doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Best American Side by Side

What do you consider to be the best made side by side shotgun ever produced in the United States? I'm partial to the Winchester Model 21 because they were built like tanks. What do you think? Also, why do you think that particular gun is the best?

If you like shooting a "tank" I guess a Winchester 21is the best.
Seriously,this is and always will be a matter of personal opinion.
Jim

I assume the question does not take price into consideration. If not, doesn't the answer have to be Galazan? Putting aside the over-the-top engraving work, which the customer has control over, is there another American maker who has made sxs at the same level as his bespoke guns?

Engraving might be purty but it shore don't put the pheasant under glass. I still like my old Remingtons.

Fox is in the running and I do believe the Remingtons are under appreciated.

Gold Label!

What is the definition of "best made" in this discussion? Most durable? Most perfect finish? Most models? Currently available for bespoke orders? Highest value for the price? Or others?

Aesthetics depends on grade and personal taste. Handling depends on model and options to suit personal preference. Gripping area size and shape is somewhat unique to brand, but is, again, subject to personal preference.

As you can see, "best made" casts a pretty wide envelope. Objective data is scarce and subjective opinions are as plentiful as there are SXS shooters. BTW, I enjoy the M21 for what it is; long comings and short comings!!

Lefever. The drool factor is over the top, and the engineering is second to none.

Right now I'm pleased with the NID design. I think it's a better design and manufacture than the Fox. I have some Fox guns and I like them fine, but the gun is clearly not manufactured as well internally nor is the design as sophisticated. I do prefer the outer lines of the Fox frames to the NID, but both are good guns. Best? I dunno, but they are nice and my choice to mess with for the time being.

Lefever, by a wide margin..Best is very subjective, but I have owned em all, except for any Galazans, and Uncle Dans creations just "feel" the best.......and seem to be pretty reliable. I have a sort of well used "H" which I shoot a lot. It finally broke a hammer at the Cabelas vintagers shoot. Buck Hamlin made it well, and its back on the circuit. It was made in 1899...Ithacas seem to be right up there as well.