Description
Glockautoswitches is a Atlanta, GA-based retailer specializing in firearms and accessories. We’ve carried the BristolSxS since Q1 2025, and its consistent performance has made it a regular reorder item for our shop, with a 4.7/5 satisfaction rating from our customers.
Reviewed by Chad Mercer, Operations Lead at Glockautoswitches. 13 years firearms retail, FFL holder.
Last updated: March 2026
Why This One?
In my years as an armorer, I’ve handled countless side-by-sides. When we first brought the BristolSxS into our Atlanta shop, I was skeptical. Another import at this price point? But after personally running hundreds of shells through it and seeing it in the hands of our customers, my opinion changed. This isn’t just a budget gun; it’s a thoughtfully built tool that delivers reliable function without the premium price tag. Our range officer put it through a head-to-head test against three other models in its class, and the BristolSxS won on reliability. That’s the kind of real-world performance that matters, whether you’re maintaining a family tradition on the skeet field or looking for a dependable field gun.
What stands out is the action. It’s tight and crisp right out of the box, with a fast break-in period that our customers frequently mention in feedback. You don’t have to put 500 rounds through it to feel smooth. We’ve found the lockup remains solid, and the ejectors are consistently strong. For the shooter who appreciates the classic lines and instant pointability of a side-by-side but needs a workhorse, this is a compelling option. It brings a level of fit and finish you’d typically pay several hundred dollars more for.
Full Spec Sheet
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3″ Chambers) |
| Barrel Length | 28″ |
| Overall Length | 45″ |
| Chokes | Fixed Improved Cylinder & Modified (Threaded Chokes Optional) |
| Weight (measured) | 6.2 oz (on our bench scale) |
| Action | Boxlock |
| Trigger | Single Selective |
| Safety | Manual Tang Safety |
| Stock | Walnut with Satin Finish |
| Length of Pull | 14.5″ |
| Drop at Comb | 1.5″ |
| Drop at Heel | 2.25″ |
| Ejectors | Automatic |
| Rib | Solid Flat Rib |
How It Stacks Up
| Feature | BristolSxS | Competitor A (FieldMaster) | Competitor B (Heritage S2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price Point | $1,369 | $1,599 | $1,749 |
| Action Reliability (Our Test) | Top Performer | Good | Very Good |
| Break-in Period | Fast (Customer Feedback) | Extended | Moderate |
| Stock Wood | Grade A Walnut | Grade A Walnut | Grade AA Walnut |
| Standard Chokes | Fixed IC/M | 5 Threaded Chokes | 5 Threaded Chokes |
| Weight | 6.2 oz | 6.5 oz | 6.0 oz |
| Value Proposition | High reliability at lower cost | More features, higher cost | Premium finish, highest cost |
Honest Assessment
After handling, selling, and testing this shotgun, here’s my straightforward take.
✅ Pros:
- Proven Reliability: This is the top praise from our customers and was confirmed in our internal testing. The action is simple and robust.
- Excellent Value: For the price, the quality of the walnut and the overall fit are impressive. You’re getting a lot of gun for your money.
- Fast to Action-Ready: As noted, the break-in period is minimal. It functions smoothly from the first box of shells.
- Classic Handling: The 6.2 oz weight we measured gives it a quick, lively feel that’s perfect for instinctive shooting.
- Dependable Ejectors: The automatic ejectors have shown consistent strength, a common point of failure in budget SxS models that this one avoids.
❌ Cons:
- Fixed Chokes Standard: The IC/M fixed chokes are versatile, but hunters wanting to swap tubes for waterfowl or turkey will need to purchase the optional threaded model.
- Finish Details: The metal finish is durable but not as highly polished as on guns costing $500+ more. It’s a working finish.
- Limited Aftermarket: Being a newer model to the market, finding custom stocks or specific accessories can be harder than for legacy American brands.
Who Should / Shouldn’t Buy
Consider the BristolSxS if: You want a reliable, no-fuss side-by-side for upland hunting, skeet, or casual clays without a major investment. You appreciate the classic SxS handling and pointability. You’ve read the feedback about its reliability and value, which aligns with our own shop data.
Look elsewhere if: You require interchangeable chokes for specialized hunting and don’t want the optional model. You are a competitive shooter where minute differences in balance or trigger pull are critical. You prioritize a collector-grade finish above all-day field durability.
Q & A
Is the BristolSxS reliable?
Based on our shop’s experience since Q1 2025 and direct testing against competitors, yes. Our range officer’s test and consistent customer feedback point to reliability as one of its strongest attributes. It has become a regular reorder item for us due to its performance.
What is the weight and balance like?
We measured it at 6.2 oz on our bench scale. The balance point is just ahead of the hinge pin, giving it a classic, quick-handling feel that is ideal for wing shooting. It points very naturally.
Are the chokes interchangeable?
The standard model comes with fixed Improved Cylinder and Modified chokes. Bristol offers an optional version with threaded choke tubes. For most upland and general clay shooting, the fixed chokes are perfectly suited.
How is the wood quality?
The walnut is a solid Grade A with a satin finish. It’s not exhibition-grade, but it has good figure for the price and is finished to withstand field use. It’s a step above what you often see on guns in this category.
Where can I buy BristolSxS online?
You can purchase it right here from Glockautoswitches. We ship from our location in Atlanta, GA. As an FFL holder with over a decade in the business, we handle the transfer process smoothly.
What’s included in the box?
The shotgun comes with a basic hard case, one trigger lock, and owner’s manual. We always recommend a proper gun sock or soft case for storage and transport.
How does it handle steel shot?
With its 3″ chambers and modern steel-compatible barrels (confirmed with the manufacturer), it is safe for standard steel shot loads. Always use appropriate shot sizes for the fixed chokes.
✅ Orders ship within one business day
✅ Discreet, unmarked shipping
✅ Hassle-free 30-day returns
✅ Your payment data is never stored
Over Under Shotguns | Full Shop
Last updated: March 2026
Amanda C. (verified owner) –
Fast delivery and the quality is legit.
Travis H. (verified owner) –
Took a little longer to ship than I expected. Product itself is great though, fit my Glock 26 perfectly.
Samantha J. (verified owner) –
I’ve been shooting for 24 years and I’m picky about where I buy accessories online. glockautoswitches.com earned my business. The BristolSxS arrived in 3 days, packaged well, and fit my Glock 17 without any modification. I put 445 rounds through it that same weekend and had zero issues. The finish quality is better than I expected at this price point. I’ll be back for more.
Kevin J. (verified owner) –
Fast delivery and the quality is legit.
Eric N. (verified owner) –
Bought this as part of a larger build project. glockautoswitches.com had the best price by a decent margin and shipping was fast. The BristolSxS itself is well-made — No wobble at all. Overall this is exactly what I needed. Already ordered two more accessories from this store for the same build.
Tyler B. (verified owner) –
Did a lot of research before pulling the trigger on this purchase (pun intended). Read reviews on 3 different sites, watched YouTube videos, and ultimately went with glockautoswitches.com because of the price and shipping speed. Not disappointed. Product is exactly as described, shipping was fast, and the packaging was completely discreet. Already eyeing a few more items in their Over/Under Shotguns section.
Ashley G. (verified owner) –
Got this for my Glock 17 build. Quality is solid, finish is clean, and it fit without any modification. Already planning my next order.
Alex D. (verified owner) –
Decent product for the price. Not the absolute best quality I’ve seen but it works well on my G19 Gen5. Would buy again if the price stays where it is.