I was given a 110 year old Stevens 20 gauge from my grandfather on my 10th birthday. My first gun, a featureless cheap utilitarian hunting gun a century ago and still quite worthless today. It has however been in my family since it was brand new, and there is no end to the number of stories ive been told revolving around it. After a century of basically zero maintenance and hard frequent use, I finally had it professionally cleaned and refinished a few years ago. its in better working and cosmetic shape now than it was the day I got it 20+ years ago
And they'll shoot too. I've witnessed it first hand with a farmer shooting a .22 at a kids dirt bike as the kid was tearing up the farmers field. Truth be told it was pretty freakin' crazy.
Love the last point. People not making assumptions on how well you shoot, because they're too interested in the gun itself. Fits perfectly with missing in style!
Well said. I’m not much to comment, but need to here. I just turned 55. Been shooting since I was 8. I have always been fascinated with sxs shotguns. Just started a modest working man’s collection the last few years. I wish I started earlier. One from the very early 1900’s, one from the 1950’s and a couple modern ones. They are a piece of history, a piece of quality furniture, a weekend sports car, and my favorite, a single malt scotch. All guns have their place, but a sxs is just a timeless classic. And you said it perfectly, I just took one of my sxs pheasant hunting last week with my daughter. I did not hit as many birds as I usually would, but I definitely have more fun. If someone can’t understand that feeling, then I can’t really explain it. Thanks for listening.
A few years back at a small clay shoot an owd gamekeeper from one of the big estates up here in Yorkshire effortlessly shot every stand with an old SxS and pretty much gave all us "serious" shooters with our o/u and our endless pre-call posturing and ready-mounted stance a fine lesson in humility. It was a good lesson that I'll never forget. Yep, I still shoot clays with a B25 b2g and when I do I think I'm the luckiest guy alive, but my heart beats just as fast when I take out my Charles Hellis 16G SxS which must be about 100 years old and was made "best". The handling and feel are utterly sublime.
I actually bought my first sxs at a gun show. I saw it sitting ignored and forlorn and much in need of love aka restoration. It was an art noveau early Bernardelli with side clips gold bands and an Italian hunter in trad. Italian hunting attire on one side and 2 bears on the other (one bear looked drunk).An engraver even borrowed it to study the work..It is now on it's way to being fully restored and it looks very special.Extra full and extra full.
Absolutely...purchased an old Astra at a clearing sale for $50...most enjoyable gun I ever owned...LOVED breaking clays with it.. Fully intend buying another very soon.
5:46 - "clay bashing drain pipe"... between the timing of closing the action and the face at the end as an exclamation mark, an absolutely flawless comment.
Side by sides are also very versatile. You don't have to worry about if a round will cycle the action, or jam up the pump action, or get too dirty to function if you shoot black powder, or something more exotic like Dragon's Breath. Most side by sides are chambered to accept 2 3/4" or 3" shells, as well.
I've been watching your videos while my SBS is being restored by a gunsmith. I must say that your number 10 gave me a chuckle. The peace of mind of lower expectations.
I once took my old Lafever ( 1927 ) double side x side 20 gauge to my sporting clay range. I had mor fellows asking me about it. They were shooting very high grade over unders. We were shooting just for fun. Love sxs I have 4 of them. Still love shooting them. I used them for small game when I was quite a bit younger mostly rabbits in the brush behind a Beagle. Fun, fun, fun. Oh yes, I missed too.
I'm 20 and my first gun I ever bought was a Double Barrel side by side. I've fired probably over 1,000 rounds with it and taken it to 4 hunting trips and have lovely memories with it. People say side by sides arent as accurate but I can get groupings at consistently 200 yards it just takes practice because the gun has a different character.
Side by sides were made in the day when manufactures were thinking of reputation and quality and now most manufactures are thinking of costs and quantities. Buy one , just lovely to work on and look at and in most cases, the wood alone ,is worth investing down time to get the best out of.
I like the old side by sides the ol boys used for upland. I’ve shot a few old SxS (100 years old on some) bagged many a bird and enjoyed the fast handling. Those guns have soul and click shut with authority.
I perfectly understand what you are saying, I've just purchased my first SxS for £100, it will be my doerupper, and it gives me the biggest smile just holding it.😁
I have three amongst my collection. A hammerlock 410 for walking and vermin. A Baikal as a great field gun (fire anything through it) and a 100 year old C&H. purely for heritage and and style - I love them all..... along with all the other more advanced styles of guns I have.... Everyone needs a side by side, why.... because they are worth it !!
I like shooting my O/U which was made in a factory somewhere in Turkey but I love shooting my side by side which was hand made by a craftsman in Birmingham in the sixties.
Agree on every thing you say . I've got a Cogswell & Harrison none ejector made in 1885 which I take out every now and again . Ok I'm limited to 65 MM. cartridges but every time I pick it up I think of all the stories it could tell .One last point the wood is stunning on it and it only cost £300
Went pheasant hunting for the first time today, both my best friend and I limited out with two birds a piece, what a blessing! I think I will be investing in a side-by-side. They are just so near and dear to my heart, I relatively adore them. I shoot a Benelli Montefeltro semi at the moment, and I love her, but I would like to get a side by side just for the sake of saying that I hunt with one!!! Cheers!
Another good video - my main point to add is that in my view by far the biggest contribution to one's score is technique errors not the design of gun, so there is no need to get too attached to either over and unders or side by sides. For example, I swap between my slim little Webley 700 side by side and my big heavy Nikko over and under trap gun and I still remain a mediocre shot. Conversely George Digweed could use either design of gun and he would still be a world class shot because he has near perfect technique. Whether Digweed would score higher with an over and under than a side by side is a good question - it might give him a slight edge which matters at international competition level but that the is the least of concerns for us ordinary shooters whose technique errors are so large and frequent that they dwarf other factors. So I say buy both types of guns and enjoy being a mediocre shot with both.
Im jealous. Where i live, i cant get many good deals (i live in Minnesota,usa). I bought a Stevens model 311a made in 1956 about a year ago and love it. Its basic, dinged up and rough around the edged but when i pull it out of the case when everyone else has their brand new, shiny plastic guns and i got old reliable. I have other shotguns but when i just want some fun, i got straight to my side by side. I love this channel because its full of video for people like me who want to keep the tradition and style of the old days even though im only 18 years old
That's great. Go around to gun shows and check on line. In your area you might be able to find something like a Parker Trojan (or VH) or a Fox Sterlingworth for decent prices. The problem will be safety and wear with steel shot. So you would have to use expensive bismuth where required.
Acquired a 1922 E M Reilly 16 bore Hammer gun a couple of months ago and am really enjoying myself with it and getting used to its quirks. After our last session at the clay range, my buddy made the comment " If you were out hunting today you would not have gone home hungry". Always puts a smile on my face! My poor M2 is feeling neglected!
Have owned Aya number three box lock pistol grip gun 12 bore. Was awesome . Disappointed with myself that I sold it to a Gun Shop. Didn't last on the Shelf more than a few hours before somebody else bought it.
It seems like older model guns are more available in the UK compared to the US. The older models I find here are quite expensive. Great videos, keep up the good work!
Me and my father are learning to shoot sporting clays together. He wanted a sxs because that's what is used in the old westerns, and it's what the stereotypical english farmer uses. (That's the american stereotype, anyways) so we each got a sxs, and we are the ONLY ones using them at the club here in the american southeast. We're having a blast, and can imagine ourselves as either, John Wayne, or Winston Churchill. Not bad company, in a daydream. Cheers!
Hi johnny, great video. I pwned two side by sides. One was a westley richards with 30 inch tubes. The other had 28 inch barrelles. Used both extensively for water fowl & upland game. Kept my freezer full & i loved hunting with shotguns steeped in tradition.
I agree 100% with that I own a Charles Ingram hammer gun and I love it and when I take it on shoots people always ask me About it it draws a lot of attention
I've hit more game with a 20ga SxS than any other shotgun. I find that they are easier to carry in the field because the actions are generally less "tall" than an O/U.... so I can easily carry it in one hand.
I think the last point was spot on. People expect a certain level of shooting by what gun you have. Some people just have a bigger budget and therefore better starting point sometimes.
I have a Russian made Baikal SxS which is not the prettiest gun ever made, but functions just as well as any of them. It’s still “stylish “enough that I’m not embarrassed to carry it in the field along side guns many, many times more expensive than it because it gets the job done. On top of that, I’m really not worried about damaging the finish on it and can carry it through hell and back, and have entered a number of filthy duck blinds with it.
I always buy S by S. 1871 Remington hammer gun Damascus , high grade wood. 1967 Spanish double gun with nice wood and lite engravings. American Hardware store gun with hammers 1930.
Nothing I love better than running over to the bench, grabbing my side by side 26" 20 bore W&S swing on a crosser and dropping it with the first shot for the season. I will be honest I enjoy hunting with it more than my 28" 20 bore SP1. The SP1 is better suited to fishing the ducks out of the pond.
Looking forward to getting home to watch the video. Might have to make an offer on the AyA No. 1 I was previously looking at. Just wish we had the selection you lot have there. Better pricing on the old stuff as well.
Have to say I love shooting my Charles Boswell from 1901 Great lines and a pleasure to swing in front of outgoing clays came with paperwork showing the first owner paid 9 pounds plus. and lived at 90 Waterloo Rd London. Have a nice Day Cheers from Australia. Keep up the good work.
It was once said to me at a shoot by a much older gun during that continual subject under & over or side by side, the disadvantage in kill numbers is usually lower if you use a side by side. "Just think of it as fishing when you cast you do not expect to catch all the fish do you. so just replace clay with fish in your mind and you will be far more content with your score".
Hi Johnny. All true. I have inherited a side by side from my father who got it from his father so I only treat it with respect. My daily gun in B725, but i always find excuses to take it for a day or two out for shotting. It is Gamba made in Italy around 1960 and I would be very glad if you have any more information about this gun.
I got my first shotgun from my grandad last year. It's a woodcock macnab and I have shoot a lot of over unders and I feel in love with side by sides. It's something I will never sell
I picked up an "Elgoibar" Spanish 1967 SxS a few months ago. I can't hit a barn door with it yet. But it is fun and looks great. Seen some peeps at my local range with some really expensive SxS and they could not hit a barn door either. Yes I did have a giggle... Have one and enjoy the challenge. I'm going to strip the woodwork on mine as it has that horrible red varnished look to it but nice engraving-ish. Anyway. Good luck peeps!
I do remember you guys from Ringwood, you sold me a savage axis II in .223 but you did a deal for me with the facebook group LRRS or long range rimfire shooting and gave me an amazing deal. Bloody helpful guys and I still have the axis. Thanks for your help back then, I'm happy I stumbled across you here and best of luck with UA-cam and your shop, I shall pop in next time I'm down that way. Keep up the good work chaps.
Took one on my beater's day last year but bottled it after lunch and used my o/u which I'd also taken. This year, I only took the side by side...and felt much happier in myself. Yes, I missed a fair few, but very stylishly.
I had been looking around for ages to fill that space in the cabinet with a nice little inexpensive SxS. Finally fell for a lovely Miroku from Ivybridge Gun Room - 12g 28" ejector. No idea how old it is but very good condition. Still not got to shoot it yet :D
I own a number of SXS guns and O/U guns. I hunt birds over my dogs a good deal. Somehow, the O/U gund never get taken out of the safe... Please note - when I decided to master lightweight game guns, I sold my O/U target guns and focused solely in learning how to shoot a lightweight SXS properly. It is different and much less deliberate than shooting a 9lb. Perazzi. And, ultimately just as effective. And certainly more pleasurable - which is why we are shooting, isn't it?
You need to move to the US. The English SxS market is still good here and enjoying a bit of an upsurge although the gun market is somewhat soft at the moment. Someone with your knowledge would easily find a job in this market and benefit not only yourself, but us Colonials, as well. Most hunting in the US is walk up but there are more and more "continental" shoots springing up. Great videos.
Just bought myself a old coach gun, can not wait to receive it. We have a waiting period of two years for your license before we receive it. - Greetings from South Africa.
Not that this is the norm, but I used my Stoeger Coachgun at the sporting clays range last weekend. As I was hitting the last few stations, a couple of guys behind me were interested in my shotgun. They were using Browning 725s. I let them shoot some with it. They did better with my shotgun versus theirs. I think the cylinder bore chokes helped.
I don't know I did take my side by side to a clay shoot a few years back and I did get some funny looks. But I have to say I held my own against most with over and unders.
I very much agree on that last point. While a little silly, and not really a big deal (in proper company), it does help keep things as relaxed as they should be. The egos on some people out there can be pretty comical. Currently trying to hunt down a nice mid range sxs for myself for goofing off with some clays (in the states). Not too many options out there, that i have found. Would love to find a quality vintage, just dont know enough about them. While I love my Silver Pigeon, and Berettas in general, i looked at a couple Silver Hawks and i felt that for the price they were decidedly unimpressive. CZ sharp tail is appealing and keeps things nice and cheap. While i love CZ, and have many of their handguns, it is definitely not a craftsman piece. I suppose that will come later. Thanks for the upload, great as usual.
OK once again when this popped up I saw side by side and you had me. When it comes to any shotgun hunting I will always try and use a side by side. I have loved them most of my life (68 going on 69). I love all the bores, double trigger or single, auto ejector or not. Yes I have had looks on trap fields and skeet and sporting clays . They knew I could shoot but , What you doing with that - LOL. Here in the states you can find cheap ones made in South America for a little over $100 and I bought one back in the 70's I still hunt with to this day. OK I went on long enough and Thank You for another Great Vid.
When I watch this video, I remember a training day with my classmates ( pro hunter apprentices ) a few weeks ago. Around 20-25 hunters on the shooting range and my side by side was the only one next to all these over and unders. (Since I decided to become a hunter after the school I was sure, my shotgun will be a side by side and nothing could / will ever change that.) Some mates asked how’s gun that is and wanted to shoot with it eminently because the most of them never had the chance. Some problems with the handling „How do you grip that?😂“ and some wondering faces later they regretted that they don’t own this shotgun, it was a very funny highlight that day, combined with lot of pressure for me, representing the side by sides. It was an absolute Beautiful day of shooting, even though I didn’t shot as good as usual, but as you say: Go get a side by side cause even if you miss, you miss in style with a big smile on your face 😊
Love your insight. Could you do a video on types of SXS breach locks. I hear terms like side, box, Anson Deely, etc. but no good descriptions or advantages. Thanks
Great videos, a fountain of knowledge for those of us venturing into the world world of shotguns, but could you please do more on the budget end of side by sides, as for some one like my self, this is the easiest way to get into this sport, there are so many cheap side by sides available out at the budget end but its a bit of a mine field, all I've been able to work out so far from watching your vids, is AYA are good baikal bad, any assistance you could give us newbies would be greatly appreciated, as your videos are both educational and informative, also helps that you put things in layman's terms. Keep up the good work, anything that you do to encourage my people to get involved is a bonus. Mark
The shotgun is "best" is the gun that FITS you best. Baikal is strong and durable with very good metallurgy. AyA's will clearly cost more but are very good....but only if the individual gun fits you well. If you hunt, you will want to be able to shoot steel which means you will need more open chokes.
When I was granted my ticket 1st gun a zabala 12g 1st shot a carrion crow. I will have at least one of every cal shotgun. The main thing is fit. A sxs is classical and a part of history
Enjoyed the video! Love the style of your videos and those Side by Sides! I would say the US market is almost the opposite. Side by Sides are slowly getting more popular here. Browning BSS that were struggling to sell for $700-$1000 just a couple years ago are now $1500-$2000. If the trends in both the US and the UK continues (plus recent favorable currency conversion), someone is going to make a lot of money importing Side by Sides to the American market.
I don’t own a shot gun, I don’t know if I can own a shot gun, I don’t know much about shot guns. But i do know I want to own a shot gun, I know that I like the craftsmanship that goes into shot guns but most of all I know that I’d buy a shot gun off this guy because of his passion for them and the enthusiasm for them and the sport and hobby. Seriously this guy could sell ice to Eskimos.
Side-by-side shotguns are iconic, on both sides of the Atlantic. Thank you for showing these old gals the respect they deserve.
I was given a 110 year old Stevens 20 gauge from my grandfather on my 10th birthday. My first gun, a featureless cheap utilitarian hunting gun a century ago and still quite worthless today. It has however been in my family since it was brand new, and there is no end to the number of stories ive been told revolving around it. After a century of basically zero maintenance and hard frequent use, I finally had it professionally cleaned and refinished a few years ago. its in better working and cosmetic shape now than it was the day I got it 20+ years ago
Nothing says "Get off my land" better than a farmer in tweed with a side by side.
Well, in my case I am the farmer. Landed gentry old chap :-)
That's ok old boy. No harm done.
As long as we're safe with firearms then that's all that matters.
And they'll shoot too. I've witnessed it first hand with a farmer shooting a .22 at a kids dirt bike as the kid was tearing up the farmers field. Truth be told it was pretty freakin' crazy.
@ Bourne,
My biggest weapon is a good attitude and a digital camera.
@@adelarsen9776 I like that!
Love the last point. People not making assumptions on how well you shoot, because they're too interested in the gun itself. Fits perfectly with missing in style!
Side by side I enjoy my old Husqvarna 310 from 1913 16/65 every time i take it out from the case I have a big smile 😁 Regards from Sweden
Like you say nothing better than missing with style!
Brilliant summary of why you should own a side by side! Nailed it.
Well said. I’m not much to comment, but need to here. I just turned 55. Been shooting since I was 8. I have always been fascinated with sxs shotguns. Just started a modest working man’s collection the last few years. I wish I started earlier. One from the very early 1900’s, one from the 1950’s and a couple modern ones. They are a piece of history, a piece of quality furniture, a weekend sports car, and my favorite, a single malt scotch. All guns have their place, but a sxs is just a timeless classic. And you said it perfectly, I just took one of my sxs pheasant hunting last week with my daughter. I did not hit as many birds as I usually would, but I definitely have more fun. If someone can’t understand that feeling, then I can’t really explain it. Thanks for listening.
I have to agree 100% with everything you said then.....
A few years back at a small clay shoot an owd gamekeeper from one of the big estates up here in Yorkshire effortlessly shot every stand with an old SxS and pretty much gave all us "serious" shooters with our o/u and our endless pre-call posturing and ready-mounted stance a fine lesson in humility. It was a good lesson that I'll never forget. Yep, I still shoot clays with a B25 b2g and when I do I think I'm the luckiest guy alive, but my heart beats just as fast when I take out my Charles Hellis 16G SxS which must be about 100 years old and was made "best". The handling and feel are utterly sublime.
I actually bought my first sxs at a gun show. I saw it sitting ignored and forlorn and much in need of love aka restoration. It was an art noveau early Bernardelli with side clips gold bands and an Italian hunter in trad. Italian hunting attire on one side and 2 bears on the other (one bear looked drunk).An engraver even borrowed it to study the work..It is now on it's way to being fully restored and it looks very special.Extra full and extra full.
Absolutely...purchased an old Astra at a clearing sale for $50...most enjoyable gun I ever owned...LOVED breaking clays with it.. Fully intend buying another very soon.
5:46 - "clay bashing drain pipe"... between the timing of closing the action and the face at the end as an exclamation mark, an absolutely flawless comment.
Your videos are always very informative but what I really enjoy is your enthusiasm and positive philosophy. Thanks Jon.
Side by sides are also very versatile. You don't have to worry about if a round will cycle the action, or jam up the pump action, or get too dirty to function if you shoot black powder, or something more exotic like Dragon's Breath. Most side by sides are chambered to accept 2 3/4" or 3" shells, as well.
I've been watching your videos while my SBS is being restored by a gunsmith. I must say that your number 10 gave me a chuckle. The peace of mind of lower expectations.
I once took my old Lafever ( 1927 ) double side x side 20 gauge to my sporting clay range. I had mor fellows asking me about it. They were shooting very high grade over unders. We were shooting just for fun. Love sxs I have 4 of them. Still love shooting them. I used them for small game when I was quite a bit younger mostly rabbits in the brush behind a Beagle. Fun, fun, fun. Oh yes, I missed too.
Nice description. Like we say in the united states "If I have to explain you would not understand."
I'm 20 and my first gun I ever bought was a Double Barrel side by side. I've fired probably over 1,000 rounds with it and taken it to 4 hunting trips and have lovely memories with it. People say side by sides arent as accurate but I can get groupings at consistently 200 yards it just takes practice because the gun has a different character.
Can tell youve never shot a gun in your life
This kind of arguments can be translated to every other hobby as well, and I love it...
Side by sides were made in the day when manufactures were thinking of reputation and quality and now most manufactures are thinking of costs and quantities. Buy one , just lovely to work on and look at and in most cases, the wood alone ,is worth investing down time to get the best out of.
I love my side by side, it adds a bit of elegance to the day. Good job lad!
I like the old side by sides the ol boys used for upland. I’ve shot a few old SxS (100 years old on some) bagged many a bird and enjoyed the fast handling. Those guns have soul and click shut with authority.
I perfectly understand what you are saying, I've just purchased my first SxS for £100, it will be my doerupper, and it gives me the biggest smile just holding it.😁
Too right mate. I love my side by side.. It was a renovation job. Love it
Kudos on the sound quality...oh and I love and own several side by sides!
I have three amongst my collection. A hammerlock 410 for walking and vermin. A Baikal as a great field gun (fire anything through it) and a 100 year old C&H. purely for heritage and and style - I love them all..... along with all the other more advanced styles of guns I have.... Everyone needs a side by side, why.... because they are worth it !!
I like shooting my O/U which was made in a factory somewhere in Turkey but I love shooting my side by side which was hand made by a craftsman in Birmingham in the sixties.
I've heard that they used to make things in England.... the good old days....
@@adelarsen9776 none of your snark.
Rule Britannia.
Vote UKIP and make Britain great once more.
God Save The Queen.
Long live The Commonwealth.
@@adelarsen9776 the commonwealth never died prick.
@don't be silly Hello Brian.
Agree on every thing you say . I've got a Cogswell & Harrison none ejector made in 1885 which I take out every now and again . Ok I'm limited to 65 MM. cartridges but every time I pick it up I think of all the stories it could tell .One last point the wood is stunning on it and it only cost £300
Awesome.love it. 3 of the 4 guns I hold are side by sides and I wouldn't change its for the world.
Went pheasant hunting for the first time today, both my best friend and I limited out with two birds a piece, what a blessing! I think I will be investing in a side-by-side. They are just so near and dear to my heart, I relatively adore them. I shoot a Benelli Montefeltro semi at the moment, and I love her, but I would like to get a side by side just for the sake of saying that I hunt with one!!! Cheers!
Another good video - my main point to add is that in my view by far the biggest contribution to one's score is technique errors not the design of gun, so there is no
need to get too attached to either over and unders or side by sides. For example, I swap between my slim little Webley 700 side by side and my big heavy Nikko over and under trap gun and I still remain a mediocre shot. Conversely George Digweed could use either design of gun and he would still be a world class shot because he has near perfect technique. Whether Digweed would score higher with an over and under than a side by side is a good question - it might give him a slight edge which matters at international competition level but that the is the least of concerns for us ordinary shooters whose technique errors are so large and frequent that they dwarf other factors.
So I say buy both types of guns and enjoy being a mediocre shot with both.
You do a great job with these videos.
Im jealous. Where i live, i cant get many good deals (i live in Minnesota,usa). I bought a Stevens model 311a made in 1956 about a year ago and love it. Its basic, dinged up and rough around the edged but when i pull it out of the case when everyone else has their brand new, shiny plastic guns and i got old reliable. I have other shotguns but when i just want some fun, i got straight to my side by side. I love this channel because its full of video for people like me who want to keep the tradition and style of the old days even though im only 18 years old
That's great. Go around to gun shows and check on line. In your area you might be able to find something like a Parker Trojan (or VH) or a Fox Sterlingworth for decent prices. The problem will be safety and wear with steel shot. So you would have to use expensive bismuth where required.
Acquired a 1922 E M Reilly 16 bore Hammer gun a couple of months ago and am really enjoying myself with it and getting used to its quirks. After our last session at the clay range, my buddy made the comment " If you were out hunting today you would not have gone home hungry". Always puts a smile on my face! My poor M2 is feeling neglected!
Have owned Aya number three box lock pistol grip gun 12 bore. Was awesome . Disappointed with myself that I sold it to a Gun Shop. Didn't last on the Shelf more than a few hours before somebody else bought it.
Best video yet, encompasses the real spirit behind shooting.
Totally agree with all your comments....I shoot game with a 120 year old James Woodward, and love every minute!
"...clay bashing drain pipes." XD
I completely agree. My old Baikel side by side was the pinnacle of handbuilt quality
It seems like older model guns are more available in the UK compared to the US. The older models I find here are quite expensive. Great videos, keep up the good work!
And scarce.
Me and my father are learning to shoot sporting clays together. He wanted a sxs because that's what is used in the old westerns, and it's what the stereotypical english farmer uses. (That's the american stereotype, anyways) so we each got a sxs, and we are the ONLY ones using them at the club here in the american southeast. We're having a blast, and can imagine ourselves as either, John Wayne, or Winston Churchill. Not bad company, in a daydream. Cheers!
Hi johnny, great video. I pwned two side by sides. One was a westley richards with 30 inch tubes. The other had 28 inch barrelles. Used both extensively for water fowl & upland game. Kept my freezer full & i loved hunting with shotguns steeped in tradition.
I agree 100% with that I own a Charles Ingram hammer gun and I love it and when I take it on shoots people always ask me
About it it draws a lot of attention
Loved it! You hit the mark perfectly.
All. True.
Missing in style is a real thing, and I can miss with the best of them.
I've hit more game with a 20ga SxS than any other shotgun. I find that they are easier to carry in the field because the actions are generally less "tall" than an O/U.... so I can easily carry it in one hand.
I think the last point was spot on. People expect a certain level of shooting by what gun you have. Some people just have a bigger budget and therefore better starting point sometimes.
Totally agree with your video comments Jonny 👍
totally agree - something special about a SBS
I have a Russian made Baikal SxS which is not the prettiest gun ever made, but functions just as well as any of them. It’s still “stylish “enough that I’m not embarrassed to carry it in the field along side guns many, many times more expensive than it because it gets the job done.
On top of that, I’m really not worried about damaging the finish on it and can carry it through hell and back, and have entered a number of filthy duck blinds with it.
Have a 1976 Webley and Scott 700 with semi pistol grip all blueing intact it just oozes England and quality
I have a 16 bore BL straight grip ejector, Wouldn't part with it for the World. Hoping that my grandson will use it one day
I always buy S by S. 1871 Remington hammer gun Damascus , high grade wood. 1967 Spanish double gun with nice wood and lite engravings. American Hardware store gun with hammers 1930.
Nothing I love better than running over to the bench, grabbing my side by side 26" 20 bore W&S swing on a crosser and dropping it with the first shot for the season. I will be honest I enjoy hunting with it more than my 28" 20 bore SP1. The SP1 is better suited to fishing the ducks out of the pond.
I totally agree with everything you mentioned. Greetings from Portugal.
Love side by sides, you can get an amazing quality gun for not much money.
ro eng I agree .
Jesus loves u.
They’re my preferred guns (5)! I don’t shoot targets for a living. I’m out to enjoy the day. The sxs fills that role perfectly.
Thank you "clay bashing drain pipes" solid gold
Looking forward to getting home to watch the video. Might have to make an offer on the AyA No. 1 I was previously looking at. Just wish we had the selection you lot have there. Better pricing on the old stuff as well.
It was well worth the wait. Thanks Johnny and TGS for the great content.
Have to say I love shooting my Charles Boswell from 1901 Great lines and a pleasure to swing in front of outgoing clays came with paperwork showing the first owner paid 9 pounds plus. and lived at 90 Waterloo Rd London. Have a nice Day Cheers from Australia. Keep up the good work.
Just to say Cliff that a farm workers wage was fifteen shillings a week back then so it cost twelve weeks pay. So in todays wages about 3k sterling
It was once said to me at a shoot by a much older gun during that continual subject under & over or side by side, the disadvantage in kill numbers is usually lower if you use a side by side. "Just think of it as fishing when you cast you do not expect to catch all the fish do you. so just replace clay with fish in your mind and you will be far more content with your score".
Hi Johnny. All true. I have inherited a side by side from my father who got it from his father so I only treat it with respect. My daily gun in B725, but i always find excuses to take it for a day or two out for shotting. It is Gamba made in Italy around 1960 and I would be very glad if you have any more information about this gun.
I got my first shotgun from my grandad last year. It's a woodcock macnab and I have shoot a lot of over unders and I feel in love with side by sides. It's something I will never sell
great vid , i just love side by side shot guns , they are just more than cool
I picked up an "Elgoibar" Spanish 1967 SxS a few months ago. I can't hit a barn door with it yet. But it is fun and looks great. Seen some peeps at my local range with some really expensive SxS and they could not hit a barn door either. Yes I did have a giggle... Have one and enjoy the challenge. I'm going to strip the woodwork on mine as it has that horrible red varnished look to it but nice engraving-ish. Anyway. Good luck peeps!
I do remember you guys from Ringwood, you sold me a savage axis II in .223 but you did a deal for me with the facebook group LRRS or long range rimfire shooting and gave me an amazing deal. Bloody helpful guys and I still have the axis. Thanks for your help back then, I'm happy I stumbled across you here and best of luck with UA-cam and your shop, I shall pop in next time I'm down that way. Keep up the good work chaps.
Glad to hear you still have the gun!
Good to hear from you and hope you are well
Took one on my beater's day last year but bottled it after lunch and used my o/u which I'd also taken. This year, I only took the side by side...and felt much happier in myself. Yes, I missed a fair few, but very stylishly.
I had been looking around for ages to fill that space in the cabinet with a nice little inexpensive SxS. Finally fell for a lovely Miroku from Ivybridge Gun Room - 12g 28" ejector. No idea how old it is but very good condition. Still not got to shoot it yet :D
Bought an AYA after seeing another one of your videos!
I own a number of SXS guns and O/U guns. I hunt birds over my dogs a good deal. Somehow, the O/U gund never get taken out of the safe...
Please note - when I decided to master lightweight game guns, I sold my O/U target guns and focused solely in learning how to shoot a lightweight SXS properly. It is different and much less deliberate than shooting a 9lb. Perazzi. And, ultimately just as effective. And certainly more pleasurable - which is why we are shooting, isn't it?
You need to move to the US. The English SxS market is still good here and enjoying a bit of an upsurge although the gun market is somewhat soft at the moment. Someone with your knowledge would easily find a job in this market and benefit not only yourself, but us Colonials, as well. Most hunting in the US is walk up but there are more and more "continental" shoots springing up. Great videos.
Just bought myself a old coach gun, can not wait to receive it. We have a waiting period of two years for your license before we receive it. - Greetings from South Africa.
Shooting a side by side is simply dignified.
Or they are chosen by dignified people.
I started 20 years ago with an over and under. I now own a 20g and 12g SxS both 90 years old and I would never go back.
Not that this is the norm, but I used my Stoeger Coachgun at the sporting clays range last weekend. As I was hitting the last few stations, a couple of guys behind me were interested in my shotgun. They were using Browning 725s. I let them shoot some with it. They did better with my shotgun versus theirs. I think the cylinder bore chokes helped.
Absolutely.well said mate.
Oh yes, big up AYA 25’s, beautiful guns, worth noting!
Picked up a 1960 Sauer recently. Too it to the range and shot 19 and 20 in the first 2 rounds.
And they look badass especially if you're looking down the muzzle end
I don't know I did take my side by side to a clay shoot a few years back and I did get some funny looks. But I have to say I held my own against most with over and unders.
I very much agree on that last point. While a little silly, and not really a big deal (in proper company), it does help keep things as relaxed as they should be. The egos on some people out there can be pretty comical.
Currently trying to hunt down a nice mid range sxs for myself for goofing off with some clays (in the states). Not too many options out there, that i have found. Would love to find a quality vintage, just dont know enough about them. While I love my Silver Pigeon, and Berettas in general, i looked at a couple Silver Hawks and i felt that for the price they were decidedly unimpressive. CZ sharp tail is appealing and keeps things nice and cheap. While i love CZ, and have many of their handguns, it is definitely not a craftsman piece. I suppose that will come later.
Thanks for the upload, great as usual.
OK once again when this popped up I saw side by side and you had me. When it comes to any shotgun hunting I will always try and use a side by side. I have loved them most of my life (68 going on 69). I love all the bores, double trigger or single, auto ejector or not. Yes I have had looks on trap fields and skeet and sporting clays . They knew I could shoot but , What you doing with that - LOL. Here in the states you can find cheap ones made in South America for a little over $100 and I bought one back in the 70's I still hunt with to this day. OK I went on long enough and Thank You for another Great Vid.
When I watch this video, I remember a training day with my classmates ( pro hunter apprentices ) a few weeks ago. Around 20-25 hunters on the shooting range and my side by side was the only one next to all these over and unders. (Since I decided to become a hunter after the school I was sure, my shotgun will be a side by side and nothing could / will ever change that.) Some mates asked how’s gun that is and wanted to shoot with it eminently because the most of them never had the chance. Some problems with the handling „How do you grip that?😂“ and some wondering faces later they regretted that they don’t own this shotgun, it was a very funny highlight that day, combined with lot of pressure for me, representing the side by sides. It was an absolute Beautiful day of shooting, even though I didn’t shot as good as usual, but as you say: Go get a side by side cause even if you miss, you miss in style with a big smile on your face 😊
Last point...Lack of Sigma/labelling. Yes people always ask about the gun 👍
I would like to see more side by sides in competition. I believe it would be great.
That's pretty funny cuz the other video sad over and under is better glad to see you change your mind for a better side by side gun
Love your insight. Could you do a video on types of SXS breach locks. I hear terms like side, box, Anson Deely, etc. but no good descriptions or advantages. Thanks
Yes I agree, please explain the types and differences of the locking mechanisms!
indeed the man knows style ...
Great videos, a fountain of knowledge for those of us venturing into the world world of shotguns, but could you please do more on the budget end of side by sides, as for some one like my self, this is the easiest way to get into this sport, there are so many cheap side by sides available out at the budget end but its a bit of a mine field, all I've been able to work out so far from watching your vids, is AYA are good baikal bad, any assistance you could give us newbies would be greatly appreciated, as your videos are both educational and informative, also helps that you put things in layman's terms.
Keep up the good work, anything that you do to encourage my people to get involved is a bonus.
Mark
The shotgun is "best" is the gun that FITS you best. Baikal is strong and durable with very good metallurgy. AyA's will clearly cost more but are very good....but only if the individual gun fits you well. If you hunt, you will want to be able to shoot steel which means you will need more open chokes.
A love letter to side-by-sides
Bought one for £60 so much fun 👍
We should all have one
Side by sides are my favorite
When I was granted my ticket 1st gun a zabala 12g 1st shot a carrion crow. I will have at least one of every cal shotgun. The main thing is fit. A sxs is classical and a part of history
Also the filming and editing work on your vids are really nice, polished and professional looking, especially the slow beauty shots. 👍
I’ve bought 4 side by sides in the last year. I say keep them alive
Being in the woods with a side by side and a dog just feels right.
The best side by side I saw was one that had the muzzle engraved "WRONG HOUSE"
LOL
Nothing says "Get off my land" better than a side by side.
I hear the lawyers ramping up now.
Enjoyed the video! Love the style of your videos and those Side by Sides!
I would say the US market is almost the opposite. Side by Sides are slowly getting more popular here. Browning BSS that were struggling to sell for $700-$1000 just a couple years ago are now $1500-$2000. If the trends in both the US and the UK continues (plus recent favorable currency conversion), someone is going to make a lot of money importing Side by Sides to the American market.
I just got a Stevens 311 side by side for 300
Side by side the best ,being shooting it since my childhood .. plz make an exclusive video on underlever W.J.Jeffry
I don’t own a shot gun, I don’t know if I can own a shot gun, I don’t know much about shot guns. But i do know I want to own a shot gun, I know that I like the craftsmanship that goes into shot guns but most of all I know that I’d buy a shot gun off this guy because of his passion for them and the enthusiasm for them and the sport and hobby. Seriously this guy could sell ice to Eskimos.