I think I'm going to replace my Weatherby Orion over/under with a side-by-side. My theory on shotguns is that they should be plain (I'm not paying for fancy engraving - couldn't care less about it), dead reliable for 20 years, and fun/easy to shoot.

In my research, it seems like the Ruger Gold Label or the Marlin LC12 are good choices. Everyone loves the Ruger, but price is about $2500. The Marlin is supposed to be the good, cheap one of the batch at about $1500.

Anyone know anything about these two?
Any other recommendations for a side-by that's less than $2000?

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- Brian


1989 500SEL Euro
1966 250SE Cabriolet
1958 BMW Isetta 600

http://www.chuckhawks.com/affordable_doubles.htm

POS, I bought my side-by-side as my first firearm purchase back in the early 1960's. It was is you describe -- simple. It's a 20 ga Savage. It has never failed and if I had notched the stock for every squirrel, rabbit, dove, snipe, woodcock, duck, goose and yes -- deer, I have killed with the shotgun it would be a double-barreled pistol with 27 in barrels.

It's barreled full and modified. I papered it when I bought it and at the 30 yds the shot was well distributed and true. Chambered 2-3/4 and a stock long enough for a man. Cost me about $75, IIRC. That was a lot of lawns, newspapers, and coke bottles.

I saw a Brazilian double 12 ga chambered for 3" that looked well made. Don't recall the mfr but it was under $500, iirc.

Well, for me,and anyone else the most critical thing is the stock "pull",me,being 6'5"require a 15-16"pull{the length of the stock relative to forearm placement}
Thus my Gramp's 15-1/2 sliding breech Darne {full and modified}side by side is great,as well as his early F.N.Browning auto 5 12 gauge.

The "comb' is really not that critical when shooting upland birds.

If you have a good gun you will intuitively learn to utilise it to your best advantage,there is NO shotgun that will make you a better shot,although my large size does call for a longer pull,most being 13-14inches.

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