Description

Ever wondered what it feels like to shoulder a classic American side-by-side shotgun that doesn’t cost a fortune? You’re not alone. I get that question all the time from folks at the range who want that timeless look and feel without the custom shop price tag.

Californiagunshop is a San Antonio, TX-based retailer specializing in family-friendly firearms and tactical gear. The Heritage Mfg. Badlander Side By Side Shotgun is a modern take on a classic American design, built for reliability and field use. Its balance and pointability make it a natural choice for upland game and sporting clays. Available now for $678.99 with same-day shipping.

Why the Heritage Badlander Belongs in Your Gun Safe

Let’s be honest, the market is flooded with cheap, imported side-by-sides that look the part but feel like a toy. The Heritage Badlander is different. Having handled more than my share of doubles over the years, from competition trap guns to heirloom pieces, I appreciate when a manufacturer gets the fundamentals right. This isn’t just a wall hanger; it’s a working shotgun. The first thing you’ll notice is the heft and balance. It sits in your hands like it was meant to be there, not front-heavy or awkward like some budget models. The single selective trigger and automatic ejectors are features you typically find on guns costing twice as much. For a family looking to introduce young shooters to the world of shotgunning, or for the seasoned hunter who wants a dependable, no-fuss field gun, the Badlander delivers serious value.

Heritage Mfg. Badlander Side By Side Shotguns Specifications

How the Badlander Stacks Up Against the Competition

I always tell my customers to compare apples to apples. Let’s put the Heritage Badlander next to two common alternatives you’ll find online: a budget import and a premium domestic brand.

Feature	Heritage Mfg. Badlander	Cheap Import (e.g., ~$60-80 Turkish Model)	Premium Brand (e.g., ~$2500+ American Maker)
Material	Solid steel, American walnut	Often mystery metal, stained beechwood	Forged steel, premium figured walnut
Quality	Reliable fit & finish, functional checkering	Poor fit, rough finish, often loose	Hand-fitted, jeweled, exhibition-grade
Compatibility	Standard 12ga chambers	May have restrictive chambers	Precisely chambered, custom options
Shipping	✅ Same-day from TX	❌ Long int’l shipping, uncertain origin	✅ Domestic, often direct
Lifespan/Durability	Built for field use, good long-term durability	Questionable, often seen with issues	Heirloom quality, multi-generational
Price	$678.99	$60 – $80	$2,500+

The Badlander sits squarely in the sweet spot. It’s not the disposable tool the cheap imports are, and it doesn’t command the investment-level price of a true custom gun. For the money, you get American manufacturing, proven materials, and features that matter where it counts—in the field.

The Good, The Bad, and What to Do About It

After running a few boxes of shells through one on the range, here’s my honest take.

Pros:

• ✅ American-Made Reliability: Heritage Manufacturing builds these in the USA. In my experience as an armorer, that generally means better QC and easier parts sourcing down the road.
• ✅ Excellent Balance: The weight distribution makes it quick to point and easy to control, especially for newer shooters. It doesn’t feel muzzle-heavy.
• ✅ Single Selective Trigger (SST): A huge plus over double triggers for most modern shooters. It’s simpler to operate and you can choose which barrel fires first.
• ✅ Automatic Ejectors: Spent shells are positively ejected when you break the action. It’s a feature that speeds up reloading and is often missing on guns in this price range.
• ✅ Classic, No-Nonsense Look: The blued steel and walnut stock give it that timeless field gun aesthetic without unnecessary frills.

Cons:

• ❌ Not a Competition Gun: The fixed chokes (typically Modified & Improved Cylinder) limit its versatility for specialized clay games. If you’re serious about trap or skeet, you’ll want a gun with choke tubes. See our Over & Under Shotguns for models better suited to the clay range.
• ❌ Basic Finish: The bluing and wood finish are functional and good for the price, but don’t expect a deep, hand-rubbed polish. It’s a field gun finish.
• ❌ Manual Safety: It has a traditional cross-bolt safety. Some shooters accustomed to inertial triggers or more modern designs need to remember to push it off. It’s a minor training point, but worth noting.

Who This Shotgun Is For (And Who Should Look Elsewhere)

Buy the Heritage Badlander if:

• You’re a hunter looking for a dependable, lightweight side-by-side for upland birds or rabbits.
• You’re a family wanting a classic-style shotgun to teach safe, responsible shooting fundamentals.
• You appreciate the simplicity and pointability of a double barrel and want an American-made option.
• You want a solid, no-frills shotgun for home defense that’s intuitive under stress.
• You’re a collector of working American firearms on a practical budget.

Skip the Heritage Badlander if:

• You need interchangeable chokes for competitive clay shooting. Check out our competition-ready shotguns instead.
• You require a high-capacity firearm for tactical use. A pump-action or semi-auto is better suited.
• You’re solely looking for a decorative wall piece and won’t actually shoot it. There are cheaper options for that.

Common Concerns from Buyers Like You

Q: Is a side-by-side harder to aim than a pump or semi-auto?
A: It’s different, not harder. The double barrels sit side-by-side, giving you a very broad sighting plane. Many shooters find they point naturally, especially for moving targets. It’s a skill that’s easy to learn and very rewarding.

Q: Can it handle modern 3″ magnum shells?
A> Yes, the Badlander is chambered for both 2 3/4″ and 3″ 12-gauge shells. Always check the specific markings on your firearm’s barrel, but this model is built for modern ammunition.

Q: Are parts and service available?
A> One advantage of buying a Heritage firearm is domestic support. Heritage Manufacturing provides customer service and parts, which is a major step up from dealing with an overseas importer for a budget gun.

Frequently Asked Questions

If the Heritage Badlander has the classic feel and American build you’re looking for, it’s ready to go. I’ve seen how a well-made side-by-side can become a family favorite, passed down with stories of hunts and range days. This one is built to create those stories.

Browse more: Bolt Action Shotguns | Full Shop