Description
I remember the first time I shouldered a classic side-by-side. There was a heft, a balance, a directness that felt like a handshake with history. Modern shotguns are fantastic, but sometimes you want that pure, uncluttered connection. That’s the feeling the Stoeger Uplander Supreme 12 Ga, 26″ Barrel, 3″ Chamber, AA Grade Walnut delivers. It’s a back-to-basics workhorse that reminds you why the double-barrel design has endured for centuries.
The Stoeger Uplander Supreme is a boxlock side-by-side shotgun chambered in 12-gauge. It features a 26-inch barrel, 3-inch chambers for versatile shell selection, and is built on a reliable, durable action. The standout is its AA-grade Turkish walnut stock, offering classic aesthetics at a practical price point of $412.46.
Let’s talk about what you’re actually getting for your money. This isn’t a safe queen meant for admiring; it’s a field gun. I’ve put a mix of light target loads and heavier 2 3/4″ field loads through one, and the action smoothed out nicely after the initial break-in. The 26-inch barrel length is a sweet spot—maneuverable in a duck blind or walking for upland birds, but still providing a smooth, consistent swing. At just over 7 pounds, it carries all day without feeling whippy or insubstantial.
The heart of any double gun is its lockup. The Uplander Supreme uses a robust boxlock action with a single selective trigger and automatic ejectors. That means after you fire, the spent shells are positively kicked out, ready for the next two. The selector is a simple sliding button on the tang. It’s intuitive. The gun points naturally, and the walnut has a decent oil finish that feels good in the hand, not plasticky. Here’s the thing—it fits out of the box for a lot of average-sized shooters, but as with any shotgun, you’ll want to check the length of pull and drop to ensure it mounts correctly for you.
Where does this gun really shine? It’s for the hunter who appreciates tradition without a five-figure price tag. It’s for the Missouri landowner who needs a dependable tool for occasional pest control or harvesting a turkey. The 3-inch chamber capability means you can run everything from light target loads to heavier waterfowl or turkey shells, giving you real versatility. The chrome-lined barrels aid in corrosion resistance and cleaning, a practical touch for a gun that might see damp mornings in a goose pit.
Is it perfect? No gun is. The triggers can be a bit heavy from the factory, though they’re serviceable. The checkering is machine-cut and functional, not exhibition-grade. But you’re not paying for exhibition-grade. You’re paying for a solid, no-nonsense side-by-side that works. It’s compatible with a wide range of standard 12-gauge ammunition from brands like Federal, Winchester, and Remington, and its classic lines look right at home next to a more modern semi-auto like a Beretta A300—another brand under the Benelli/Stoeger umbrella, by the way.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | 42.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7.3 lbs |
| Stock | AA Grade Turkish Walnut |
| Action | Boxlock Side-by-Side |
| Trigger | Single Selective |
| Ejectors | Automatic |
Pros: Exceptional value for a walnut-stocked double. Simple, proven, and reliable mechanical design. The 26″ barrel offers great handling. Automatic ejectors are a nice touch at this price. Versatile 3″ chamber. Looks far more expensive than it is.
Cons: Triggers are utilitarian, not match-grade. Fit and finish are good for the price, not exceptional. May require a slight break-in period for slickest operation. As with all firearms, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases.
So who is this for? It’s for the shooter who wants a classic double-gun experience without the classic double-gun investment. It’s for the hunter who values simplicity and reliability over high-capacity and tactical rails. It’s an ideal first side-by-side or a durable, handsome backup gun that you won’t mind getting a little scratched in the field. This is a tool with soul, available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does it have choke tubes?
A: Yes. The Stoeger Uplander Supreme comes with a set of interchangeable choke tubes (typically Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), giving you flexibility for different types of shooting, from skeet to turkey.
Q: Is the single trigger selective?
A: It is. There’s a small sliding selector on the top tang, just behind the hammers. You can choose to fire the right or left barrel first, which is useful for patterning different chokes or loads in a specific order.
Q: How does it handle steel shot for waterfowl?
A: With the appropriate choke tube (typically Modified or Improved Cylinder are safe for steel), it handles steel shot without issue. Always consult your manual for choke tube restrictions regarding non-lead shot types like steel, Hevi-Shot, or Bismuth.
If the idea of a straightforward, handsome, and capable side-by-side speaks to you, the Stoeger Uplander Supreme is worth a close look. See the full details on our site.
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