Best used in the upland bird fields and clay shooting ranges where they excel, over-under shotguns bring forth images of classic hunting scenarios and shooting competitions.
More focused in their use than their pump action and semi-automatic cousins, over-under shotguns are an excellent firearm to add to your collection. Learn more about choosing the best over-under shotgun below!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Over Under Shotguns
- OUR TOP PICK: CZ Drake 20 GA 28"
Comparison of the Best Over Under Shotguns
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What to Watch For When Buying an Over-Under Shotgun
Even if you are familiar with other types of shotguns, different factors need to be considered when choosing an over-under shotgun. A shotgun with two barrels is a lot different from the single barrel designs of pump action and semi-automatic shotguns in both form and function. Consider the following points when shopping for an over-under shotgun.
This Section Written By:
Brian Belko
Expert Author
Brian is an experienced freelance writer and technical writer who has previously written for publications such as Wide Open Spaces, Bigfoot Gun Belts, Alien Gear Holsters, and Kampgrounds of America. He brings both a passion for writing and a love of the outdoors to his published content.
Aside from writing and the outdoors, Brian enjoys gardening, being a co-host on The Nostalgia Blast Podcast, and learning to code.
Adjusting to the Balance
It won’t be surprising to hear that the balance and weight of an over-under shotgun is a lot different from other styles of shotgun. In other words, you shouldn’t expect your pump action or semi-automatic shotgun skills to instantly transfer to an over-under shotgun. With much less weight under the forend, an O/U shotgun has most of its weight in between a shooter’s hands.
In theory, this type of balance makes for a more natural shooting motion and target acquisition process. However, that won’t be true for every single model which is why it is important to try shouldering several different O/U shotgun models before deciding on one.
Photo credit: gameandfishmag.com
Stick to the Strengths
An over-under shotgun stands out in performance when targeting upland bird species and clay targets. However, the two-shot capacity, slightly longer reloading time, and break open operation do not make it a great shotgun for the duck blind or home defense. If you aren’t interested in a shotgun for those purposes (or already have another one in your arsenal for them) and do love upland bird hunting or clay shooting, then an O/U shotgun is an excellent purchase.
Two barrels means that two different chokes can be used in an O/U shotgun at the same time. Shooters can usually select which barrel fires first. Put a choke with a wider spread in one and a tighter spread in the other and you will be ready for a multitude of different situations in the field or on the sporting clay course.
Ammo Options Appreciation
We’ve all been there. We’ve bought a box of cheap shotgun ammo, loaded it into our pumps or semi-autos, and found it to be prone to jamming, not cycling, or not ejecting rounds properly. This problem simply won’t happen with an over-under shotgun. As long as it is the correct gauge, any shotgun ammo will work flawlessly in an O/U shotgun.
Review of the Best Over Under Shotguns
Let's look at the best of this year:
Best Overall:
CZ Drake 20 GA 28"
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers seem to be using this gun extensively for hunting upland birds like quail and pheasants. The shotgun is simple, affordable, and effective. The gun was reported to have a short breaking-in period, but that was just an occasional case.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is one of those reasonably priced over/under shotguns that will suit low budgets and acts as a versatile shotgun. The 60/40 POI is just amazing, and the compact and forward heavy design improves swing. The mid-rib delete feature is both cosmetic and functionally effective. Plus it includes a five-piece choke set.
Who Will Use This Most
Due to its gauge, the gun is suitable for young shooters and beginners. Additionally, the gauge also makes it suitable for upland bird hunting and even some early-stage competitions for amateurs. This is a budget-friendly over/under shotgun for people who want one without burning a hole through their wallet.
Bottom Line
The CZ Drake 20 gauge is an affordable, widely appreciated, and versatile shotgun that’ll help bring food to your table. The gun is perfect for upland bird hunting and comes with a variety of chokes to suit different applications. A great gun for beginners, youngsters, and budget shoppers.
2. Browning Citori CX Micro-Adjustable
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Almost every user praised the CX as an ideal sporting over/under shotgun which shoots flawlessly and accurately. This gun has to be found functioning perfectly well after shooting thousands of rounds. Which justifies its cost. It has very low recoil and the inflex recoil pad greatly adds to the overall comfort.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Browning Citori series of shotguns has a prestigious reputation in the world of clay shooting sports. This gun features an adjustable buttpad which combined with the short LOP makes it very ergonomic. The gun has a 30” barrel and ideal pointability with an amazing 60/40 POI. This is the kind of O/U that’ll last your family for generations.
Who Will Use This Most
The shotgun is ideal for skeet and trap shooting. The long barrel, low recoil, vent rib, directional deflection comb-pull along with other features make this a perfect shotgun for clay shooting sports. It comes with 3 different chokes to offer versatility and can also be employed as a bird hunting shotgun if needed.
Bottom Line
The Browning Citori CX is an adjustable variation for the Citori line of over/under guns. This shotgun offers a perfect point of impact while attenuating the recoil for quick follow up shots. It is a crossover model for hunting/sporting clays/skeet/trap making it a very versatile and useful sporting shotgun in your collection.
3. Tristar Sporting Arms TT-15 Trap
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The TT-15 has a good overall fit and function and is the most feature-loaded over/under shotgun at its price. The trigger movement is very good, as is the wooden finish. The gun is very reliable and performs amazingly well in trap shooting competitions. Some users did suggest the gun to have a mid-bead on the rib.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The gun is feature-packed and suitable for the most sophisticated over/under shotgun applications. The comb height and LOP can be adjusted instantly. The drop-out trigger and barrels are easy to remove and clean. Plus the gun has a long barrel with good pointability and swing to shoot accurately. Which is quite imperative for competitions.
Who Will Use This Most
The gun has been selectively designed for competitive shooting. The weight of the gun is definitely not suitable for hunting trips. But it is quite reasonable for managing recoil. This gun is perfect for pro-competitive shooters looking for an aptly priced over/under.
Bottom Line
The Tristar Sporting Arms TT-15 is not a very popular shotgun on the market. But that doesn’t disapprove of its flawless and precise performance on the field. This gun is loaded with features and perfect for over/under sports like clay, trap, or skeet shooting.
Best Over Under Shotgun Under $1000:
Mossberg Silver Reserve II Field Combo
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The shotgun is sturdy, shoots straight, and looks quite opulent. The overall fit and finish of the gun are great and it shoots all suitable loads flawlessly. Some users reported initial breaking-in, but overall the gun shot perfectly well for an o/u at this price point.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The price is exceptionally great for a combo. Plus you get a 12 and 20 gauge O/U shotgun for a better price. This gun can shoot flawlessly for hundreds of rounds without a hiccup. The performance is quite close to other high-end shotguns. Plus the amazing scrollwork makes it look very expensive.
Who Will Use This Most
Being a combo, this shotgun is suitable for upland hunting and informal shooting competitions and sports. The gun busts up clays pretty well and is widely used for trap and skeet sports. This is an affordable combo that’ll get the job done no matter what the conditions.
Bottom Line
The Mossberg Silver Reserve II is a popular field over/under shotgun and is widely used for hunting and competitions. The gun is covered by Mossberg’s reliable customer support and has been machined to a perfect fit. It shoots flawlessly.
Best Over Under Shotgun Under $2000:
Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 30" 20 Gauge
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The gun points great, feels natural, runs smooth, and it looks good. The gun has an amazing design and is well built that it’ll last for generations. It functions flawlessly and almost no user reported a misfire or other functional issues. The manual tang safety is also a relief instead of the automatic safety.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon has been around for decades and was improved with the new Silver Pigeon I version. This shotgun has a long barrel, amazing scrollwork, reliable function and prompt safety. The low profile receiver helps with target acquisition and makes shooting more intuitive.
Who Will Use This Most
The Beretta 686 was designed as an upland hunting over/under shotgun. It can also be used for clay sports as the long 30-inch barrel helps with pointability, range, and accuracy. The gun is a ‘lasting’ over/under that’ll serve its purpose for years to come. Except for use in extremely professional competitions, this gun will prove useful in every situation suitable for an o/u
Bottom Line
The Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon I is durable and reliable over/under shotgun for hunting and casual clay sporting. This stands among the most popular and widely used over/under shotguns across the world, and perfectly justifies its price tag.
Best Over Under Shotgun Under $1500:
Franchi Instinct L 12 GA 28"
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Almost every buyer seems satisfied with the performance of this shotgun. Even with its price tag. The gun points well, shoots well and ejects well. However, some users reported a break-in time. Which is not a big deal and doesn’t happen often. The 7-year warranty also gives the user a good reason to trust this shotgun.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Franchi is a subsidiary of Beretta. The chokes are interchangeable and the gun exhibits quality somewhat similar to that of the expensive Beretta guns. The shotgun is very ergonomic and has an automatic safety and good ejectors. It is very well balanced and won’t require extra care like more expensive shotguns.
Who Will Use This Most
The gun is perfect for bird hunting. It is a good entry-level shotgun for hunters and skeet shooters. It serves the purpose well if you are not planning on spending too much money on an over/under, and want an optimal mix of price and features.
Bottom Line
The Franchi Instinct L is an utterly reliable, mid-budget over/under shotgun that offers the perfect balance between cheap and expensive options. The gun has all the features of a high-end shotgun, and is covered by a 7-year warranty to make buying it a win-win situation.
What is an Over Under Shotgun?
An over and under shotgun is a type of double-barrel shotgun with two barrels stacked on top of one another. Thus the name over and under, with reference to the central axis(mid-rib) between these two barrels.
These shotguns are more recoil-friendly, inexpensive, and balanced than their SxS (side-by-side) counterparts due to the stacked positioning of the barrels. These shotguns have a concealed hammer and can have a single-selective or double trigger mechanism. Plus they are breech loaded weapons and can be carried open for extra safety.
The barrels of an over/under shotgun are slightly angled and the shots fired usually converge at 40 yards out. After that, the discharge from the under (lower) barrel will travel higher than from the over (upper) barrel.
Photo credit: petersenshunting.com
When Would I Use an Over Under Shotgun
Here's the main cases where an over-under gives you an edge:
Clay Shooting
The most common use for over and under shotguns is for clay shooting sports. Almost every shooter has an over/under shotgun on a trap or skeet shooting range. That’s because these guns are exceptionally accurate, reliable, and very controllable for a shotgun. Especially when compared with SxS shotguns.
Upland Bird/Game Hunting
Over/under shotguns are widely used for upland game hunting. These guns are very controllable and deliver natural pointability and swing. Which is the most crucial prerequisite for bird hunting.
Home Defense
Having two barrels also allows you to use two chokes simultaneously for short or long-range shots. While it is not a dedicated home defense firearm because of its low capacity and long reloading times. Over/under shotguns can also be used for defense in desperate situations when it is the only firearm you have at hand.
Teaching Beginners
These shotguns are a reliable, accurate, low recoil, and safe option to teach beginners the basics of shotgun shooting. Especially when you are preparing for competitions or precision shooting.
What Makes a Great Over Under Shotgun
Gauge
While 12 gauge shotguns are more versatile, 20-gauge shotguns are suitable for small game and have a comparatively lower recoil. 16 gauge is a more mixed choice between these two calibers. While 28 and 410s are also an option for young shooters. Larger gauges will allow longer shots and pack a heavier punch.
Interchangeable Chokes
Being a shotgun, an over/under should give the user an option to switch chokes when needed. Since chokes are an important and unique feature of double-barrel shotguns, having the capability to change them is essential.
Trigger
Over/under shotguns with a mechanical selective trigger are more useful than ones with recoil set triggers.
Photo credit: wildernessmastery.com
Since the trigger automatically switches to the next round if the round fires or comes out be a dud. Selective triggers let you choose the order of barrels for firing.
Extractor or Ejector
While an extractor raises the spent shells a bit for easily plucking them out. Ejectors pop out the spent shells automatically upon opening the action. While exactors are also viable, many people opt for ejectors.
Weight, Size, and Fit
A compact shotgun allows better handling and swing while shooting. Plus weight can also be a considerable factor if you plan on carrying your gun on foot for hunting or camping trips. However, heavier guns also compensate for recoil. Additionally, guns with a vent rib help with pointability and accuracy.
What Are the Benefits of an Over Under Shotgun
Double Chokes
Due to their double-barrel design, over/under shotguns allow the user to shoot through two different chokes without swapping. This can be very helpful when you have to take close-range and long-range shots simultaneously.
Weight Balance and Ambidextrous
The stacked barrels of o/u’s keep the equilibrium very stable, unlike SxS shotguns. This helps with aiming and maintaining the balance. Thus improving the swing and pointability. These shotguns are also ambidextrous so there’s no right or left nitpicking.
Photo credit: tactical-life.com
Ease of Maintenance
These shotguns have minimal moving parts and do not require extensive and complicated disassembly like other shotguns. All you have to do is clean the barrel and wipe the gun clean with appropriate solvents and you’re good to go.
Reliability
Over/unders will definitely fire when you load the breach and pull the trigger. You don’t have to worry about a short-stroke or an incompetent or misadjusted gas system or shot load. Since the only thing that has to move is the firing pin.
Safety and Durability (in All Weather and Design)
These shotguns are the easiest to maintain and follow the safety rules. The gun can’t fire unless the breech is open, and that’s why most shooters carry it that way. Plus the minimal moving parts and a meticulous design makes these shotguns very durable.
Spent Shells
These shotguns allow easy collection of spent shells. Whether it is a simple extractor or an ejector with skilled catching hands.
Pride and Legacy
Since O/U’s can last for decades if not centuries, you can hand it over as an heirloom to your children or even grandchildren.
Photo credit: quora.com
Conclusion
Over/under shotguns are extensively used for clay shooting sports and bird hunting. These guns have a very balanced, ergonomic and naturally-pointing design which delivers reliability and accuracy. An over under is easy to maintain and lets you use two different chokes at once. While good models can cost upwards of 2000 dollars, there are quite a few budget picks to suit the average joe.
People Also Ask
Buying an over/under shotgun is a lifelong investment. So it is better to clarify some common doubts before you plan on buying one.
What Does Over/Under Shotgun Mean?
An over/under shotgun is a double-barrel shotgun with both barrels stacked vertically. This offers a central axis for aiming and keeps the shotgun more balanced. Over/under shotguns are very popular for clay shooting sports and upland bird hunting.
How Much Should You Spend on an Over Under Shotgun?
That’s clearly a matter of your own budget and preference. New over/unders can be found for as low as $700 and can cost upwards of $30,000 and even more. A good rule of thumb is to spare a budget of about $1,500 - $2,000 for buying a good over/under shotgun.
Which is Better Over Under or Side by Side Shotgun?
Each has its own benefits. But an over/under shotgun is more accurate and balanced compared to a side by side. Plus the over/under barrel setup helps with easy aiming and acquisition of the target. Side by side with double triggers is good when you have to fire both barrels at once. As in a bear-defense situation.
How Does Trigger Work on Over Under Shotgun?
An over/under shotgun can have a single selective mechanical trigger or an inertia trigger. The SST allows you to choose which barrel fires first and automatically switches to the second barrel no matter if the shell in the first one fires or not.
Inertia triggers rely upon the blowback of the shells to switch.
Photo credit: theurbangundog.com
Do Over Under Shotguns Have 2 Triggers?
While not a very common feature, some over/under shotguns do have 2 triggers. For example, the CZ-USA Mallard (discontinued by factory in 2015) is an over/under with a double trigger. While SxS with double triggers are a very common sight, over/unders with double triggers are extremely rare.
Are Over Under Shotguns Good?
An over/under shotgun is more reliable, easy-to-maintain, and accurate than any semi-auto or pump-action shotgun. That’s why you see them in the hands of pro clay shooters and bird hunters. These guns are better balanced and amazing to swing. Mostly falling into the category of classic guns rather than workhorses.
Does Remington Make Over Under Shotgun?
Yes. Remington has been making over/under shotguns for a long time. Some popular O/U models from Remington are series 31, 32, 33, Peerless, and Premium.
Are Over Under Shotguns Good For Duck Hunting?
Over/under shotguns are indeed, perfect for duck hunting and it is one of the most common uses of these guns. They offer amazing shootability(swing, pointing, balance) and allow you to add double chokes for mitigating spread.
