from brands like Stoeger, CZ-USA, and TriStar deliver dependable break-action simplicity, all-in for well under a grand. Great for new clay shooters and bird hunters who value reliability over frills.

If your fall plans include busting clays or chasing roosters, an over-under (two stacked barrels, single sighting plane) is a classic pick. As of September 29, 2025, the sub-$1,000 space is healthier than ever, giving first-time buyers real choices that don’t feel “starter-only.” Below, we break down what’s driving the trend, what specs matter, and the standout models to shortlist—plus direct paths into our over-under shotguns catalog if you want to compare across the market.

The Trend

Over the last month, interest in budget O/Us has ticked up as clay leagues start and upland seasons loom. Manufacturers in this tier are focusing on:

  • Solid-lockup actions and improved extractors/ejectors for smoother days on the range.
  • Better stock ergonomics and shim kits on some models for easier fit.
  • Optics-ready is still rare here—this is about instinctive shotgun shooting—but fiber-optic beads and mid-beads are common.

Spec Highlights & Standouts

  • Stoeger O/Us (Condor family): No-nonsense workhorses with field and sporting trims. If you want a dependable clay/nightstand farm gun combo, they’re a value benchmark. Explore Stoeger on GunGenius.
  • CZ-USA Drake & Teal: Usually a step up in finish and balance at approachable street prices. If you care about swing feel for skeet/sporting clays, short-list these. See CZ-USA on GunGenius.
  • TriStar Hunter/Setter series: Known for feature-loaded packages—vent ribs, decent trigger feel, and models tuned for field or clays. Browse TriStar on GunGenius.

(Yes, premium O/Us can cost as much as a gently used pickup; these won’t—but they still break birds just fine.)

Comparisons

For new shooters choosing among the big three:

  • Stoeger vs. CZ-USA: Stoeger often lands the lowest price of the trio; CZ-USA tends to feel a touch more refined in balance and wood/metal fit. If you’re price-first: Stoeger. If you’re feel-first: CZ-USA.
  • CZ-USA vs. TriStar: CZ-USA typically wins on classic fit/finish; TriStar competes with attractive feature sets and configurations (youth/compact, different barrel lengths) that stretch a dollar.
  • TriStar vs. Stoeger: TriStar may include more “extras” out of the box; Stoeger’s appeal is its dead-simple durability and broad parts/knowledge base.

What to Watch Next

  • Upland-specific trims: Expect more 26–28″ barrel field models with lighter stocks hitting shelves as bird seasons open.
  • Sporting clays variants: Adjustable combs and extended chokes are creeping downmarket; keep an eye out in the $800–$1,100 window.
  • Fit matters most: If you’re on the fence between two models, choose the one that mounts most naturally—your hit rate will thank you.

Browse more options in over-under shotguns and compare across shotguns in general.

Find it on GunBroker.com