Today’s column might be the most comprehensive ever written on two-barreled shoguns. A good Mitchell, SD friend likes to tease me about my over & under shotgun. As I’ve never seen him miss a shot with his autoloader, there’s not much I can say other than it’s the man, not the gun. I suspect that a few column readers are about to buy their first shotgun. Others are considering a second or new gun. Although semi-automatics are the most popular choice in America, I have some strong arguments on why that new gun should be an over & under.

Perhaps you are thinking that you need more than two shots at that pheasant, duck, goose, or grouse. I may or may not be a rare exception, but in 65 years of toting a shotgun, I have never fired a third shot to my recollection. This is especially significant as I carried a Browning Model 2000 autoloader through the 80’s and 90’s. I’ll concede that waterfowl hunting is probably the best argument for having that third shot as many birds might be in front of you at one time, but whatever the gun, it’s the first shot that counts most.

Most of my pro-over & under points would also apply to a double-barreled side by side, but I personally feel that even with both eyes open, the broad expanse of a side by side’s barrels distracts my eye. I prefer the single sighting plane. Now let’s look at my pro-two barrel arguments.

1. You have the ability to select a different choke. For up-close shots, the last thing you want is a full choke that will destroy your bird. The barrel selector is at your fingertips. I personally fire my open choke first, but on that single bird long shot, I can switch instantly.

2. The two-barrel shotgun is far more reliable and indestructible as the action is never exposed. Dirt or debris will never be a firing problem. Even if a firing pin breaks, you still have that second barrel. It will also fire light trap or magnum loads interchangeably with no concern whatsoever.

3. Handling and balance are superior. A well-made double or over & under feels right. It’s like pointing your finger. The better (and more expensive) the gun, the better it points. We’ll talk about that in final paragraph.

4. I really like the ease of loading and unloading when getting in and out of a vehicle or climbing over a fence. I also like the ease of checking the barrels for obstruction. Many years ago I was carrying my Model 12 Winchester into a driving sleet. When I fired at a rooster and dropped him, the gun’s report sounded a bit different. Upon cleaning the gun later that day, I discovered a slight bulge in the barrel. The end of the barrel had unknowingly iced up. Today I check my barrels for obstruction in seconds.

5. Two-barreled shotguns break down easily, making them far more portable and easier to clean. They can also be carried in a duffle bag – making them far less attractive to thieves in an airport. Speaking of airports, you don’t face legality problems. I know I couldn’t bring a semiautomatic into Africa.

In conclusion, good over & under shotguns are pricey. Last year I spent my entire Covid stimulus check on a new 20 gauge Franchi over & under. It just might be my favorite gun. Spend the extra bucks for quality. You won’t be sorry. A good used Browning Citori will run $800-$1000. The same is true of a Ruger Red Label. You might find a good Winchester Model 101 for $700. There are cheaper new guns in the $500 neighborhood, but they lack that special feel.

Donald Trump coined the phrase “fake news.” It has never been more appropriate than the media reports (SD Tourism?) of the coming pheasant season. They reported a great hatch that might have been spectacular had it not been for unseasonable weather. With the brood count abandoned, there is no scientific evidence whatsoever. In driving back roads to Mitchell and back twice within this last week, I saw one pheasant. However, a few farmer friends have seen an increase.

The bounty on predators encouraged youth to get into trapping, and I’ll admit that’s good. Otherwise, that money should have gone into habitat. Some will take offense to what I’m saying, but October 16th will tell. I’m guessing less than two birds per hunter on non-preserve land. Preserves offer a great time, and I’ve immensely enjoyed my few preserve hunts, but those aren’t wild birds.

See you next week if the tourism people don’t get me.