#347 | Understanding Vintage Side-by-Sides: Fit, Function & Field Performance with Doug Stewart

Birdshot Podcast

Nick Larson

Leisure, Science, Sports, Nature, Hobbies, Wilderness

4.8 • 971 Ratings

🗓️ 20 February 2026

⏱️ 73 minutes

🔗️ Recording | Apple Podcasts | RSS

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Summary

In this episode of The Birdshot Podcast, Nick Larson sits down with Doug Stewart, an avid upland bird hunter, author, and expert on traditional side-by-side shotguns. Doug shares his deep passion for bird hunting, the stories behind his favorite guns, and offers plenty of advice for anyone interested in the world of vintage shotguns. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting to explore, Doug’s wealth of knowledge will leave you inspired and eager to get out in the field. Doug is the author of two books about traditional side-by-side shotguns: The Traditional Side-by-Side and its sequel. With decades of experience under his belt, he offers a unique perspective on the craftsmanship, history, and performance of these iconic firearms. Expect to Learn: The stories behind Doug's hunting adventures and his approach to the sport. Why side-by-sides are more than just guns – they’re part of a tradition. How to choose the right side-by-side shotgun for your hunting style. Doug’s personal tips on hunting gear and the joy of being out in the field. Episode Breakdown with Timestamps [00:00:00] - Welcome & Introduction [00:01:02] - Chasing Birds in Colorado, Nebraska & New Mexico [00:05:57] - The Grouse Camp Tradition [00:10:13] - How Doug’s Wife Became an Upland Hunter [00:12:11] - Doug's TV Habits: True Crime and History [00:13:07] - Hunting with Vintage Guns [00:19:57] - Barrel Length and Gun Fit [00:28:14] - The Importance of Gun Balance in the Field [00:31:13] - Sporting Clays vs Upland Bird Guns [00:40:21] - Vintage Shotguns: What to Look For [00:51:15] - Starting Out with Side-by-Sides [01:07:57] - Doug's Upcoming Book: What's Next? [01:12:11] - The Joy of the Hunt Follow The Guest, Doug Stewart: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dougstewartauthor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doug_stewart_author Website: https://www.dougstewartauthor.com/ The Book: https://www.dougstewartauthor.com/the-book The Book Part II: https://www.dougstewartauthor.com/the-book-part-ii Follow the Host Nick: Instagram: @birdshot.podcast Website: www.birdshotpodcast.com Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/17EVUDJPwR2iJggzhLYil7 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/birdshot-podcast/id1288308609 YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@birdshot.podcast SUPPORT | http://www.patreon.com/birdshot Use Promo Code | BSP20 to save 20% on https://www.onxmaps.com/hunt/app Use Promo Code | BS10 to save 10% on https://trulockchokes.com/ The Birdshot Podcast is Presented By: https://www.onxmaps.com/

Transcript

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0:00.0	Good, Amy.
0:10.7	Come here, sweetie. That's a big bird.
0:31.2	Wow.
0:34.1	Hey everyone. Nick Larson here, host of the Birdshot podcast, the show that brings you conversations, stories, and traditions from all across the uplands.
0:42.6	The Birdshot podcast is presented by Onyx Hunt and supported by folks just like you via our Patreon and community.
0:48.7	If you want to stay up to date and not miss any of our upcoming episodes, be sure to subscribe and follow the show in your podcast player or on YouTube wherever you're listening you're watching today tap
0:57.2	that button for me thank you for doing so and with that said let's get into
1:00.5	today's conversation on the Birdshot podcast presented by Onex Hunt.
1:32.4	Today I am excited to be joined once again by one of our favorite guests when the subject matter turns to side-by-side shotguns.
1:41.4	That would be avid upland bird hunter and author of the traditional side-by-side parts. That would be avid upland birdhunter and author of the traditional side-by-side
1:46.3	part one and two, Doug Stewart. Welcome back to the show, buddy. Well, I'm glad to be back.
1:52.2	And we are definitely glad to have you back. We're going to talk side-by-side shotguns today,
1:57.5	of course, as well as bird hunting, bird dogs and anything else that
2:02.2	that might come across our minds this morning. But it's great to have you on the show.
2:07.0	It is early, well, gosh, we're getting closer to mid-January at this point when you and I are
2:12.6	chatting, which is hard to believe, really. I have, the sun has officially set on roughed grouse season here, whether or not I'm
2:21.4	officially done is still TBD.
2:24.7	But how about out your way?
2:26.6	You're in Colorado, right?
2:28.0	Yes.
2:28.4	And the seasons run through the end of January for at least like pheasant and quail.
2:34.8	Okay.
	...

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