12 gauge shotgun - side by side or over under?

I'm in the market for a double barrel shotgun. I'm not looking for any specific brand recommendations, but want to know your preference.  Over/under or side by side, and why? 

Thanks in advance. Stay healthy! 

Ruger Red Label 12 ga O/U, shot a lot of pheasants with it.

Regarding the CZ Sharptail if it is anything like CZ's predecessor the Ringneck I'd give it a big thumbs down.  

I bought a Ringneck a few years ago because it was at that time one of few double barrels available in 16 gauge.

The Ringneck was a big disappointment.  

The first one I got had issues with shells sticking in the tubes / the extractors not working and after a couple days of use the 2nd barrel started misfiring.  I brought it back to Scheels and they were great about it they replaced it with another without any trouble.  

The second one has shoddy wood to metal fit in a couple of spots.  The gun is heavy their website specs say 6.8 # but in reality it weighs in at 7.3#.  Worst of all the "case hardening" on the metal seems to be a cheap chemical dip finish.  It is wearing off in spots with very little use of the gun.

Balance and feel of the Ringneck are OK but only in comparison to other cheap or entry grade guns.  If you pick up a nice gun (say a Beretta or Cesaur Guerini) then try the CZ it feels like a log.

In my experience the CZ gets the job done but really has none of the refinement and style people are typically looking for when they go to a double gun.

If you are interested in a fairly inexpensive over under that is a LOT NICER look at a Franchi Instinct.  (It's an over under not a side by side so it might not be what you want.)  I have one in 16 gauge also.  It is the cat's ass.  It's a little plain looking but well balanced, and functions perfectly.  It's also incredibly light weight 5.8 #. This makes it super lively in your hands, quick pointing and easy to carry many miles.  I got one about 3 years ago when they first came out with it in 16 gauge.  It has pretty much become my go to gun for grouse and woodcock getting used more often than a couple 20 gauges I have that cost a lot more.   

Has anyone purchased or used a CZ sxs sharptail??  They look like beautiful shotguns.  

Fritz, check out a used SKB/Ithaca. Really nice for the $! I have a model 280 with the English stock. Nice woodcock and grouse gun!

Thank you for all the feedback! 

I have a couple of O/U that fit well (Fausti Traditions) and seem easier to shoot (I grew up with a Win Model 12).  That being said, there is something special about using an old SXS in the field. You seem to be taken back in time. The one I use the most is a Fox Sterlingworth simply because it feels better than the LC's I have.

I got a Citori (o/u) in '79.  I still have it and is my go to bird gun.  A couple of years ago I was gifted a SXS which my uncle had and was previously my granddad's.  It has double triggers, which I have struggled with.

I sometimes wish I had gone with the SXS back when I bought the O/U because now I want a single trigger light weight SXS that fits me to add to my collection, but I'm having trouble finding one. Back in '79 there were a couple of good options available. I still feel I made the right decision back then.

Fritz

S×S is more of tradition like

You hv to like the style...I own a Charles Daly 20g. 3in mag sxs mod and full choke originally...bought in the early 60's....when 12 ga lead loads became illegal fr waterfowl....later on my hunting leaned more towards upland ...had chokes opened and back bored ...great experience carrying sxs...

Not for everyone 

In Richfield across from Cabell , the is an indoor place called The Range . I think you can rent and try different firearms .

It ultimately comes down to how it feels in your hands.  I have both ,  my O/U swing better and doesn't miss much when I pull the trigger .  My preferred Citori is a high quality shotgun just feels perfect ...  but those side by sides really have a classic look and bring back  memories of the old timers so ya nostalgia has its place in deciding what to get .  It's probably not that easy to test em out unless you know someone that has a couple ... 

fisher doon:

Having coached high school trap, it would seem that an over/under would be the better choice.  Having said that I've never had either style and only pumps.  I would love to have a O/U 20 for upland game hunting here in the Northwoods!!!

Musky Ben

I bought a Steven's 555 12 gauge a couple of years ago, it was light and felt great unless it double fired which it did to me 5 times . The first few I thought it was me on the recoil. It wasn't me it was the gun , I did a little research and found out it was common. Ive read they've changed the trigger mechanism.  Cabelas took the gun back and gave me my money back, they never do that. I now own a Winchester 101 feild , beautiful gun. The only thing it needs is a better shooter. 

I have grandpa’s side by each 12 gauge. Used it for years and it was a great Gun. I inherited a Made for Ithaca SKB 700 when I graduated from college. O/U rocks for trap shooting and pheasant hunting compared to SxS. JMO.

Mountain 

I like the Stevens a lot . So far I've only done sporting clays . What I liked besides the (price) is that the 20 gauge was a lot lighter than the 12  . I bought the 20. 

It is easier to switch from a pump or auto to an O/U. If you have an English Setter it is almost mandatory you go afield with a SxS and a tweed hat.