When it comes to shotguns, nothing beats the reliability and versatility of a double-barrel. Whether you’re out hunting small game or want a dependable firearm for home defense, double-barrel shotguns offer a straightforward, no-nonsense approach. They are easy to operate, less prone to jamming, and deliver a powerful punch. It was hard to whittle this list down to just 21 guns, and I tried to include a solid mix of over-unders and side-by-sides, as well as a variety of price points and features. I have several in my arsenal because they’re so reliable, simple, and effective, and I know that, in the right situation, they’ll serve me well in a crisis if I ever need to defend myself, my family, my community, and my property.
Stoeger Coach Gun
The Stoeger Coach Gun is perfect for those who value simplicity and reliability. With its short 20-inch barrels, it’s incredibly easy to maneuver in tight spaces, making it a great choice for home defense. This side-by-side shotgun is available in both 12 and 20 gauge, offering plenty of stopping power. Weighing around 6.5 pounds, it’s light enough for quick handling but solid enough to absorb recoil. The twin-trigger setup allows you to fire each barrel independently, and the break-action mechanism makes it a breeze to reload. Plus, Stoeger offers this shotgun in a range of finishes, from standard blued to stainless steel, ensuring it can withstand tough conditions.
CZ-USA Hammer Coach
For those looking for a bit of Wild West charm with modern performance, the CZ-USA Hammer Coach delivers. Its exposed hammers and dual triggers give it an old-school aesthetic, but don’t let the vintage look fool you—this shotgun is built with today’s technology. Available in both 12 and 20 gauge, and with a short 20-inch barrel, this side-by-side weighs in at about 6.7 pounds, making it ideal for both hunting and close-quarters defense. The color case-hardened receiver and walnut stock add a touch of classic style, while its robust construction ensures it will last for years.
Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I
If you’re after a well-crafted over/under shotgun with precision engineering, the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I is hard to beat. Known for its balance and durability, it comes in a range of gauges, including 12, 20, 28, and .410, making it versatile for different types of hunting. The barrels range from 26 to 30 inches, depending on your preference, and the gun weighs between 6.6 and 7.3 pounds, depending on the gauge. Beretta’s Optima Bore HP choke system ensures tight, consistent shot patterns, making it perfect for anything from clay shooting to bird hunting. Priced in the $2,000 range, the Silver Pigeon I offers a refined shooting experience with the longevity you’d expect from Beretta.
Browning Citori 725
The Browning Citori 725 is a modern classic in the over/under shotgun world. Available in both 12 and 20 gauge, it features a low-profile receiver designed to reduce recoil while keeping the gun sleek and easy to handle. Barrel options range from 26 to 30 inches, and the gun weighs about 7 pounds for the 12 gauge version, slightly lighter for the 20 gauge. The Citori 725 uses Browning’s Invector-DS choke system, which provides superior patterning and less fouling. Its mechanical trigger offers crisp, consistent breaks, and the Inflex recoil pad helps direct recoil away from the shooter’s face, making it a comfortable option for extended use. Expect to pay around $2,500 for this top-tier shotgun.
Mossberg Silver Reserve II
If you’re on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice quality, the Mossberg Silver Reserve II is an excellent choice. This over/under shotgun is available in 12, 20, and .410 gauge, with 26- or 28-inch barrels, making it versatile for both hunting and home defense. Weighing around 7.5 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than some options, but that weight helps reduce felt recoil. The chrome-plated chambers and barrels enhance its durability, and the included set of five choke tubes (full, improved modified, modified, improved cylinder, and cylinder) allows for flexibility depending on your shooting situation. It’s a reliable, entry-level option, with prices typically ranging between $600 and $800.
CZ Bobwhite G2
For those who love traditional side-by-side shotguns, the CZ Bobwhite G2 is a fantastic blend of modern reliability and classic design. Available in 12, 20, and .410 gauges, this lightweight shotgun has a 28-inch barrel and weighs just over 6 pounds for the 20 gauge, making it easy to carry on long hunting trips. Its dual triggers offer full control over which barrel fires first, and the manual safety ensures extra security in the field. The color case-hardened receiver and straight English-style stock give it a timeless look, and at around $700 to $1,000, it’s an affordable option for serious shooters.
Stoeger Condor
The Stoeger Condor is one of the best-value over/under shotguns on the market, available in 12, 20, and .410 gauges. With a ventilated rib and bead sight, this shotgun is easy to aim, and the single selective trigger allows you to control which barrel fires first. Barrels are available in 26- or 28-inch lengths, and the gun weighs around 7 pounds, making it balanced yet sturdy. The satin walnut stock and polished blued barrels add a touch of class to its design, while its affordable price—typically between $500 and $650—makes it an excellent choice for beginners or budget-conscious hunters.
Remington Model 1889
A piece of American history, the Remington Model 1889 is a side-by-side shotgun that collectors and hunters alike appreciate. Originally designed in the late 1800s, this exposed hammer shotgun is available in 12 and 10 gauge, with 30-inch barrels that provide long-range accuracy. Weighing between 8 and 9 pounds, this hefty shotgun is built for durability, and its robust walnut stock and steel receiver ensure it can withstand tough conditions. Although no longer in production, these shotguns are often found in the $1,500+ range on the collector’s market, prized for their craftsmanship and historical significance.
Beretta 682
The Beretta 682 is a premium over/under shotgun, well-regarded in the competitive shooting world. Available in 12 and 20 gauge, with 28-, 30-, and 32-inch barrel options, this gun is designed for serious shooters who demand precision. It weighs around 8 pounds, depending on the configuration, and features Beretta’s Optima-Choke system, which improves shot consistency and reduces felt recoil. Its replaceable locking shoulders and adjustable stock make it customizable and durable, a feature that serious hunters and competition shooters appreciate. You can expect to pay between $2,500 and $3,000 for this high-performance shotgun.
Winchester Model 21
The Winchester Model 21 is a true American classic, known for its rugged build and hand-fitted parts. Available in 12, 16, and 20 gauge, this side-by-side shotgun typically comes with 26-, 28-, or 30-inch barrels. Weighing between 7.5 and 8.5 pounds, it’s a solid and reliable option for both hunting and defense. While it’s no longer in production, the Model 21 remains highly sought after by collectors and hunters alike. Its durable, hand-finished design and excellent balance have earned it a legendary reputation. Prices often start at $3,000 and go much higher, depending on condition and model.
Browning Superposed
Designed by John Moses Browning, the Superposed was one of the first commercially successful over/under shotguns. Available in 12, 20, 28, and .410 gauges, with barrels ranging from 26 to 30 inches, the Superposed is known for its impeccable balance and smooth action. It weighs between 7 and 8 pounds, depending on the configuration, making it versatile for both field and sport use. This shotgun is equipped with a selective single trigger and a beautifully machined action, which has helped it maintain its popularity among collectors and shooters alike. Prices for this iconic shotgun typically range from $2,500 to $4,500, depending on the model and condition.
Stevens 555
For shooters who need a lightweight, affordable over/under, the Stevens 555 is an excellent option. Available in 12, 20, 28, and .410 gauges, with 26- or 28-inch barrels, it weighs in at just under 6 pounds, making it easy to carry for extended hunts. Despite its lightweight design, the Stevens 555 is durable and reliable, featuring an aluminum receiver and a Turkish walnut stock. It comes with five choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC, and C), allowing for versatility in the field. At $500 to $700, it’s a great value for hunters who want a dependable, easy-to-handle shotgun.
Fausti Caledon
For shooters who value fine craftsmanship and precision, the Fausti Caledon is an Italian-made over/under shotgun that combines beauty and performance. Available in both 12 and 20 gauge, with 28-inch barrels, it’s built for hunters and sport shooters who demand accuracy. Weighing about 6.5 pounds, this shotgun is easy to carry, and its oil-finished walnut stock adds elegance to its design. The Caledon also features engraved receiver details and comes with a set of interchangeable chokes, making it as versatile as it is beautiful. At around $2,000, it’s an investment in both style and performance.
Dickinson Plantation
The Dickinson Plantation is an excellent option for those looking for a reliable and affordable side-by-side shotgun. Available in 12 and 20 gauge, this shotgun is lightweight, weighing just under 7 pounds for the 12 gauge. It features 28-inch barrels, making it ideal for upland game hunting or clay shooting. The Turkish walnut stock and hand-engraved receiver give it a refined look, while the double triggers allow for precise control over each shot. The gun’s smooth break-action and affordable price point (typically between $900 and $1,200) make it a practical choice for both hunters and sport shooters.
Weatherby Orion I
The Weatherby Orion I is a versatile over/under shotgun that has become a popular choice for both hunting and sport shooting. Available in 12 and 20 gauge, this shotgun features 26- or 28-inch chrome-lined barrels, which enhance durability and make cleaning easier. Weighing around 7 pounds, the Orion I is designed with balance in mind, making it easy to handle in the field. It comes with automatic ejectors and a mechanical trigger, which ensures consistent and reliable performance. Priced around $950 to $1,100, this shotgun provides excellent value with the legendary Weatherby name behind it.
Benelli 828U
The Benelli 828U is known for bringing modern innovation to the classic over/under design. Available only in 12 gauge, it features 26- or 28-inch barrels and weighs around 6.5 pounds, making it one of the lightest over/under shotguns available. The 828U is packed with features that reduce recoil and improve comfort, such as the Progressive Comfort system, which absorbs recoil with its patented buffer system. It also has a unique steel locking plate that provides durability without adding excessive weight. The adjustable stock ensures a custom fit, making this shotgun perfect for hunters who want the latest in shotgun technology. Expect to pay around $2,500 for this high-tech beauty.
Franchi Instinct L
The Franchi Instinct L is a lightweight over/under shotgun that is perfect for long days in the field. Available in 12 and 20 gauge, it features 26- or 28-inch barrels and weighs just 6 pounds for the 12 gauge version, making it one of the lighter options on the market. Its satin-finished A-grade walnut stock gives it a refined appearance, and the case-hardened receiver adds a touch of durability and style. The single trigger system is intuitive and easy to use, and the fiber-optic front sight makes target acquisition quick and efficient. At around $1,000, it’s an affordable option that doesn’t sacrifice quality.
Savage Arms Fox A Grade
The Savage Arms Fox A Grade is a traditional side-by-side shotgun with a rich history. Available in 12 and 20 gauge, it comes with 28-inch barrels and weighs about 6.5 pounds, making it a well-balanced shotgun for both hunting and sport shooting. Its beautifully engraved receiver and American walnut stock give it a classic look, but it’s the performance that really stands out. The double triggers offer quick, reliable firing, and the shotgun comes with interchangeable chokes, giving it flexibility in the field. Priced around $5,000, the Fox A Grade is more of an investment, but for those who appreciate classic American craftsmanship, it’s worth every penny.
Chapuis Armes C135
The Chapuis Armes C135 is a side-by-side shotgun handcrafted in France, blending traditional elegance with modern performance. Available in 12 and 20 gauge, it features 28-inch cold-hammer-forged barrels, which are known for their accuracy and durability. The C135 weighs around 6.6 pounds, offering a good balance between being lightweight and sturdy enough for serious hunting. The shotgun’s engraved receiver and oil-finished walnut stock give it an exquisite look, while its double triggers allow for precise control over each shot. Chapuis Armes is known for its attention to detail, and with prices ranging from $3,000 to $4,000, you’re investing in a top-tier firearm.
Yildiz SPZ ME
The Yildiz SPZ ME is a lightweight, budget-friendly over/under shotgun that punches above its price tag. Available in 12 and 20 gauge, with 26- or 28-inch barrels, this shotgun weighs just 6 pounds, making it one of the lightest options on the market. Despite its light weight, it offers a comfortable shooting experience, thanks to its soft recoil pad. The Turkish walnut stock adds to its appeal, and the smooth break-action ensures quick reloading. With a price tag typically around $600 to $800, the Yildiz SPZ ME is an excellent choice for beginners or hunters looking for an affordable, dependable shotgun.
Rizzini BR110
The Rizzini BR110 is a beautifully crafted Italian over/under shotgun, combining affordability with high performance. Available in both 12 and 20 gauge, with 28- or 30-inch barrels, it weighs around 7 pounds and is designed for both hunting and sport shooting. The oil-finished walnut stock and laser-engraved receiver give it a premium look, while the crisp mechanical trigger ensures consistent firing. The BR110 also features a ventilated rib and automatic ejectors, adding to its usability. Priced around $2,000, it’s a great investment for shooters looking for Italian craftsmanship without breaking the bank.
