doublebarrel

Doublebarrel, in firearms terminology, refers to a gun that has two barrels designed to fire two shots before reloading. The barrels are typically arranged side by side (side-by-side, SxS) or stacked vertically (over-under, O/U). The primary advantage is the ability to deliver two quick shots while maintaining a consistent point of aim, which has made double-barreled shotguns a popular choice for hunting and sport shooting.

Most double-barreled guns use a break-action mechanism, where the barrel pair hinges open for loading and unloading. Trigger configurations vary: many side-by-side models use two triggers (one for each barrel), while many over-under models employ a single trigger with a barrel selector to choose which barrel fires first. Modern designs favor hammerless actions for improved safety and reliability, though some traditional models retain external hammers.

History and use: The side-by-side layout became common in the 19th century and remains traditional, while over-under designs gained popularity in the late 19th and 20th centuries and are favored for balance and alignment in sport shooting. Double-barreled guns are used for game birds, hunting driven quarry, and clay-target shooting. They are valued for their simplicity, ruggedness, and the ability to deliver two shots quickly in situations where reloading time matters.

Variants and notes: The term double-barrel can also describe other paired-barrel devices or be used metaphorically to indicate dual features. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the action and protecting the barrels from corrosion.