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I know I tend to get wordy so will try to bullet point this.
What are the advantages to a break action over a pump or semi?
1. Break action guns are less expensive on single barrel models.
2. They are more straightforward to operate.
3. Generally they are shorter for the barrel length because the action is more compact.
4. They can be cleaned a little more easily since you can readily get to the breach.
5. A break action tipped open can clearly be seen to be unloaded or loaded.
What are the pros and cons to over/under compared to the side by side?
Advantages:
1. An O/U is normally narrower at the forend making it a bit better on handling.
2. The single narrow sight plane is a bit easier to get used to than a S by S.
3. New O/U are easier to come by and in a wider variety of brands and choices.
4. O/U's are typically mechanically cojoined barrels, where almost all older and many newer (what few there are) S by S are silver soldered to the ribs.
5. Manufacturers that build O/U's are generally building for the sporting group exclusively so price is a secondary consideration and fit, function and performance are first considerations.
6. O/U are usually easier to work on the action than S by S and single barrel break actions.
(since the layout is different the orientation inside is usually easier to get to)
Break action shotguns are hard to work on compared to pumps and auto loaders.
Not always but generally with 2 barrels the S by S will be a good bit lighter. (maybe 10 to 20%)
This can be a disadvantage or an advantage depending on what you're doing.
It would be hard to describe many cons for O/U's there are differences that help choices.
Aside from money, assuming everything else is the same, what (not why) do you want one for?
If I were hunting on foot all day and carrying for the unanticipated shot like quail or grouse which flush quick and might fly stright towards you before diverting like a helicopter, I would opt for a Side by Side. They swing a little quicker and are balanced back of center which makes them a little faster and easier to mount and carry.
If you are shooting trap and skeet or you are hunting waterfowl where you are making a more deliberate shot and have to really be on point with your follow through, then an over and under would be a better choice. The weight is a bit more to the front which makes mounting straight up to the shoulder a bit faster. That might seem a thin distinction between mounting before firing, but if you fire a hundred shells in a day the difference might show up the next day.
I have both types along with auto loaders and pump actions. If I had to choose just one type it would be the pump.
Specific questions?
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