These were mass produced, largely machine made doubles and, although serviceable utility guns, they were heavy, rather clunky and could not be considered refined double guns. The moderately successfully Winchester Model 24 sold well enough to stay in the line from 1939 until 1958. Savage Arms successfully produced and sold the economical Stevens 311 and the somewhat upscale Fox Model B series guns (built on the 311 action) for many years they were finally priced out of the market in 1988. (See American Side-by-Side Economy Shotguns for more about these interesting guns.) Although they are no longer dirt cheap, the entry level guns are still relatively affordable. Smith field grade guns particularly expensive guns in their day.Īll of these guns are long discontinued, but examples are frequently seen on the used market. Nor were the standard field grade Ithaca NID and L.C. However, Parker offered the Trojan, Fox the Sterlingworth and Ithaca/Lefever the Nitro Special specifically as economical, entry level doubles.
Winchester never produced a dedicated economy model of their Model 21 and even field grade Model 21 prices quickly escalated beyond the reach of most shooters.
Today, they are all collectable guns and thus the prices tend to be high. Any of the upscale American doubles are good guns and the top grades are among the fanciest guns ever made. Prominent double guns included the Parker, L.C. You are essentially building two guns on one frame.Ī BRIEF LOOK AT AFFORDABLE AMERICAN DOUBLE GUNSīefore the Second World War, several American companies produced upscale SxS shotguns. It takes a great deal of time, attention to detail and hand work by skilled craftsmen to create a double gun.Īs Randy Wakeman pointed out in this article The Good Over/Under Shotgun, a two-shoot gun requires about twice the complexity of a single barreled gun, not to mention the delicate task of regulating the two barrels to shoot to the same point of impact at 40 yards. Unfortunately, it has so far proven impossible to produce a good SxS gun at a price point comparable to a good repeater. Unlike most other firearms, their development has been exclusively as sporting arms, as they have virtually no military application. They are justly renowned for their balance and unsurpassed handling qualities. A good SxS is both a work of art and a supremely efficient implement in the field.
The side-by-side is the epitome of elegance in the world of sporting arms. Illustration courtesy of Grulla Armas, S.A.L.
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