Side-by-Side Shotguns in 2025: A Practical Buyer’s Deep Dive

December 26, 2025

Side-by-side shotguns are still the simplest “two shots, zero drama” option—great for upland hunting, ranch carry, and cowboy-style fun. Choose based on your real use case (fast birds vs. short coach gun), then compare barrel length, choke system, triggers, and extractor/ejector setup.

Today, side-by-side shotguns sit in a sweet spot: classic handling and looks, with modern choke options and more approachable price tiers than most people assume. They’re not the “one shotgun for everything” answer—but when you want a fast-pointing field gun or a compact double that’s easy to live with, they make a lot of sense.

The Trend

More buyers are treating side-by-sides as purpose-built tools instead of museum pieces. In practical terms, that means three lanes: (1) light upland guns with longer barrels and interchangeable chokes, (2) short “coach” configurations built for handiness, and (3) modern-production doubles that keep the vibe but skip the preciousness—so you actually take them out in the rain.

One quick definition: “SxS” (side-by-side) means two barrels next to each other, typically with a break-action that loads two shells at a time. Capacity is almost always two, and that simplicity is a feature—not a bug.

Side-by-Side Shotguns: The Quick Checklist

• Barrel length: 26–28″ tends to feel “upland smooth,” while ~18–20″ feels quick and compact (and swings very differently).
• Chokes: Interchangeable tubes add versatility; fixed chokes keep things simple and traditional.
• Triggers: Double triggers are common (and fast once you’re used to them). Single selective triggers feel more “modern” and familiar to many shooters. Yes, double triggers are still a vibe.
• Extractors vs. ejectors: Extractors lift shells for manual removal; ejectors kick them out. Extractors are simpler; ejectors are faster.
• Safety & controls: Confirm where the safety sits and whether it’s automatic (resets on open) or manual.
• Fit: A side-by-side lives and dies by how it mounts. If it doesn’t point naturally for you, move on—don’t “cope and pattern” your way out of bad fit.

Spec Snapshot: Typical Side-by-Side Setups

Platform	Action	Caliber	Barrel length / Weight	Capacity	Overall length	MSRP / Street
Upland SxS	Break-action	12/20/28 ga	26–28″ / ~6–7 lb	2	Varies	Varies by trim
Coach-style SxS	Break-action	12/20 ga	18–20″ / ~6.5–7.5 lb	2	Short	Varies by trim
Field “do-it-most” SxS	Break-action	12/20 ga	24–28″ / ~6.5–7.5 lb	2	Varies	Varies by trim

Comparisons: Four Real-World Picks to Cross-Shop

Below are four side-by-sides worth comparing on GunGenius. They’re not “best for everyone”—they’re simply clean examples of the main lanes buyers fall into.

• CZ Bobwhite (28 Gauge) — A classic upland-leaning profile that prioritizes carry comfort and easy pointing over “tactical” features.
• CZ Sharp-Tail (12 Gauge) — A more general-purpose SxS idea: traditional feel, but practical enough for mixed field use.
• Weatherby Orion SxS (20 Gauge) — A “bird and clays” friendly configuration where 20 gauge keeps recoil and weight in a comfortable zone for many shooters.
• Cimarron 1878 Coach (12 Gauge) — The compact lane: short, handy, and purpose-built for close-range handling (with the tradeoff that it’s not a long-barrel bird gun).

Which One Fits You?

Choose an upland-style side-by-side if you walk a lot and shoot a little: you want light weight, a smooth mount, and a swing that doesn’t feel “twitchy.” If you hunt varied birds, lean toward interchangeable chokes so you can tighten up for longer shots or open up for close flushes.

Choose a coach-style side-by-side if the priority is compact handling: ranch tasks, trail carry, truck/utility use, or simply the shortest, simplest double you can run well. Just be honest about the tradeoffs—short barrels are fast, but they’re also easier to stop/start abruptly, which can hurt follow-through on moving targets.

Choose a general-purpose field side-by-side if you want one double that can do occasional clays, occasional birds, and live in the safe the rest of the year. Here, “average everything” can actually be a win: moderate barrel length, standard choke system, and a stock that fits you without gymnastics.

Common Buyer Mistakes

• Buying on looks alone: Side-by-sides can be heartbreakingly pretty. Fit matters more than engraving.
• Ignoring chokes: Fixed chokes are fine if you know what you’re getting. If you don’t, tubes reduce regret.
• Not thinking about shells: If you’re recoil-sensitive or smaller-framed, gauge choice and load choice matter more than internet arguments.
• Assuming “short is always better”: Short barrels are handy, but they can be harder to shoot well on fast, crossing targets.

What to Watch Next

If you’re shopping into early 2026, watch for seasonal pricing swings and small “quiet upgrades” on recurring models—things like improved recoil pads, better choke compatibility, and incremental changes to safeties and extractors. Your best move is to compare a handful of similar SxS setups side-by-side and pick the one that mounts like it was made for you.

Browse related models on Side By Side Shotguns, and compare brand ecosystems like CZ-USA and Weatherby.