10 Best Side By Side Shotgun of 2026 For Upland Hunting

1

Aileokeio 4 Packs 6 Rounds Shotgun Side Saddle Carrier 12/20

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• ARS Mark

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  9.2
• Brand
  Aileokeio

Key specs2

Ammo Gauge Compatibility

12 and 20 gauge shotshells

Mounting Method

Uses hook-and-loop cards with adhesive backing suited for shooting bags, vests, or synthetic stocks rather than bare walnut.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Holds either 12 or 20 gauge shotgun shells securely in elastic loops
• Hook and loop card design allows quick shell swaps on vests, packs, or belts
• Supplies four separate six-round carriers with adhesive backing in one pack

Cons

• Applying adhesive backing directly to walnut buttstocks risks damaging wood
• Requires a flat, degreased surface to ensure secure adhesive hold under recoil

2

Allen Company Shotgun Shell Buttstock Holder, Black

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• ARS Mark

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  9.2
• Brand
  Allen Company

Key specs2

Stock Attachment Style

Slip-on elastic sleeve

Shell Capacity

5 shotshells

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Elastic slip-on sleeve installs without adhesive, protecting walnut stocks
• Carries five shells in uniformly spaced loops for quick upland reloading
• Stays low profile on the buttstock without interfering with cheek weld
• Backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty

Cons

• Holds five rounds compared to larger six or seven shell carriers
• Heavy elastic can stretch out over multiple seasons on wide double stocks

3

Aileokeio 4 Packs Shotgun Shell Holder, Side Saddle 12 Gauge,

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• ARS Mark

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  9.2
• Brand
  Aileokeio

Key specs2

Carrier Capacity

7 rounds per card (4-pack)

Footprint Dimensions

Measures 7.89 inches long by 1.99 inches wide, requiring ample flat mounting area on field gear or synthetic stocks.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Carries seven rounds of 12 gauge or 20 gauge ammunition per card
• Includes four detachable carriers backed by a two-year warranty
• Trimmable adhesive backing allows custom shaping for gear bags or vests

Cons

• Longer 7.89-inch length can overhang compact upland shotgun buttstocks
• Adhesive backing leaves sticky residue if mounted directly to finished wood

4

EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Tactical Nylon 12 Gauge Shotgun Bullet Shell

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• ARS Mark

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  9.0
• Brand
  EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER

Key specs2

Shell Fabric Construction

500D Cordura nylon

Gear Attachment

Mounts via hook backing directly to loop-lined upland vests, bird bags, or hunting belts without mounting screws.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Rugged 500D Cordura nylon fabric resists brush abrasion and field wear
• Carries five 12 gauge shells securely in a lightweight 0.04-pound profile
• Hook backing attaches directly to loop panels on upland vests and shell bags
• Ranger Green color matches upland hunting terrain

Cons

• Sized for 12 gauge shells without explicit compatibility for 20 gauge loads
• Does not include an adhesive loop strip for mounting on bare surfaces

5

JOCTUBO 6 Packs 6 Rounds Shotgun Side Saddle Carrier. 12/20

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• ARS Mark

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  9.0
• Brand
  JOCTUBO

Key specs2

Fabric Density

1000D nylon

Ammunition Staging

Six separate cards allow pre-staging spare upland loads across pockets, bird vests, and cartridge bags.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Generous six-pack bundle offers thirty-six total shell loops across cards
• Tough 1000D nylon material provides excellent resistance against tears
• Elastic loops securely grip both 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotshells
• Detachable card setup lets hunters stage spare rounds in bird vest pockets

Cons

• Adhesive stickers can strip oil finishes or varnish from walnut buttstocks
• Recommended solvent prep before adhesion is unsuitable for fine gun stocks

6

Plano Gun Guard SE Series Double Scoped/Shotgun Multi Case, Black,

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  8.8
• Brand
  Plano

Key specs2

Travel Security

Integrated padlock tabs

Case Capacity

Sized to house dual shotguns or wide-profile double guns alongside accessories during vehicle or airline travel.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Rigid hard-shell construction protects double barrel shotguns during travel
• Double gun interior offers room for wide side by side barrels and receivers
• Integrated padlock tabs ensure secure, compliant transport and storage

Cons

• Takes up noticeably more vehicle cargo space than a traditional soft slip
• Interior length must be verified against specific shotgun barrel dimensions

7

The Traditional Side by Side: King of the Upland Bird

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  8.6
• Brand
  Team Stewart, LLC

Key specs2

Reference Focus

Authoritative text dedicated to side by side mechanics, stock fit, upland handling, and classic shooting technique.

Book Dimensions

9.21 x 6.14 x 0.69 inches

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Dedicated entirely to traditional side by side shotgun handling and history
• Covers double gun balance, stock dimensions, and upland shooting technique
• Helps hunters understand lock designs, chokes, and proper field mechanics

Cons

• Provides reference reading rather than physical shooting equipment
• Individual gunsmithing topics vary and must be checked by the reader

8

ZZY 4 Pack 6 Round Shotgun Shell Holder, 12/20 Gauge

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• ARS Mark

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  8.6
• Brand
  ZZY

Key specs2

Card Dimensions

6.80 x 2.00 x 0.75 inches

Loop Flexibility

Elastic loops accept standard 12 or 20 gauge shotshells for quick field replenishment.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Universal elastic loops hold both 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotgun shells
• Compact 6.8-inch by 2-inch footprint fits hunting vests and bird bags
• Four-pack card set allows carrying up to twenty-four shells in reserve

Cons

• Two-month warranty is significantly shorter than competing carriers
• Adhesive backing risks damaging traditional wood finishes on buttstocks

9

The Traditional Side by Side: King of the Upland Bird

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• ARS Mark

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  8.0
• Brand
  N/A

Key specs2

Educational Scope

Second installment detailing double barrel shotgun nuances, upland field shooting, and classic action maintenance.

Volume Weight

1.22 lbs

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Expands technical insights on double gun fit, regulation, and upland bird guns
• Serves as an authoritative guide for evaluating classic side by side actions
• Detailed coverage assists shooters in selecting proper upland shot patterns

Cons

• Contains instructional reading rather than field gear or shotgun hardware
• Best appreciated alongside or following the volume one reference guide

10

Ideagle Shotgun Shell Holder Side Saddle for 12 Gauge, 2

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• ARS Mark

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  7.6
• Brand
  Ideagle

Key specs2

Carrier Material

Lightweight molded plastic

Action Compatibility Note

Designed for flat-sided receivers like the Mossberg 500; mounting on rounded side by side shotgun receivers or wood stocks is not recommended.

Pros & cons33

Pros

• Rigid molded plastic frame provides firm shell retention without fabric stretch
• Lightweight plastic body avoids the added heft of metal saddle plates
• Supplied with wet and dry cleaning wipes plus four adhesive mounting pads

Cons

• Formed for flat pump receivers like the Mossberg 500, not double barrel shotguns
• Adhesive tape can mar delicate walnut stocks and struggles on curved actions
• Listing omits the exact shotshell count, requiring verification before purchase

Last update on 2026-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What gauge and balance point work best for an upland side by side shotgun?

A balanced side by side shotgun centers its weight between the shooter's hands to deliver a quick, smooth swing on flushing game birds. Gauge selection commonly centers on 12 gauge and 20 gauge setups, but exact handling depends on stock dimensions like length of pull, drop at comb, and cast. Left-handed shooters also require cast-on stocks to align their dominant eye down the rib, similar to tailoring gear for faster southpaw draws. Because balance profiles vary across makers, study dedicated references such as The Traditional Side by Side: King of the Upland Bird Guns, and verify your stock measurements against the manufacturer listing before choosing a gun.

How do you carry extra shotgun shells without scratching a walnut stock?

Elastic buttstock sleeves and removable nylon shell cards protect fine walnut wood from abrasions caused by rigid mounts or metal hardware. The Allen Company model 205 shotgun shell buttstock holder slips directly over the buttstock to keep five shells accessible without requiring drilled swivels or screws. For hook-and-loop setups, cards made from 500D Cordura nylon or 1000D nylon attach to adhesive loop panels without marring the stock finish. These fabric carriers hold five to seven shells securely while cushioning the wood against direct contact with your hunting vest or dense brush.

Can you mount a rigid side saddle on a side by side shotgun receiver?

No, rigid receiver side saddles do not fit break-action double barrel shotguns. Hard plastic units, such as the Ideagle carrier measuring 5.77 inches tall and 2.07 inches long, are specially designed for Mossberg 500 and 590 pump-action receivers with specific screw pin locations. Mounting a rigid bracket on a side by side would obstruct the hinge pin, top lever, and barrel-opening sweep. Instead, double gun shooters should choose flexible nylon cards or buttstock sleeves to carry extra rounds on the stock or a shooting vest.

Will a double shotgun hard case protect side by side barrels during travel?

Yes, a dual-gun hard case provides the necessary width and padding to protect wide side by side barrels from impact. The Plano Gun Guard SE Series Double Scoped/Shotgun Multi Case includes padlock tabs for travel security and holds wider barrel assemblies without forcing the case lid shut. When packing for an upland hunting trip, confirm your shotgun's overall assembled length or takedown length against the interior case measurements. Hunters traveling through remote hunting grounds also use these secure cases when packing a trail sidearm built for recoil control and comfort alongside their upland shotguns.

Do elastic shell holders support both 12 gauge and 20 gauge ammunition?

Yes, many elastic nylon shell cards are designed to retain both 12 gauge and 20 gauge cartridges securely. The Aileokeio six-round shotgun card, measuring 6.89 inches long by 2.05 inches wide, features flexible elastic loops compatible with both shell sizes. The ZZY nylon carrier also measures 6.80 inches long by 2.00 inches wide and holds six rounds of either 12 or 20 gauge ammo. Before stepping into the field, place your specific upland hunting loads into the loops to verify that the tension holds them firmly in place during fast foot travel.

How does adding buttstock ammunition affect the swing and balance of a double barrel shotgun?

Carrying extra ammunition on the buttstock shifts the balance point rearward toward the shooter's shoulder, which can alter your swing on fast-crossing birds. Adding five rounds in an Allen Company holder weighing 0.000625 pounds empty or seven rounds in an Aileokeio nylon card weighing 0.26 pounds places minor weight on the stock. If your shotgun already feels front-heavy with longer barrels, this slight rear weight can help balance the swing. But if your double gun is already light in the front, keep spare shells on your belt or vest to maintain the lively balance classic upland shotguns are designed to deliver.