Double Shotguns

Shotguns began when soldiers began loading their muskets with small batches of shot. The evolution to a second barrel made the weapon twice as effective, especially considering the slow-to-load nature of musket-loading weapons. The double-barreled shotgun evolved as rifles did to flintlock, matchlock, percussion and eventually cartridge weapons.

Double-barreled shotguns come in two varieties: side-by-side models and over-and-under models. Side-by-side models were standard in the American West, and today are largely items for collectors, shotgun enthusiasts, and hobby shooters. The over-and-under shotgun sees widespread use in clay pigeon shooting and upland bird hunting.

Double-barreled shotguns have as wide a variety as any modern shotgun. They range from simple utilitarian firearms to incredibly ornate and beautifully crafted firearms.

Quick Facts

• The Browning Superposed was the first successful over-and-under shotgun
• Wells Fargo coaches were equipped with a guard who carried a side-by-side double-barreled shotgun, originating the term riding shotgun
• Famed gunfighter Doc Holliday was particularly fond of double-barreled shotguns for self defense