{"id":220,"date":"2023-04-06T22:32:47","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T22:32:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=220"},"modified":"2023-04-06T22:32:48","modified_gmt":"2023-04-06T22:32:48","slug":"10-affordable-double-barrel-shotgun-options-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tactical-dailynews.com\/?p=220","title":{"rendered":"10 Affordable Double-Barrel Shotgun Options (2023)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Updated 4\/6\/2023<\/h5>\n

Economical over\/unders and side-by-sides \u2026 might as well ask for bargain diamonds. Except for these 10 affordable double-barrel shotguns that definitely buck the trend.<\/strong><\/h2>\n

What Are The Affordable Double-Barrel Shotgun Options:<\/h4>\n

Crisp autumn air in your face, the crunch of dry grass underfoot, the sound of pounding wings filling your ears \u2014 bird season is unparalleled bliss. Even more so if you\u2019re in the corn stubble or cattails with a shotgun you\u2019re truly proud of.<\/p>\n

This, for many, generally means a scattergun with a couple of barrels and plenty of class \u2014a double-barrel shotgun, in short. Unfortunately, for many budget-minded hunters, side-by-side and over\/under options are little more than wistful dreams. A great deal of the engraved steel and high-grade walnut runs more than a down payment on a new pickup truck, in some cases a house. Unless you do your shopping. Which we\u2019re trying to give you a hand with here, offering up nine affordable double-barrel shotgun options fit for your next wingshooting adventure.<\/p>\n

What we’re shooting for are doubles that come in below the $1,000 mark that are worth the money. Not an easy task. True enough, most don\u2019t have coin finishes or gold quail motifs. But they\u2019re plenty good at knocking birds out of the sky and building memories along the way. In the end, that\u2019s what will make them a classic to you.<\/p>\n

But, before we get to that \u2026<\/p>\n

Why A Double-Barrel Shotgun?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns have ruled the roost for more than a half-century, for a logical reason \u2014 firepower. Bare minimum, they\u2019re capable of loading up one more shell than a double, which potentially gives you one more goose in the bag or shot at a particularly wily rooster. Not to mention, in most circumstances, they\u2019re a heck of a lot cheaper than over\/unders and side-by-sides.<\/p>\n

So why revert to old technology? There are plenty of reasons, but to my mind, the double-barrel shotgun’s edge boils down to four factors:<\/p>\n

Reliability:<\/strong> Doubles have few moving parts, so there\u2019s less that can go wrong. Overall, they’re more impervious to the elements, so there is little worry about fouling. And they\u2019ll never misfeed. This adds up to a gun that’s ready the second you flush a bird. Additionally, they’re easy to maintain. And if you do, your double-barrel shotgun \u2014 even an inexpensive one \u2014 will likely outlive you.<\/p>\n

Flexibility:<\/strong> There\u2019s no worry about if a low-brass load will cycle through your double-barrel. It will shoot anything that fits its chamber. Plus, you can choke each barrel differently, giving the option for a looser pattern for close shots and a tighter pattern for more distant ones.<\/p>\n

Shootability:<\/strong> While not a hard-and-fast rule, double-barrel shotguns \u2014 particularly over\/unders \u2014 are much better balanced than semis and pumps. In turn, you have a more responsive gun at your disposal, something easier to swing and follow through with, which (fingers crossed) should add up to more birds.<\/p>\n

Tradition:<\/strong> Honestly, this reason outdoes the others for me. While there are many fine pumps and semis out there, plum few bring the nostalgia of a double-barrel shotgun in the field \u2014 even an economy model.<\/p>\n

What You Should Know About Budget Doubles<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re looking to buy American, this isn\u2019t the class of shotguns for you. Even if it sports your favorite gunmaker\u2019s name across the receiver, it was most certainly made somewhere else. Most likely Turkey.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the go-to country for economy shotguns presently. And has a mixed reputation for the quality of its products. Some shooters swear they\u2019re tough as wang leather and the best deals going. Others claim they\u2019ll fall apart if you narrow your eyes in their general direction. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re shopping for a reputable brand, most likely they\u2019re going to demand quality assurance from the factory from which they import. They don\u2019t want their good name tarnished, so they\u2019ll keep tight reigns on how the guns are made. More fly-by-night operations, selling guns at rock-bottom prices (below what\u2019s shown here) \u2026 well, those might require a wee bit more consideration.<\/p>\n

A \u201ctrust, but verify\u201d mentality is a good way to approach a budget double-barrel shotgun purchase (honestly, any gun purchase). That is to say, don\u2019t go in and just buy something off the shelf. Go over the gun with a fine-tooth comb. Make certain it looks well manufactured \u2014 the machining is smooth, removable chokes fit properly, each barrel fires and there are no flaws in the stock. A good warranty isn\u2019t a bad thing to have backing up the gun either.<\/p>\n\n

Draw A Bead On Shotguns:<\/h3>\n\n

Also, if at all possible, get out and test shoot the model you\u2019re interested in. Not only will this give you an idea of how the gun functions, but you\u2019ll also see if you even like it in the first place. If you don\u2019t feel you\u2019re qualified to do all this, employ a more gun-savvy buddy to give you a hand in your evaluation.<\/p>\n

Certainly, these guns aren\u2019t going to put you in the poorhouse if you get a lemon. That said, this is your cold, hard cash, so don\u2019t flush it down the drain.<\/p>\n

The fine points out of the way let\u2019s get to the good stuff.<\/p>\n

Best Double-Barrel Shotgun
<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Pointer O\/U<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Over the years, Pointer has kicked a firm toehold in the affordable shotgun market. There\u2019s a simple reason for this. The Turkish import, sold through Legacy Sports International, over-delivers in about every way. Its Field Over\/Under is a testament to this. Long on ornamentation, walnut and performance, the double-barrel shotgun punches well above its entry-level price.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s very much an all-around gun, despite its name and case coloring on the receiver. At 7.5 pounds, it’s suited for long upland hunts where excessive weight is noticeable but proves hefty enough to manage a well-timed double at the range. Sticked in walnut, the oil finish is on target as is the laser checkering on the fore and pistol grip, giving the gun excellent handling. And the 26-inch chrome-lined barrels are there for the long haul and capable of devouring anything you feed them\u2014a 3-inch chamber.<\/p>\n

The belle of the ball, however, is the trigger. By no means is it akin to something you\u2019d find on a $6,000 legacy gun, but for its price range, few compare to its responsiveness. Other notables include vented rib, fiber-optic front sight, extractors and single select trigger. It\u2019s also available in three gauges\u201412, 20 and .410\u2014and ships with five chokes. The one bone of contention, the factory-installed recoil pad is a bit thin, but that\u2019s a minor complaint.<\/p>\n

MSRP:<\/strong> $499; legacysports.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Mossberg International Silver Reserve<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The sun does not rise on fall exclusively on the Model 500 at Mossberg. Quite right, the company is known for its wrought-iron tough pump-action, but its double-barrel shotgun more than holds its own. Now if the Silver Reserve seems familiar it should. Released in 2021, the shotgun is new, but in essence, a revamp of another Mossberg model we loved and will miss\u2014the International Silver Reserve II.<\/p>\n

So, what\u2019s changed? Namely aesthetics. The gunmaker has opted for a plain-slate matte silver receiver, giving the over\/under a more working-class look\u2014no big shakes in a field gun. Also gone, the ported barrels trap modes. However, Mossberg has retained many of the favorite features of the original double-barrel shotgun and added two new gauges to the mix.<\/p>\n

To the latter point, the Turkish-made gun is now available in 28-gauge and .410 bore, in addition to 12 and 20. As to familiar features, 28- and 26-inch barrel lengths\u2014depending on the gauge\u2014a slim and highly manageable boxlock and extractors. The trigger tends heavy, and some of the frills are gone, but the International Silver Reserve is still among the best values out there.<\/p>\n

MSRP:<\/strong> Starts At $756; mossberg.com<\/a><\/p>\n

ATI Crusader<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Certainly, this couldn\u2019t be from American Tactical Inc. (ATI). There\u2019s no detachable box magazine or telescoping buttstock! Contrary to belief, the gun importer does bring in tamer and more traditional stock with the Crusader the latest example. And for the money\u2014a whopping $550\u2014the double-barrel shotgun a tough deal to beat. Few arguments it’d make a nice backup for skeet or your next upland hunt?<\/p>\n

Turkish-made, the over\/under has admirable aesthetics for its price point. Richly blued barrels, polished silver receiver with laser-engraved pheasant scene and oil-finished Turkish walnut endow the budget option a bit of class. So does its Schnabel forearm, muted as it might be. Ample checkering on the fore-end and full pistol grip adds some depth to the stock, as well as gives the shooter plenty of control.<\/p>\n

ATI gives you a plethora of bore options to match nearly any smoothbore task\u201412-, 20- and 28-gauge, as well as .410. All that\u2019s missing is 16-gauge. An aluminum receiver Crusader is fairly light, tipping the scales at 6 pounds, so it could prove a bit of a thumper if you take full advantage of its 3-inch magnum chamber (2 \u00be on the 28-gauge). But boasting extractors, chrome-lined barrels, five chokes and a single select trigger, it\u2019s a great entry point to doubles.<\/p>\n

MSRP:<\/strong> Starts At $499.95; americantactical.us<\/a><\/p>\n

TriStar Trinity<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As seen again, TriStar has a knack for marrying affordability, function and style. Nowhere is this more apparent than in its Trinity line. Where else in the world of double-barrel shotguns can you find a 24-carat gold inlay standard in a $855 gun?<\/p>\n

Starting there, the Trinity is an exceptionally good looking over\/under. In addition to the inlay, the gun pops thanks to heavily engraved motifs on the polished steel receiver giving it a timeless look. Sure, it\u2019s production-acid engraving, but it doesn\u2019t take away from its beauty. Particularly with the Turkish gun wearing a fine stick of oil-finished Turkish walnut, with plenty of checking on the grip and forearm.<\/p>\n

Well made and kept to tight tolerances, thanks to CNC manufacturing, the Trinity locks up well and has a quality fit. And it has some likable extras. Vented top and middle rib, tang safety and chrome-lined barrels are all standard, as is a select single trigger and bright fiber-optic bead. Furthermore, it\u2019s available in the resurgent 16-gauge, as well as the more common 12- and 20-gauges\u20133-inch chambers across the board.
Beretta choke compatibility as well.<\/p>\n

If a lighter piece is more your speed, TriStar also offers the Trinity LT. No gold inlay on the aluminum-alloy receiver, but the gun trims right around a pound off the Trinity proper.<\/p>\n

MSRP:<\/strong> Starting at $855; tristararms.com<\/a>