Help with O/U vs SxS decision

Longranger

Hi lads. Called into my local rfd this evening for some cartridges(and to dribble over my new cz455,damn the paperwork) and I spotted two shotguns which he just got in to sell for a couple of locals. One is a Lanber O/U and the other is a SxS,I can't remember the maker,but it's a beautiful older gun with an english stock(help) anyhoo,they're both going for the same money,and i've been looking for a double for a while,as the Mossberg is a heavy bitch to carry up and down hills all day. I had a very look at both and the SxS fits me like a dream and feels SO nice to hold,but everyone I know says O/ U is the only way to go. I'v never owned anything but a pump or a semi so I was wondering should I go for the SxS. Any help please guys. Thanks. LR

DJandDeid

If it fits and you really like the feel.......no question but go for the SxS! Shooting is in a big part about you liking your gun. See if the RFD will allow you try em out too...

It wasn't me!

If it's a game gun, and you like the feel, and it fits you, get the SxS. You're not going to shoot clays as well, but it'll be lighter, and you'll shoot a lot better with a SxS that suits you than with an O/U that doesn't. Personally, I just like the way they feel and look even if I know I might shoot my best with an O/U, and besides, it gets carried an awful lot more than it gets shot.

Longranger

All I want is a game gun. I don't shoot clays that often. I know Lanber make very nice guns but this un-named english SxS feels so good to hold. Maybe I was held back by the stigma the SxS was an ould fellas gun but in that case,I'm an ould fella(33)lol.

It wasn't me!

Feck that. I bought a nice, light side by side (AyA no. 4) because I wanted something I could carry comfortably all day, felt nice in the hands and that I shot well with. They're such elegant looking guns as well. It'd be a damn shame if they were ever completely replaced.

Longranger

It wasn't me! wrote: »

Feck that. I bought a nice, light side by side (AyA no. 4) because I wanted something I could carry comfortably all day, felt nice in the hands and that I shot well with. They're such elegant looking guns as well. It'd be a damn shame if they were ever completely replaced.

Thanks for that. It's what I needed to hear. I'll probably be the only one in the gang with a SxS but I'll be the only one who's not bitchin about the fact that the gun doesn't feel right. Most of the lads buy what the magazines tell them is good,but I prefer a gun the feels like I'm the one that should be holding it. Thanks again. :)

It wasn't me!

Longranger wrote: »

I prefer a gun the feels like I'm the one that should be holding it

If you only ever buy guns with this principle in mind, you'll never go wrong.

Longranger

It wasn't me! wrote: »

If you only ever buy guns with this principle in mind, you'll never go wrong.

I hear ya! That's why I bought the cz455 thumbhole. It felt SO good to hold and loads of local lads were sayin that the Marlin917 but the cz is just the one for me:):)

djflawless

neither will make you shoot better unless you know how to use it..tis your own preference mate

hunterpajero

It wasn't me! wrote: »

If it's a game gun, and you like the feel, and it fits you, get the SxS. You're not going to shoot clays as well, but it'll be lighter, and you'll shoot a lot better with a SxS that suits you than with an O/U that doesn't. Personally, I just like the way they feel and look even if I know I might shoot my best with an O/U, and besides, it gets carried an awful lot more than it gets shot.

why cant you shoot clays better with a side by side?

It wasn't me!

hunterpajero wrote: »

why cant you shoot clays better with a side by side?

Weight is probably the biggest factor. My side by side weighs a pinch over six pounds. Even with trap loads, it gets stiff to fire a lot of shots. If I had to put 150 rounds through it on a trap course of fire, I'd be pretty rattled. Firing 80,000 rounds a year through it and I'd be well and truly pummelled. There's also the argument that the barrels block out more on a side by side than on an over/under and that a good sight picture isn't as easy or as intuitive. Whatever the reasons and my own explanations, you're certainly not going to find a multitude of side by sides at a high level clay shoot. Not to say I won't keep the eye in on clays, but for serious clay shooting, an O/U is a much better idea.

blackstairsboy

I would go for the side by side if it is an english made side by side it could very well be handmade and you do not find quality like that very often at a price that can be afforded. I am a side by side man anyway and have shot one since I was sixteen when all my friends had over and unders. I do now posses an over and under but I would not swap my side by side for any o/u.

Hibrion

If the side by side fits you then go for the side by side. It will do everything you need if you do your part.
I traded a semi for a side by side this month and couldn't be happier with the change.

Longranger

Well,I fired both of them earlier and I have to say,the O/U was lovely but the SxS is an absolute peach. Decision made!:):) Now to practice,roll on the woodcock season! Thanks for all the input lads. It's good to know I can ask for advice and get serious answers,not pisstake talk like my mates dish out.:):):)

Vizzy

Longranger,did you find out the make of the sxs ?

rowa

if the sxs fits you there is nothing wrong with them , the reason a lot of people out rough shooting carry ou's or semi's is fashion , the sxs is seen as an old boys gun , who cares ?
a lot of dealers won't take sxs's in as trade in's or buy them in, is because they can't sell them on, this is good new as you can find something special at a really good price. look out for a nice birmingham made boxlock ejector and you can't miss.

hunterpajero

It wasn't me! wrote: »

Weight is probably the biggest factor. My side by side weighs a pinch over six pounds. Even with trap loads, it gets stiff to fire a lot of shots. If I had to put 150 rounds through it on a trap course of fire, I'd be pretty rattled. Firing 80,000 rounds a year through it and I'd be well and truly pummelled. There's also the argument that the barrels block out more on a side by side than on an over/under and that a good sight picture isn't as easy or as intuitive. Whatever the reasons and my own explanations, you're certainly not going to find a multitude of side by sides at a high level clay shoot. Not to say I won't keep the eye in on clays, but for serious clay shooting, an O/U is a much better idea.

i use a side by side meself a zabala,i never have any bother hitting clays with it or seeing the targets for that matter,in south tipps clay shoot last year i was high gun on the day with the side by side no probs