Assuming same caliber,same manufacturer and same quality of construction. Are there any tangible reasons for selecting one over the other. For my eye I like the looks of the SxS.
I like the wider sighting plain as well as maybe a little easier access for a quick reload. I have recently seen some great deals on over under models that would cost a lot more for the same gun in SxS configuration.

I don't think I can get past the looks but a quality rifle at a great price is hard to pass up!

Any thoughts?

I have both and prefer the SxS only because it is a SxS. I have always preferred O/U shotguns and am trying to learn to shoot a SxS shotgun as well as I shoot an O/U. You are right, O/U are considerable less, especially on the used market. Speaking of which, PM me if you are looking for one (O/U).

That being said, there are some very nice continental (European) O/U DRs on the market now that would be 40-60% more if they were in SxS configuration.

A double is more for looks than anything else.

It has to be a SxS for "the look."

I have and have had many of both types! I personally prefer the S/S especially in the larger chamberings!

If you will notice very few O/U double rifles are made in the large chamberings that are used in dangerous game double rifles! The ones that are, are usually special order. Up until a couple of years ago it was rare to see an O/U chambered for a cartridge larger than 9.3X74R, or 375Flanged magnum. Today one of the makers is making a fine little O/U double chambered for 450/400NE 3” and if I were to buy a new O/U double rifle that would be the chambering I would want with two triggers, and amanual safety. Anything larger give me a S/S every time!

There are draw-backs to the O/U double used for dangerous game but that has been beaten to death here and almost every double rifle forum on the internet. In most cases most serious DG hunters prefer S/S double rifle with two triggers, manual safeties, and chambered for flanged cartridges! That is certainly my choice!

quote:

Originally posted by MacD37:
... most serious DG hunters prefer S/S double rifle with two triggers, manual safeties, and chambered for flanged cartridges!

+1 wise words

I have to open my O&U much wider to load than any of my SxS rifle, but that is inherent in the design.

I much prefer the manual cocking of the Krieghof and Blaser!!!!!!
Peter.

quote:

Originally posted by Peter:
I much prefer the manual cocking of the Krieghof and Blaser!!!!!!
Peter.

Peter the combi-cocking system of the Krieghoff is not the same as the Blaser S-2 !

The K-gun works with the “SAFETY SWITCH” pushed slightly forward and released after loading the rifle relieves the springs on the tumblers making the rifle safe to carry fully loaded. When a stalk starts the lever is pushed forward all the way to cock the rifles tumbler springs. If you don’t fire the rifle simply push the lever forward slightly and release, it is safe again. If you DO fire the K-gun one or both barrels, when you break the rifle open to re-load, the K-gun RE-COCKS it’s self, and the rifle is ready to fire as soon as it is closed on new ammo.

This is not the case with the Blaser! If the Blaser S-2 is opened for any reason the rifle automatically de-cocks the rifle, and must be manually re-cocked before it can be fired. Now look at it this way your Blaser is cocked when you start a stalk on a cape Buffalo or lion, you fire one or both shots on him but do not stop him, you then break the rifle to re-load you close the rifle but in a very dangerous close encounter your rifle is NOT ready to fire till you re-cock the rifle manually!

NOW! It is just a matter of choice which of these two double rifles you choose, but IMO, a rifle that doesn’t re-cock it’s self when opened to re-load is a ticket to the mortuary! I have zero problem with the K-gun, but would never recommend a Blaser S-2 to anyone who was going on a dangerous game safari!

Thinking these two rifles have the same combi-cocking system is a mistake that could be a serious one!

quote:

Originally posted by MacD37:
Today one of the makers is making a fine little O/U double chambered for 450/400NE 3” and if I were to buy a new O/U double rifle that would be the chambering I would want with two triggers, and amanual safety.

Actually that is the very rifle that caught my eye, and it was from a dealer that would be selling the same rifle in SxS for about 5K more.

I don't need another rifle, I don't need another...........

MacD I deliberately used the term "manual cocking" rather than "safety"! I own both a K gun in 500/416 and a Blaser S2 in 500NE. Yes, I am aware that the Blaser "decocks" when the gun is broken open rather than maintaining the cocking condition of each barrel. I think I can live with that as long as I am aware of it.
Peter.

There are differences. Draw your own conclusions as to advantages and/or disadvantages.

In general -

SxS:
Lighter than O/U for same caliber
Opens in shorter arc and considered by most as quicker to load than O/U
Wider sighting plane
Barrels lower over the firing hand than in an O/U, recoils accordingly
Usually double triggers but single trigger available
More expensive than O/U but true sidelock SxS is less expensive than sidelock O/U
Larger bore rifles can become rather wide in the hand
Very good for all sizes of bores - small through large
Sights are left of one barrel and right of the other barrel
Usually associated with Britain, though made all over the world



O/U:
Heavier than SxS for same caliber
Opens in wider arc and considered by most as slower to load than SxS
Narrower sighting plane
Top barrel higher above the firing hand than in a SxS, recoils accordingly
Usually single trigger but double trigger available
Less expensive than SxS but sidelock O/U is more expensive than a SxS sidelock
Larger bore rifles can become rather high in the hand
Very good for small and medium bores. Large bore O/U rifle actions become massive.
Sights are centered over both barrels
Usually associated with Continental Europe, though made all over the world