Best 28-Gauge Shotguns of 2018

by
posted on October 1, 2018
best28-gaugeof2018_lead.jpg

A surprising number of shotgun manufacturers currently offer 28-gauge models—response to a renewed interest in hunting upland birds with the sub-gauge. You’ll notice semi-automatics, pumps and over/unders represented below, but there are also many side-by-sides such as the Barrett Sovereign Beltrami, CZ Sharp-Tail and Rizzini Round Body on the market.

Benelli Ultra Light
Benelli claims this is the world’s lightest semi-auto shotgun, and since it weighs right at 5 pounds in 28-gauge, we won’t argue. An aluminum-alloy receiver houses the company’s Inertia-Driven system. A short, two-round magazine tube and a carbon-fiber top rib on the 26-inch barrel also cut weight. MSRP: $1,799; benelliusa.com.

Browning BPS Field
Lefties who want to run a pump on the prairie will like the BPS Field’s bottom-eject action and tang-mounted safety. The forged steel receiver makes the BPS Field vault-door tough, but it also puts the gun on the heavy end of 28-gauge models at 7 pounds. Then again, felt recoil will be next to nothing. MSRP: $639.99; browning.com.

Franchi Instinct L
The action and fore-end of the Instinct L are exactly what they should be on a 28-gauge gun: trim, slim, nimble. Besides its color-casehardened receiver and A-grade walnut stock, this 6-pound wand of an over/under has an automatic safety with barrel selector, automatic ejectors and chrome-lined, 28-inch barrels. MSRP: $1,569; franchiusa.com.

Mossberg International SA-28
Manufactured in Turkey to Mossberg’s specifications, the SA-28 hits a sweet spot for looks, function and price. The gas-operated action and 26-inch barrel are dressed up with a glossy walnut stock and polished-blue metal finish. Plus, the SA-28 comes with five choke tubes. Two SA-28 Bantam youth models are also available. MSRP: $654; mossberg.com.

Stevens 555
If you’re looking for a 28-gauge over/under and don’t want to spend a grand, or even $700, the Stevens 555 is your gun. The only things you’ll give up are ejectors and an automatic safety. You’ll get a scaled aluminum receiver, mechanical trigger, chrome-lined barrels and an oil-finished Turkish walnut stock on a 5.1-pound gun. MSRP: $692; savagearms.com.

TriStar Viper G2 Silver
The bright, anodized-aluminum receiver gives the Silver its name. It also reduces the gun’s weight to less than 5.5 pounds with a 28-inch barrel. TriStar says it handpicks the Turkish walnut used for the stock on the Silver, and the gun comes with a shim kit for adjusting drop and cast. Here’s another example of a great value in 28-gauge form. MSRP: $689; tristararms.com.

Latest

Ledehenry SPD HUSH
Ledehenry SPD HUSH

Henry Repeating Arms Launches HUSH Series Optimized for Suppressor Use

Henry Repeating Arms has officially introduced the HUSH Series. This new line of suppressor-optimized lever-action rifle is the debut release from the company’s Special Products Division (SPD), a new R&D initiative focused on forward-thinking innovation.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Treestands

This latest Member's Hunt comes from Erin Prajzner of Glen Rock, Pa.

New for 2025: Zeiss SFL 50 Binocular

Zeiss has presented its all-new SFL 50 binocular, an extension of the company's SFL family of binocular. It combines the optical performance of a 50 mm binocular, with the size and weight category of competitors’ 42mm frame sizes.

New for 2025: Savage AC30 B.O.B. AccuCan Suppressor

Savage introduces the AC30 B.O.B. (Back Over Barrel) suppressor, a great option for those looking to enhance balance and reduce overall firearm length while shooting suppressed.

First Look: Barnes Harvest Collection Ammunition

Barnes has debuted its Harvest Collection line of ammunition, targeted squarely at American whitetail hunters. Topped with the venerable Sierra Tipped GameKing (TGK) bullet, Barnes Harvest Collection is designed for maximal lethality on thin-skinned game, combining near match-grade accuracy with impressive terminal performance.

First Look: BANISH 30-V2

New from Banish Suppressors, the Banish 30-V2 is an upgraded version of the company’s popular Banish 30 suppressor that is shorter, lighter, quieter and more versatile than ever.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.