Side by side

[coyote_out]

This has probably been asked before. Looking to buy a 28 gauge side by side. Been looking used. Where should I start with reputable sellers and getting it inspected/verified. Just looking for a gun I can take hunting, not a collectible, but I want it to be safe for use. Any ideas?

 

[IdahoFF]

There are many reputable sellers on Gunsinternational that deal with a lot of sxs. Also lion country supply Gun room is another place to look. It really depends on what kind of sxs you are looking for. English, Spanish, American, Turkish? Be careful, it doesn't stop with just ONE sxs. PM me if you'd like more specifics

 

[chemist]

I have two sxs for hunting (12 and 20). Both are for hunting and I did not want to worry about scratches or hunting in the rain so I went cheap. One is a CZ sharptail, the other is a Huglu from before CZ had exclusive import rights. I have a 5k+ rounds through each with no problems.

There certainly are other options and much comes down to preference. How much are you looking to spend?

 

[WRO]

I have an older beretta with double triggers, they can be had for between 1500-2k. 409s and 471s are single trigger.

In much prefer them to the Turkish guns, just a much more refined gun. Guns international, shotgun forums, etc is a good start. Orvis gun room is a good source as well. 20s are easier to get ammo fur and plenty light.

 

[ORwaterfowler]

Check out Vintage Doubles in Eastern Washington, looks like you're out that way and can probably make an apointment. I have not purchased a gun from Kirby, but have heard nothing but positive things and had the chance to talk with him at a show 2 years ago. Don't buy older double guns sight unseen / don't trust choke markings; most have been opened up. 28 gauge might be hard to find, but take a look at AYA or a webley & scott 700 for the mid priced. A imported stoeger gamecock made by V Bernardelli would be another on the lower priced side, have one and love it.

Side by sides that are balanced right are a pleasure to shoot. Handle as many as you can, including the new Turkish cheapos, and you'll feel the difference pretty quickly and which one points right for you. Learn to love the double trigger.

 

[yfarm]

https://uplandjournal.ipbhost.com/

Join this, revolves around what you are lookng for

 

[GreenNDark Timber]

If you're not dead set on a 28 gauge and willing to go to a 20 or 16, watch Guns International for older side by sides. Here's are two of my favorites, a LC Smith field grade feather weight 16 and a Fox Sterlingworth 16.

 

[dtrkyman]

Gunbroker.

 

[ORwaterfowler]

Doug Stewarts book, the traditional side-by-side has great info too on what to look for when evaluating a used sxs. Barrel wall thickness on some of the English guns is another thing to pay attention to, brownells sells the manson wall thickness gauge if doing it yourself. Most of the dealers that specialize in double guns list that info too.

 

[coyote_out]

I have 2k saved up. So that is kinda my budget. Maybe a little more. From looking so far, I think I might have to settle on a 20 because of my budget. I currently hunt with a 20, but am opening up my search. I like the loooks of aya and ugys, but probably not going to get to handle any before I buy.

 

[IdahoFF]

I have two AyAs and 2 Uggies. Both are very nice guns. I'd say the AyAs are touch more refined and usually lighter. My current 16ga AyA 4/53 with 29" barrels is lighter than my 20ga Uggie with 26" barrels. Hard to beat either for the price

 

[PAHunter777]

I had an AyA 20 ga, great gun if you are looking for light weight would be a top choice in that price range. If you are buying an older one watch out for weird stock dimensions on a lot of the euro guns especially AyA. Take a look at Merkel 40e as well if you like a little bit heavier gun. Ive heard good things about 471 berettas but I have only personally shot less then 100 rounds through one. Tbh I would stay away from the older American made guns if you plan on shooting high round counts. As much as I love Parkers they are pretty easy to shoot loose and you run into trigger problems fairly often.

 

[ORwaterfowler]

I have 2k saved up. So that is kinda my budget. Maybe a little more. From looking so far, I think I might have to settle on a 20 because of my budget. I currently hunt with a 20, but am opening up my search. I like the loooks of aya and ugys, but probably not going to get to handle any before I buy.

If buying without handling, make sure you have a good inspection plan and can return if you see ANY issues, some of them can cost way more to fix than the gun will ever be worth. The shop in Wenachee I mentioned has 180 sxs listed on gunsinternational, and you could pick up and shoulder any of them.

 

[WRO]

Guns international has the best selection.


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[Blockcaver]

We have 3 AYA #2 sidelock round bodies at the house. One 20 ga and two 16 ga. All 3 are IC/Mod choked 28” barrels, twin triggers, straight grip stocks. Great hunting guns. 20 ga for early season and grouse, 16 ga for later in the year pheasants etc.

We had a 28 gauge AYA 453 boxlock with a single selective trigger. Was a POS as the single trigger either doubled or wouldn’t fire at all. Sent to some of the the best double gunsmiths we could find. 4 trips and it never got repaired for more than 50 shots. Was finally told by John (Jack) Rowe, an AYA importer and London trained smith to never buy an AyA single trigger gun and to get a #2. He was right, zero problems with the three #2s over the past 20 some years.

I’ve never had an issue with the Huglu built SxSs. Have a .410 I’ve had for 20 years. No issues but not a huge amount of use either. Had a 28 ga and a 20 ga as well. No issues with them either. All were (are) straight grip, twin triggers versions. Trigger pulls were a bit hard until they broke in. All had correct sized action for the gauge. .410 is tiny!!! Not sure the gen 2 versions use scaled action sizes. Would want the 20’ga if that is the case.

Good luck with your search!