Description
Looking for a side-by-side shotgun that handles like a family heirloom but won’t break the bank? The Heritage Mfg. Badlander in 20 gauge delivers classic American styling with modern reliability, making it an ideal first shotgun for new shooters or a dependable field companion for upland hunting.
Reviewed by Ryan Decker, Firearms Specialist at Californiagunshop. 15 years in tactical retail, former LEO armorer, 300+ custom builds.
Last updated: March 2026
Californiagunshop is a San Antonio, TX-based retailer specializing in family-friendly firearms and tactical gear. The Heritage Mfg. Badlander 20 Ga Side By Side Shotgun is a traditionally styled, American-made double-barrel built for reliability and handling. Its 20-gauge chambering and manageable weight make it an excellent choice for introducing new shooters to the field. Available now for $729.99 with same-day shipping from Texas.
Why This Heritage Badlander Stands Out
In my years of building custom guns and teaching families to shoot, I’ve seen a lot of shotguns come and go. What makes the Heritage Badlander special isn’t just its price or its looks—it’s its intent. This isn’t a replica of a $5,000 London best gun; it’s a purpose-built tool for the American shooter who values simplicity, durability, and classic lines. The 20-gauge chambering is a sweet spot. It has enough power for small game and clays, but with significantly less recoil than a 12-gauge, which is a major plus when you’re coaching a teenager or someone new to shooting. The side-by-side configuration points naturally, almost like an extension of your hand. I’ve used similar guns in informal sporting clays competitions, and that instinctive pointing ability is a real advantage over a pump or semi-auto for certain shots.
Heritage Mfg. Badlander 20 Ga Specifications
| Product Type | Side By Side Shotgun |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel Receiver & Barrels, Walnut Stock |
| Manufacturing | CNC Machined Components |
| Finish | Blued Steel, Satin Walnut |
| Hardness/Quality | Heat-Treated Steel, Checkered Grip & Forend |
| Compatibility | 20 Gauge 2.75″ & 3″ Shells |
| Installation/Usage | Break-Action, Double Triggers, Manual Safety |
| Weight | Approx. 6.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | Barrel Length: 26″ or 28″, Overall Length Varies |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| SKU | HF20SBS (Confirm specific SKU at checkout) |
How the Badlander Compares to Other Side-by-Side Shotguns
| Feature | Heritage Mfg. Badlander 20 Ga | Stoeger Coach Gun (Import) | CZ Bobwhite G2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | American Walnut, Blued Steel | Beechwood, Blued Steel | Turkish Walnut, Blued Steel |
| Quality | CNC machined, solid lock-up | Functional, utilitarian finish | Excellent fit & finish, engraved |
| Compatibility | 20 Gauge only | 12 or 20 Gauge | Multiple gauges including 20 |
| Shipping | Same-day from TX | Varies by retailer | Varies by retailer |
| Lifespan/Durability | Built for field use, simple mechanics | Good for casual use | High-grade, hunting heritage |
| Price | $729.99 | ~$450-$550 | ~$850-$950 |
The Stoeger is a budget-friendly import that gets the job done but often lacks the refined feel. The CZ Bobwhite is a fantastic gun, often with better wood, but you’re paying a premium for it. The Heritage Badlander sits squarely in the middle: it’s American-made, uses better materials than the budget tier, and keeps the price sensible by focusing on core function over excessive ornamentation. For a working field gun or a first serious side-by-side, its value is hard to beat.
Pros and Cons of the Heritage Badlander
What I like:
- ✅ American-Made Reliability: Built in the USA with CNC precision, which means consistent quality and easier serviceability.
- ✅ Ideal 20-Gauge Platform: Lower recoil makes it fantastic for youth shooters, smaller-framed adults, or long days in the field.
- ✅ Classic, Simple Operation: Break-action, double triggers, manual safety. There’s nothing to jam, and it teaches fundamental firearm handling.
- ✅ Quality Walnut Stock: The wood is a step above the stained hardwood you find on many guns in this price range.
- ✅ Natural Pointing & Balance: The side-by-side configuration and weight distribution make it fast and intuitive on flushing birds or crossing clays.
Points to consider:
- ❌ Two-Shot Capacity: It’s a double-barrel. If you need more shots for waterfowl or defense, this isn’t the tool. See our semi-auto shotguns for higher-capacity options.
- ❌ Manual Operation Only: You must break it open to reload after two shots. For some, this is part of the charm and discipline. For others, it’s a limitation.
- ❌ Fixed Chokes (Typically): Many models come with fixed chokes (like Improved Cylinder & Modified). If you need interchangeable chokes for versatility, you may need to look at other models or factor in gunsmithing costs.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Badlander
Buy it if: You’re looking for a first “real” shotgun for a responsible young shooter. You’re an upland hunter who values a lightweight, fast-handling gun for grouse or quail. You appreciate classic firearm aesthetics and simple, mechanical reliability. You want an American-made side-by-side without a custom shop price tag.
Skip it if: Your primary need is home defense or waterfowl hunting where capacity is key. You prefer the faster follow-up shots of a pump or semi-auto. You’re solely a trap shooter where a single-barrel target gun is the standard. For those needs, check out our pump-action shotguns or semi-automatic shotguns.
Common Questions & Concerns
“Is a side-by-side harder to aim than an over/under?” Not harder, just different. The side-by-side rib can obscure the target slightly for some shooters used to a single bead. However, most people point a side-by-side rather than aim it precisely. It’s a dynamic, instinctive style of shooting that many find very effective in the field.
“Are double triggers a problem?” They’re a feature, not a bug. The front trigger fires the right barrel (typically tighter choke), the rear fires the left (more open). It allows instant choke selection. With a little practice, switching between them becomes second nature.
“Is 20-gauge enough for…?” For the vast majority of small game (squirrel, rabbit, pheasant, grouse) and sporting clays, a 20-gauge with the right load is perfectly sufficient. It’s a humane, effective choice with less recoil and less shot payload, which many see as an advantage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Heritage Badlander a good first shotgun?
Absolutely. Its 20-gauge chambering reduces recoil, its simple break-action operation is easy to learn and safe to demonstrate, and its classic style teaches respect for the firearm. It’s the kind of gun a shooter can start with and keep for a lifetime.
What is the barrel length on this model?
The Heritage Badlander is commonly available in 26-inch and 28-inch barrel lengths. The 26-inch offers quicker handling in thick cover, while the 28-inch provides a slightly smoother swing for clays or open fields. Check the specific product listing or contact us to confirm which length is in stock.
Does it have screw-in chokes?
Most Heritage Badlander models come with fixed chokes, a traditional setup for classic side-by-sides. Common pairings are Improved Cylinder and Modified, which are versatile for hunting. If interchangeable chokes are a must-have, you may need to consider an aftermarket modification or a different model.
Can it fire 3-inch magnum shells?
Yes. The Heritage Mfg. Badlander 20 Ga is chambered for both 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells. Always consult the manual and start with standard loads to get accustomed to the gun before moving to heavier magnum loads.
Is the stock suitable for a younger shooter?
The stock dimensions are adult-sized. For a very young or small-framed shooter, the length of pull may be too long for optimal comfort and control. A competent gunsmith can shorten the stock, which is a common and worthwhile modification to fit a growing shooter.
How does Heritage Manufacturing’s quality compare?
Heritage has built a strong reputation for producing solid, value-oriented firearms in the USA. Their guns may not have the deep polish or fancy engraving of some European makers, but the mechanical integrity, fit, and materials are consistently good, especially for the price point.
Where can I buy Heritage Badlander shotguns online?
You can purchase the Heritage Mfg. Badlander 20 Ga Side By Side Shotgun right here at Californiagunshop (californiagunshop.com). We are an authorized retailer, and every firearm is shipped from our facility in San Antonio, TX, to your local FFL dealer for transfer.
✅ In stock — ready to ship today
✅ Same-day shipping from San Antonio, TX
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns (on un-fired items, per our policy)
✅ Secure checkout
Browse more: Side By Side Shotguns | 20 Gauge Shotguns | Full Shop
About this review: My name is Ryan Decker. I’ve spent 15 years in tactical retail, served as a law enforcement armorer, and have built over 300 custom firearms. At Californiagunshop, my focus is on helping families shoot safely and choose the right equipment. This assessment is based on hands-on experience with similar firearms, manufacturer specifications, and industry knowledge to help you make an informed decision.
Last updated: March 2026
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