The renaissance of the side-by-side shotgun is fueled by an increase in popularity, notably among millenials. Project Upland’s annual survey of upland bird hunters has shown consistently increasing trends since 2018. While baby boomers account for the largest and most stable demographic in side-by-sides, millennials account for the second largest demographic in popularity, a number that has grown by almost 10 percent in four years.
Brands have taken notice. Spanish gunmaker AYA, who specializes in double barrelled shotguns, was close to closing their doors only to experience a rebirth in manufacturing. Other manufacturers, like Franchi and Weatherby, are working to bring back their side-by-side offerings, too. These folks are only adding to the collection of new and exciting modern-built side-by-sides.
While the CZ Bobwhite opened up a new generation of side-by-side lovers, it also opened the floodgates to progressions in price points. The new market once accounted for only large jumps to expensive built side-by-sides. Besides vintage shotguns, the old market had gone from under $700 to above $2000 pretty quickly; today, there’s options filling the gap in that $1000 to $1500.
A Data-Driven Side-by-side Renaissance
I am not sure if this is a real trend but it offers hope in the general decline of hunting.