Sorry to disappoint, but I am no 'rookie'. Here is a simple test for you side by side fans. Point at something with your hand. Did you use two fingers 'side by side' (or even 'over under')? I bet you did not. The swing is the thing in shotgunning; why shove a 2x4 around (vertically or horizontally) when you can use a dowel? IMHO single barrels rule (and don't get me started regarding the perceived recoil reduction benefits of semi-auto shotguns; extra shot capability for hunting; lower price, etc.).
Look in the mirror, a simple test. How many eyes do you have one or two ? How are they oriented, SxS, O/U or one in the middle ?
I bet you have two eyes side x side !
However, this proves not a damn thing. I don't like to swing a shotgun that feels balanced like a 2x4 no more than one that feels like a pig on a shovel !
Personal preferences are just that, but in the world of shotguns there are far, far more shooters that prefer the balance of fine SxS or O/U's than single barreled semi-autos in the clay sports or upland hunting.
I dare say that short of waterfowl hunting, extra shot capacity to fill the air with lead(oops I mean balistically inferior steel) will cost you far more dollars in equal amounts, and is not an ideal fiearm for upland hunting especially in the thick stuff in my opinion.
So, recognizing your opinion, others have there own and mine is that I prefer a nicely balanced quick to bring up SxS or O/U with 26" barrels for upland hunting, a longer barreled U/O for Skeet, Sporting Clays and Trap doubles with a single barreled Trap gun either break open, pump and lastly semi.
All the above are enjoyed with what I personally feel is a well balanced and fitted shotgun no matter the # of barrels or orientation of same. A low cost, budget bargained, entry level anything usuall does not meet the preferences.


















































