Recommendation on high end o/u with side plates

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Sitalo1992

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Hey everyone,
I’m in the market for a high-end over/under shotgun specifically for upland bird hunting—light, reliable, and elegant. I’m particularly interested in models with sideplates, both for aesthetics and craftsmanship.

I’d really appreciate some recommendations or real-world feedback on:
  • High-end or premium O/U shotguns with sideplates
  • Ideal models for long days in the field (weight, balance, comfort)
  • Experiences with brands like Beretta, Rizzini, Caesar Guerini, Fausti, Perazzi, or Fabbri
  • Any “hidden gems” or custom shop suggestions worth looking into
Budget is flexible, but I’m looking for something that feels exceptional in-hand and performs well with regular upland use.

Thanks in advance for the insights!
 
I have a few higher end guns, Beretta 687 EELL and a few MX8 Perazzis. If I was going to buy a gun like your seeking, I would want to be able to handle the gun to see how it feels, mounts,swings and balances! I also assume you’ll be looking at a sub guage like 20 or 28! CG makes some nice models but their prices have skyrocketed in the last few years. A buddy of mine recently bought a custom Kreighoff K20 in 28 gauge that’s a real beauty but definitely in the upper end price range. Best of luck in your search. Let us know (PICS) what you choose.
 
Good luck in your search. Is there any reason you prefer an over/under rather than a side-by-side, for upland shooting? If weight and elegance are your criteria (along with aesthetics and craftsmanship), a classic double game gun would seem better suited. I would rather carry a 6-7-pound gun all day than something 8 or more. With a side-by-side, you could go full-classic with a gun with actual sidelocks, instead of a boxlock with imitation side plates. You are more likely to get hand engraving, than laser engraving, too. Everyone has their preference, of course, but a second-hand sidelock double would probably save you half your budget, and you'd have a gun with history and panache to treasure for a lifetime. Whatever you choose, share pictures when you can!
 
I concur with Pinfire on that.
I like vintage side locks, and quite often they have VERY nice wood and engraving on them, from an age when craftsmanship came with experience and good apprenticeships!
Many higher end guns thee days are CNC machined and engraved, the quality is there, but the hand craftsmanship is not.
Nothing against modern CNC machining , mind you, but there is something to be said for a nice hand chased side lock of yesteryear.
I have posted this picture often over the years, and this gun still calls to me every year!
:love:
Cat
Westely Richards hammer double.jpg
 
Side plates won't make up for lack of fit.
Almost all of the main manufacturers build high end versions of their mainstay shotgun so figure out what kind of shotgun fits you and works well for you then look for the upscale version of it to purchase. For instance, if you really like the feel of a Beretta 686 then look for a 687 EELL and the higher end gun will be almost identical to the lower end gun for fit and handling.
 
I vote for 687EELL as well but I’m am a beretta fan and have one. A new 687EELL Field will run you somewhere between $12-15k. You could go all the way up to an SO gun if you want a true side lock and have the dollars.

Side plate models from the premium lines like Perazzi will run you three times as much as the 687.

Not a side plate but a Kreighoff or a Browning B15/B25 have a much more slab sided look without being side plate. They can be had in scaled frame sizes.

Depends on how flexible that budget is!
 
RFM project upland have a gun builder 3d simulator. You can order pretty much what ever you want. Even a straight stocked 410 with 32" barrels and sideplates. They have a couple different frame options as well and you can order a second set of barrels.

Following that the 687eell are nice guns

Akus makes a very nice true sidelock ou. They were sold under the Kimber brand for quite awhile
 
If you can find a used Beretta BL6 I think you would be happy. O/U with side plates. I have a BL3 that is essentially the same gun without the side plates or ejectors. My BL3 in 20guage has been weighed on a postal scale at 5 pounds 13 ounces with 28 inch barrels. A sweet gun to carry all day long and I can’t imagine a BL6 would be any different.
 
brybenn said:
RFM project upland have a gun builder 3d simulator. You can order pretty much what ever you want. Even a straight stocked 410 with 32" barrels and sideplates. They have a couple different frame options as well and you can order a second set of barrels.

Following that the 687eell are nice guns

Akus makes a very nice true sidelock ou. They were sold under the Kimber brand for quite awhile
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What I'm reading from down south suggests that the people who have ordered a gun from Upland Gun Company (built by RFM in Italy) have been pretty pleased with it. There have been delays in delivery that stuck me as typical for a new(ish) venture offering semi custom builds. They are based in Duluth. If I was going to buy a new SxS (never) they are probably the route I would go until something better comes along. However, when anyone is talking about $5-10K SxS, what is available on the used market just means I'm never buying new.
 
We bought a 28ga Rizzini small frame, for the girlfriend, two year back, An extremally nice shotgun, Ive got 2 fairs, but the Rizzini is much nicer fit and finish. but cost 3 times as much. Lots choices at prophet river, We went for a drive and handled a Dozen nice shotguns before making a choice,
I sold a very nice Dickerson SXS 20ga, That would fit the bill, should kept it, but moving overseas and sum stuff had to go.
Lots choices.
 
canvasback said:
What I'm reading from down south suggests that the people who have ordered a gun from Upland Gun Company (built by RFM in Italy) have been pretty pleased with it. There have been delays in delivery that stuck me as typical for a new(ish) venture offering semi custom builds. They are based in Duluth. If I was going to buy a new SxS (never) they are probably the route I would go until something better comes along. However, when anyone is talking about $5-10K SxS, what is available on the used market just means I'm never buying new.
Click to expand...
My buddy is very pleased with his rfm combo. If I member correctly it was 6 months from ordering to it arriving at his door
He went with 24ga and 32ga
 
A member of our club just received his custom order 32 guage from Ceasar Guerinni. Haven’t seen it yet but he says it’s a jaw dropper and he owns many exquisite guns. I’ll snap some pics and post them when I get to see it.
 
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