While pump and semi-auto shotguns are popular with many bird hunters, over-and-under double guns have some distinct advantages. Chief among these is the availability of two different choke options. Upland hunters are especially fond of having a more open choke in one barrel for the first, flushing shot and a tighter choke in the other barrel for the second, parting shot. The same concept applies to waterfowl, although sometimes the first shot is farther and second shot is closer as ducks approach the decoys. Turkey hunters can also benefit from having two constriction choices at their disposal. If a tom hangs up at 40 yards, fire the tighter barrel. If he sneaks in close, hit him with the more forgiving, open choke. 

Older doubles had fixed chokes, but most modern over-and-unders are threaded for screw-in choke tubes, making the constriction combinations almost limitless. Other advantages of double-barrels include two very fast, reliable shots, as well as the ability to quickly break open the shotgun for safely crossing fences or other obstacles.

The greatest benefit, though, may be that many hunters simply like the feel and look of an over-and-under. Even the more affordable models convey a sense of class that pumps and semi-autos just can’t compete with. For all these reasons, it’s a good idea to have a selection of stack-barreled shotguns on your shelves for customers to choose from. 

Mossberg

Best known for its pumps and semi-autos, Mossberg also has a line of affordable yet high-quality imported over-and-unders. According to Linda Powell, director of media relations for Mossberg, the Gold Reserve Black Label and Silver Reserve Eventide are two great choices retailers should consider carrying. Both are available in 12- and 20-gauge with 3-inch chambers.

The Gold Reserve Black Label features a Grade-A walnut stock and 30-inch barrels with a set of five extended choke tubes. The Silver Reserve Eventide is a no-nonsense, all-purpose scattergun with a matte blue finish, black synthetic stock, and 26-inch (20-gauge) or 28-inch (12-gauge) barrels with five flush-fitting chokes. 

New for 2024 are the Eventide Waterfowl and Turkey models. Hardcore fowlers will appreciate the 12-gauge Waterfowl model with 3.5-inch chambers, Patriot Brown Cerakote finish on the receiver and 28-inch barrels, Mossy Oak Shadowgrass camo finish on the synthetic stock and forearm, and five flush chokes. Turkey models are available in 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge, all with 20-inch barrels and full-coverage Mossy Oak Greenleaf camo. Each also comes with three extended choke tubes — two extra-full and one improved cylinder for close-range shots. The 12-gauge has 3 1/2-inch chambers, while the 20- and 28-gauge have 3-inch chambers, allowing hunters to take advantage of recent advancements in magnum small-bore turkey loads. MSRP: $1,135 Black Label, $756 Eventide, $956 Eventide Waterfowl, $927 Eventide Turkey. www.mossberg.com

Fabarm/Syren/Caesar Guerini

Fabarm offers some exceptionally well-made Italian shotguns. When asked if the company works frequently with small retailers, marketing director Shaun Burkowski answered, “Yes, absolutely! We are dealer direct and do not work with distributors. Most, if not all, of our dealers are smaller, independent shops.” 

Fabarm has an extensive lineup of high-quality semi-autos and doubles, but for those looking for a true hunting over-and-under, Burkowski recommends the Elos D2. It has a beautiful nickel-plated receiver and Turkish walnut stock. 12-, 20-, and 28-gauge models are available, all with 28-inch blued barrels and a MSRP of $3,250. Left-hand stocks are available for a nominal extra fee. Five chokes are included, and the barrels feature Fabarm’s TRIBORE HP tapered bore for improved patterns. The 12- and 20-gauge models have 3-inch chambers, while the 28-gauge has 2 ¾-inch chambers. www.fabarmusa.com

Fabarm also offers the Syren line of shotguns with stock dimensions and features designed specifically for female shooters. Burkowski again suggests the Elos D2, although Syren’s version, while similar, is different than Fabarm’s. The receiver is case colored, not nickel, and the Turkish walnut stock has a lustrous Triwood finish instead of matte. It’s available in only 20- and 28-gauge, both with 3-inch chambers, 28-inch TRIBORE HP barrels, and five chokes. MSRP is slightly higher at $3,450, with the left-hand stock option again costing a bit extra. Carrying shotguns that fit female customers will set your store apart from other area shops. www.syrenusa.com

Caesar Guerini is the parent company of both Fabarm and Syren. Retailers might also want to consider carrying the Woodlander, Caesar Guerini’s entry-level field over-and-under. MSRP is $4,695, but it comes with a lifetime warranty and Caesar Guerini’s PitStop Program, where original owners can send in their firearm for a free tune-up. The Woodlander is available in 12- and 28-gauge with 28-inch barrels and 20-gauge with 26-inch barrels, all with 3-inch chambers, a case colored receiver, and five chokes. www.gueriniusa.com  

Benelli/Franchi/Stoeger

Famous for its semi-autos, Italian gunmaker Benelli also offers over-and-unders, as do its sister companies, Franchi and Stoeger. To become a qualifying dealer of Benelli’s family of firearms, retailers must go to the respective websites, click on Support, then Contact Us, fill in their contact details, and select Becoming a Stocking Dealer under Topic. An area rep will contact them.

For dealers that qualify, there’s the Benelli 828 U, available in 3-inch 12-gauge with an anodized blue receiver or 3-inch 12- and 20-gauge with an engraved nickel-plated receiver. Barrel lengths are 26-, 28-, or 30-inches for 12-gauge and 26- or 28-inches for 20-gauge. Five chokes are provided. The Progressive Comfort system inside the satin walnut stock nicely mitigates recoil. MSRP varies. www.benelliusa.com 

Franchi offers an even wider variety of over-and-unders in its Instinct line. One of the top-sellers is the Instinct SL with a lightweight aluminum alloy receiver, Prince of Wales grip satin-walnut stock, and three extended chokes. It’s available in five gauges: 12, 16, 20, 28, and .410, all with 28-inch barrels, plus 26-inch for the 20-gauge. MSRP for each is $1,799. www.franchiusa.com

Stoeger’s affordable Condor Field over-and-unders are great for hunters on a budget. The 3-inch 12- or 20-gauge models have 26- or 28-inch barrels, while 2 ¾-inch 28-gauge and compact .410-bore models have 26-inch barrels. Longfowler models, available in 3-inch 12- or 20-gauge, have 30-inch barrels. All have walnut stocks. There’s also a black synthetic 3-inch 12-gauge model with 28-inch barrels. All come with IC and modified choke tubes (extended on Longfowler), except the .410 which has fixed full chokes. MSRP is $499 wood, $329 black synthetic. www.stoegerindustries.com

Browning

Browning offers several over-and-unders, but hunters will be most interested in the Cynergy CX line. The CX Composite is available in 3-inch 12-gauge with an adjustable synthetic stock, while the wood-stocked CX is available in 3-inch 12- or 20-gauge. Barrel lengths are 28, 30, or 32 inches for 12-gauge, 28 or 30 inches for 20-gauge. Three extended chokes are included, and barrels have a 60/40 point of impact, considered ideal for bird hunting.

There’s also the 3 ½-inch 12-gauge Cynergy Ultimate Turkey, available with 24- or 26-inch barrels, five chokes including extended Ultimate Full Turkey and Spreader tubes, adjustable synthetic stock, and full-coverage Mossy Oak camo. For waterfowlers, there’s the 12-gauge Cynergy Wicked Wing, again with 3 ½-inch chambers and choice of 26-, 28-, or 30-inch barrels. Three extended Goose Band chokes are included. The synthetic stock and forearm come in a variety of camo patterns, while the receiver and barrels have a tough Burnt Bronze Cerakote finish.

To become an authorized Browning dealer, retailers must have a storefront and make qualified orders each year. However, there can not be another Browning dealer within a certain number of miles. For details, call 801-876-2711 and an area sales rep will get in touch. MSRP is $1,979.99 Composite, $2,079.99 wood, $2,649.99 Turkey, and $2,579.99 Wicked Wing. www.browning.com

TriStar

For customers looking to purchase their first double gun, or those simply shopping for an affordable shotgun, there are TriStar over-and-unders. TriStar’s president, Ryan Bader, says the company sells directly to dealers through Buying Group Channels, a co-op of sorts that allows smaller retailers to combine their resources to match the buying power of larger retailers and get better prices. “Even though it’s a two-step distribution process, dealers can call us directly with questions,” assured Bader. “We’re a tight-knit community.”

Bader says TriStar’s top-selling over-and-under is the Setter and its variants. “We’ve sold close to 100,000 over the past 15 years,” he noted. The Setter S/T (single trigger) is available in gauges 12, 20, 28, and .410, all with 28-inch barrels except 26-inches for the 20-gauge, and 3-inch chambers, except 2 ¾-inch for the 28-gauge. Five chokes are included. MSRP is $655 for 12- and 20-gauge, $685 for 28-gauge and .410-bore.

Other popular models include the Trinity II and Cypher. Both are available in gauges 12, 16, 20, 28, and .410, all with 28-inch barrels and five choke tubes, which are extended for the Cypher. MSRP for 12, 16, and 20 is $855 Trinity II, $960 Cypher, and for the 28 and .410 is $870 Trinity II, $975 Cypher. 

Hardcore hunters will appreciate the Hunter Mag II line of 12-gauges with 3 ½-inch chambers, synthetic stocks, and five chokes. The turkey model has 26-inch barrels and Mossy Oak Breakup camo, while the waterfowl models come with 28-inch barrels and a variety of camo and Cerakote finishes. MSRP is $885 full camo, $915 camo and Cerakote. www.tristararms.com