There’s a reason double barrel shotguns have been the choice of serious hunters for over 150 years. Not nostalgia. Not tradition for tradition’s sake. It’s because two barrels, instant choke selection, and a trigger pull that’s as smooth as anything ever made still gets the job done better in the field than a lot of the modern alternatives.
I’ve been around double guns my whole life. And when hunters walk into our store asking which double barrel is worth buying, not just collecting, but actually taking out to the fields and marshes, I always tell them the same thing: it depends on how you hunt, where you hunt, and what you’re hunting. There’s no single answer that works for everyone.
What I can do is give you the honest breakdown of what’s actually worth your money in 2026, from entry-level guns that punch well above their price to the kind of over/unders you’ll hand down to your grandkids.
Over/Under vs. Side-by-Side, Which One Is Right for Your Hunt?
Before we get into specific models, let’s settle the question that comes up every time this conversation happens.
Over/under (O/U) shotguns stack the barrels vertically. One on top, one below. The single sighting plane you get with a stacked barrel design makes them noticeably easier to point accurately, especially on crossing birds or fast-rising quail. That’s why over/unders dominate both competitive sporting clays and serious upland hunting. Most hunters who shoot doubles on a regular basis shoot O/U guns.
Side-by-side (SxS) shotguns put the barrels next to each other horizontally. They’re the original double barrel design, and they’re still genuinely excellent guns. The wider sighting plane feels natural to a lot of hunters, and side-by-sides tend to be a bit lighter than O/Us of the same gauge, a meaningful advantage on a long day through heavy cover. Grouse hunters and bobwhite quail hunters often swear by them for that reason.
For most people buying their first double barrel for hunting, an over/under is the easier gun to get consistent with. But if you spend your seasons in thick timber swinging on birds at close range, a light side-by-side might just be the better choice.
What Makes a Good Hunting Double Barrel?
This part matters before you look at any specific gun. A double barrel sitting in a display case can look beautiful and still be a bad hunting shotgun. Here’s what actually separates the good ones from the ones you’ll regret buying:
Fit. More than any other type of shotgun, a double barrel lives and dies by how well it fits the shooter. The stock dimensions, length of pull, cast, drop at comb determine whether you’re going to mount this gun and shoot it naturally or fight it every time. If a double barrel doesn’t fit you, no amount of quality in the action or the barrels will fix your misses.
Ejectors vs. extractors. Ejectors throw the fired shells clear of the gun when you break it open. Extractors just lift them up partway so you pull them out by hand. For fast upland hunting where reloading speed matters, ejectors are worth having. For waterfowl or turkey hunting where you’re rarely shooting more than two birds in quick succession, extractors are fine.
Choke selection. Most quality doubles come with interchangeable choke tubes today. A few traditionalists still prefer fixed chokes, and some fixed-choke guns have very good choke combinations. But if you want flexibility across different hunting situations, screw-in chokes give you options.
Weight. Doubles vary a lot. A lightweight 20-gauge upland gun might come in under 6 pounds. A 12-gauge built for steel waterfowl loads might be closer to 7.5. Know where you’re hunting and how far you’re walking before you decide what weight makes sense for your situation.
Action quality. The way a double barrel opens, closes, and fires tells you everything about the quality of the gun. It should break open smoothly without slop. The action should close with a solid, authoritative click. Triggers should be clean and consistent, not spongy, not heavy.
The Best Double Barrel Shotguns for Hunting in 2026
These are the guns we actually recommend. Some of them are in our inventory at Golden Brothers Co, and we’ll tell you exactly why each one earned its place on this list.
1. Browning Citori, The Gold Standard of American Hunting Over/Unders
If you asked a hundred experienced hunters to name the best double barrel shotgun made in the last 50 years, a significant number of them would say the Browning Citori without hesitating.
Introduced in 1973 and still in production in 2026, the Citori has earned its reputation through decades of consistent performance in the field. The action is tight and reliable. The barrels are choked for real hunting scenarios, not just the range. And the gun fits, Browning puts serious attention into the stock dimensions of the Citori lineup, which is part of why so many hunters shoot it naturally the first time they put it to their shoulder.
The current Citori lineup has expanded well beyond the original. The Citori CX is optimized for sporting clays and upland work. The Citori 725 has a lower receiver profile for a better sight picture. The Citori 725 Sporting is where Browning has put their best work for serious bird hunters who also compete.
For waterfowl hunters, the Browning Citori Wicked Wing is purpose-built with Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Habitat camo, a durable Cerakote finish on the receiver and barrels, and chambers that handle 3-inch and 3.5-inch shells. It’s one of the few high-quality over/unders that’s genuinely built for the abuse of duck season.
Best for: Upland hunting, sporting clays, dedicated waterfowl (Wicked Wing), hunters who want a gun they’ll keep forever
Gauge options: 12, 20, 28, .410
Why it’s on this list: Decades of proven field performance, quality that holds up in real conditions, and a resale value that stays strong
2. Beretta A400 Xcel, Where Semi-Auto Ergonomics Meet Double Barrel Soul
Wait — the A400 Xcel is technically a semi-automatic. Fair point. But it earns a mention here because a significant number of hunters who are specifically looking at double barrels should at least know the A400 Xcel exists before they commit, because Beretta’s gas system in this gun absorbs recoil in a way that genuinely changes the experience of shooting heavy loads all day.
For the dedicated double barrel hunters, Beretta’s over/under lineup, particularly the Beretta A300 Outlander and the Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon, are serious competitors to the Citori.
The 686 Silver Pigeon I is the entry point to Beretta’s serious over/under lineup, and it’s a very good hunting gun. The action is smooth. The fit and finish are excellent for the price point. The recoil pad on the hunting models does its job. And Beretta’s OptimaChoke HP system is one of the best interchangeable choke systems in the industry, wide selection, tight seals, easy to swap in the field.
Best for: Upland bird hunters, hunters who want Italian-made quality at a reasonable price
Gauge options: 12, 20, 28, .410 (varies by model)
Why it’s on this list: Beretta has been making shotguns since 1526. The 686 Silver Pigeon earns every bit of its reputation.
Browse shotguns at Golden Brothers Co
3. Rizzini BR110, The Best Value Double Barrel Built in Italy
Rizzini doesn’t have the American name recognition of Browning or Beretta, and that’s honestly a shame, because the Rizzini BR110 is one of the best over/unders you can buy for under $2,000, and it’s built in Italy by craftsmen who take their work seriously.
We carry Rizzini at Golden Brothers Co, and every time someone holds a BR110 for the first time, they’re surprised. The fit and finish is noticeably above what you’d expect at the price point. The action closes with a precise, solid feel. The stocks are in Italian walnut, properly checkered, and the dimensions are genuine hunting dimensions rather than a sporting clays spec that happens to be called a hunting model.
For hunters who want a gun that punches above its price and isn’t something you see on every rack at every gun store, the BR110 is a legitimate choice.
Best for: Upland hunting, hunters who want quality Italian craftsmanship without a $3,000+ price tag
Gauge options: 12, 20
Why it’s on this list: Genuine Italian over/under quality at a price that makes sense for working hunters
4. CZ Redhead Premier, The Best Double Barrel for New Hunters Under $1,000
The hunting world is full of people who want a quality double barrel shotgun but aren’t ready to spend $1,500 on a Browning or $2,000 on a Rizzini. The CZ Redhead Premier is where we usually point those hunters.
CZ has been building quality firearms in the Czech Republic for decades, and the Redhead Premier is genuinely good at its price point. Single selective mechanical trigger, automatic ejectors, Turkish walnut stock — these are features you typically pay more to get. The action is smooth enough for a hunting gun, the fit is solid, and the gun patterns well with the factory choke tubes.
It’s not a Browning Citori. Nobody is pretending it is. But for a hunter who wants a real over/under, not a cheaply made import that’ll shake loose after a season the Redhead Premier delivers real value.
Best for: First-time double barrel buyers, upland hunting, budget-conscious hunters who don’t want to sacrifice basic quality
Gauge options: 12, 20, 28, .410
Why it’s on this list: Best price-to-performance ratio in the category for hunters on a budget
5. Mossberg Silver Reserve II, Solid Reliability for Working Hunters
Mossberg built their reputation on pump-action shotguns that work every single time. The Silver Reserve II brings that same blue-collar reliability philosophy to the over/under category.
It’s not the prettiest gun on this list. The stock is Turkish walnut and it’s decent but not exceptional. The fit and finish is functional rather than fine. But the Silver Reserve II is a gun that works. The action runs cleanly, the ejectors are reliable, and the choke system handles standard loads without issues.
For a hunter who needs a field gun, not a display piece, that will take the abuse of real seasons and not give them problems, the Silver Reserve II earns consideration.
Best for: Working hunters who prioritize durability and simplicity, youth models available
Gauge options: 12, 20
Why it’s on this list: Reliable Mossberg function at an honest price
6. Charles Daly 202A | The Side-by-Side That Still Makes Sense
Side-by-side doubles have lost ground to over/unders in the hunting market over the last few decades, but there’s still a real case to be made for them, particularly for grouse, woodcock, and bobwhite quail hunters who work dense cover where a lighter, shorter gun is a genuine advantage.
The Charles Daly 202A is one of the few quality side-by-side hunting guns available at an accessible price. Box-lock action, dual triggers (which many traditional hunters strongly prefer over single triggers), extractors, and a weight that lets you carry it all day without feeling it in your shoulders by 3 PM.
It’s a simple, traditional double gun. That’s not a knock, that’s exactly what a lot of hunters are looking for.
Best for: Upland hunters in heavy cover, hunters who prefer traditional double trigger configurations, quail and grouse hunting
Gauge options: 12, 20
Why it’s on this list: One of the only quality side-by-side options at an honest price for working hunters
Matching Your Double Barrel to Your Hunting Application
Knowing which gun to buy depends heavily on what you’re hunting and where. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Upland Hunting (Quail, Pheasant, Grouse, Woodcock)
This is where double barrels truly shine. You’re swinging on fast-moving birds, often taking two shots in quick succession, and you want a gun that points naturally and reloads fast.
For upland work, weight matters more than anything else. A lighter 20-gauge is worth serious consideration, pattern density from a quality 20-gauge load is more than adequate for pheasant and quail inside 35 yards, and you’ll appreciate that weight savings by mid-afternoon on a long day.
Best picks for upland: Browning Citori 725, Rizzini BR110 in 20-gauge, CZ Redhead Premier
Pair your gun with the right ammunition. Our shotgun ammo selection includes the upland loads that pattern tightly in the guns above.
Waterfowl Hunting (Duck, Goose)
Waterfowl hunting is hard on guns. Steel shot, wet conditions, cold temperatures, and the kind of abuse that separates guns built for the field from guns built for the display case. Not every double barrel on this list is appropriate for serious waterfowl work.
For waterfowl, you need a gun chambered for 3-inch or 3.5-inch shells, with a finish that handles moisture, and barrels rated for steel shot with the appropriate choke selection. The Browning Citori Wicked Wing is specifically built for this. Most other double barrels will handle standard 3-inch steel loads with modified chokes, but check your specific gun’s specifications before you go down this road.
Turkey Hunting
Double barrels for turkey hunting is less common, but it works. You want a 12-gauge chambered for 3-inch or 3.5-inch shells, tight full chokes, and a gun that can handle the dense heavy loads that turkey hunting demands. Most quality 12-gauge doubles with interchangeable choke tubes will do the job.
Sporting Clays and Shooting Sports
Sporting clays, skeet, and trap shooting will improve your wing shooting faster than almost any other practice. If you’re buying a double barrel that you’ll use both in the field and on clay courses, the Browning Citori line gives you the best of both worlds. The 725 Sporting model is genuinely competitive at the club level while still being a legitimate hunting gun.
Shotgun Gauges, Which One Is Right for Your Hunting?
12-Gauge
The 12-gauge is America’s all-purpose hunting shotgun gauge. Maximum payload, widest ammunition selection, and available in more loads than any other gauge. If you hunt multiple species or aren’t sure what you’ll be hunting most, start with a 12-gauge. The recoil is manageable in a well-fitted gun, and you’ll never struggle to find the right ammunition.
20-Gauge
The 20-gauge is the intelligent choice for upland hunters who walk a lot of ground. The lighter gun and lighter shells add up to less fatigue at the end of the day. Modern 20-gauge loads are excellent — pattern density from quality 20-gauge shells at reasonable upland ranges is entirely adequate for pheasant, quail, grouse, and most other upland birds. Many experienced hunters who started with 12-gauges have switched to 20-gauge upland guns and never looked back.
28-Gauge and .410
These smaller gauges are specialty tools, they’re genuinely beautiful to shoot on upland birds at close ranges, and experienced shooters who pattern them well love them. For newer hunters or anyone hunting at longer ranges, stick with 12 or 20-gauge.
Whatever gauge you choose, make sure your ammunition matches your gun and your application. Browse our full shotgun ammo inventory for the right loads across every gauge.
Double Barrel Shotgun Maintenance, Keep It Shooting for Decades
A quality double barrel, properly maintained, will outlast its owner. Here’s what you need to do to keep yours running right:
After every outing: Break it open, run a dry patch through each barrel, then a lightly oiled patch, then a dry patch again. Wipe down the exterior with a lightly oiled cloth. Pay attention to the hinge pin, the locking surfaces, and the trigger guard area where grit tends to collect.
Regularly: Check the hinge pin tightness. A double barrel that’s starting to develop any slop at the hinge needs attention, it won’t get better on its own, and a loose action affects patterns and can accelerate wear.
Seasonally: Have a competent gunsmith check the headspace, timing, and overall function. A quality double barrel is a precision instrument and it benefits from professional attention once a year if you shoot it regularly.
Choke tubes: Keep them clean and free of carbon buildup. A stuck choke tube is a genuinely irritating problem that preventive maintenance eliminates completely.
Where to Buy Double Barrel Shotguns Online
If you’re ready to buy, you can browse our current shotgun inventory at Golden Brothers Co we stock over/under and side-by-side models from Browning, Beretta, Rizzini, Mossberg, and more, with nationwide FFL transfer to any licensed dealer near you.
The process is simple: choose your gun, check out securely, tell us your local FFL dealer (or use our FFL dealer locator), and we ship directly to them. You complete the standard background check at your dealer and walk out with your gun. Most customers have their firearm within 5–7 business days.
If you have questions before you buy, about fit, gauge selection, specific models, or anything else, call us directly at (229) 226-9150. Our staff are hunters who’ve used these guns in the field. We’ll give you a straight answer.
The team at Golden Brothers Co has been helping hunters make smart gun choices since 1909. That’s not a marketing line, it’s just the truth.
Frequently Asked Questions, Double Barrel Shotguns for Hunting
What is the best double barrel shotgun for upland bird hunting?
For most upland hunters, the Browning Citori in 20-gauge is the top choice, excellent balance, natural point, and quality that holds up for decades. Hunters who want Italian-made quality at a lower price should look at the Rizzini BR110. For budget-conscious buyers, the CZ Redhead Premier delivers solid performance without the premium price tag.
Is a 20-gauge or 12-gauge better for pheasant hunting?
Both work well for pheasant. The 12-gauge gives you more payload and works better at longer ranges. The 20-gauge is lighter and easier to carry all day, which matters on big walking hunts. Inside 35 yards, which covers most real-world pheasant shots, a quality 20-gauge load is entirely sufficient.
What’s the difference between an over/under and a side-by-side shotgun?
Over/under shotguns stack the barrels vertically and offer a single sighting plane, making them easier to point accurately for most shooters. Side-by-side doubles place the barrels horizontally, producing a wider sighting picture and often a lighter gun, an advantage in dense upland cover.
Can you use a double barrel shotgun for duck hunting?
Yes, with the right gun. Look for a 12-gauge chambered for 3-inch or 3.5-inch shells, with barrels rated for steel shot and appropriate choke tubes. The Browning Citori Wicked Wing is specifically built for waterfowl. Many standard hunting doubles will handle 3-inch steel loads with modified chokes, always verify your specific gun’s steel shot rating.
How much should I spend on a hunting double barrel?
For a gun that will last and perform reliably, budget at least $800–$1,000. The CZ Redhead Premier sits near that floor and represents real quality. Quality Italian and American over/unders like Rizzini and Browning Citori start around $1,500–$2,000 and represent lifetime investments. Guns under $600 tend to have quality compromises in the action, fit, or finish that become apparent quickly.
What choke should I use in a double barrel for hunting?
For upland birds at typical ranges (20–35 yards): Improved Cylinder in the first barrel, Modified in the second. For waterfowl with steel shot: Modified or Improved Modified, never Full choke with steel shot unless the choke is specifically rated for it. For turkey: Full choke or a dedicated turkey choke. Always verify that your choke tubes are rated for the shot type and load you’re using.
Is a double barrel shotgun good for home defense?
A double barrel shotgun will certainly work for home defense, but it has real limitations, only two shots before reloading, and break-action reloading is slower than a pump or semi-auto. For dedicated home defense, a pump-action like the Mossberg 500 is a more practical choice. Browse our full shotguns category for both options.
Final Word
The best double barrel shotgun for hunting is the one that fits you properly, handles the loads your hunting requires, and that you’ll actually carry through the fields and marshes for the next 30 years instead of leaving it in the safe.
Don’t overthink it. Handle as many guns as you can before you buy. Pay attention to how naturally the gun comes to your shoulder. A gun that fits is worth more than a gun with a famous name that you have to fight every time you mount it.
And if you’re not sure, call us. We’ve been doing this for a while.
(229) 226-9150 | Shop Shotguns | Shop Shotgun Ammo
For further reference on hunting regulations, seasons, and licensing requirements by state, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service maintains comprehensive resources at fws.gov.
