CZ Bobwhite G2 SBS 28 Ga Shotgun Review

Description

I was walking a cut soybean field last October, the kind of day where the air is crisp and the doves are flying like they’ve got somewhere to be. I had my CZ Bobwhite G2 SBS 28 Ga, 28″ Barrel, 3″, Black Chrome, 2rd with me, and it reminded me why I love a good side-by-side. It’s a no-nonsense, classic-styled shotgun built for the field, not the safe queen. Here’s what I think after putting a few boxes of shells through it.

The CZ Bobwhite G2 SBS is a 28-gauge side-by-side shotgun with 28-inch barrels, 3-inch chambers, a durable black chrome finish, and a two-round capacity. It’s a modern iteration of a timeless design, offering a lightweight, fast-handling upland gun that’s ready for grouse, quail, or a casual round of sporting clays. At $645.77, it delivers classic aesthetics and reliable performance without a custom shop price tag.

Let’s talk about how it handles. The first thing you’ll notice is the balance. With those 28-inch barrels, the weight sits right between your hands, making it incredibly quick to mount and swing. It points naturally—almost like an extension of your intention. The 28-gauge chambering is a sweet spot for many upland hunters. It has noticeably less recoil than a 20-gauge, making for a more pleasant day afield, yet it still carries enough payload for clean kills at reasonable ranges. I’ve found it pairs perfectly with a good upland vest and a steady dog.

The black chrome finish isn’t just for looks. I’ve brushed through more than my share of Missouri hedge rows, and this finish holds up. It provides a solid layer of corrosion resistance that’s a step above basic bluing, which matters when you’re dealing with morning dew or a sudden drizzle. The Turkish walnut stock has a straight-grip and a classic splinter fore-end, which just feels right in the hand. The checkering is clean and provides a secure grip, even with gloves on. It’s a handsome gun that doesn’t scream for attention.

Here’s the thing—CZ has a reputation for building solid, functional firearms at accessible price points, and the Bobwhite G2 is a prime example. The internal hammers are cocked when you open the action, a feature some purists prefer. The single selective trigger is a welcome modern touch, and the automatic safety engages when you open the break-action. It’s a simple, robust system. The gun weighs in at a very manageable 6.3 pounds, which is a key data point for anyone planning long walks in the hills. That lightness is a huge part of its appeal.

Specifications

Gauge	28 Gauge
Chamber	3″
Barrel Length	28 Inches
Overall Length	Approx. 45 Inches
Weight	6.3 lbs
Finish	Black Chrome
Capacity	2 Rounds
Stock	Turkish Walnut

Pros: Excellent, fast-handling balance. The 28-gauge is a low-recoil pleasure to shoot. The black chrome finish is durable and attractive. It offers classic side-by-side aesthetics at a very fair price point. It’s lightweight for all-day carry.

Cons: The two-round capacity demands more deliberate shooting. It’s not a waterfowl or turkey gun. The splinter fore-end can get hot with rapid fire. Like all break-actions, reloading is slower than a pump or semi-auto.

So who is this gun for? It’s for the upland hunter who values tradition and handling over firepower. It’s for the shooter who wants to step away from the plastic and alloy of modern guns and connect with a more classic form. It’s also a fantastic first side-by-side for someone curious about the platform, or a great dedicated small-game gun. If you primarily hunt doves over a field or need a versatile 3-gun, this isn’t it. But for a walk in the woods after grouse or woodcock? It’s nearly perfect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the 28-gauge enough gun for pheasant?

A: In the right hands and at reasonable ranges, absolutely. I’d use it in early season over a good dog where shots are closer. For late-season roosters in heavy cover, many hunters prefer the extra pellet count of a 20 or 12. It’s all about shot placement and knowing your limits.

Q: Does it come with choke tubes?

A: Yes, it includes five CZ-style choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full). This gives you great versatility for different game and shooting situations. They install easily—no gunsmithing required.

Q: Can I use 2 3/4″ shells in the 3″ chamber?

A: You can. The 3-inch chamber simply means it can safely fire shells up to that length. Firing standard 2 3/4″ target or field loads is completely fine and is what you’ll likely use most of the time.

Look, if you’ve been eyeing a classic side-by-side for upland hunting or casual clay shooting, the CZ Bobwhite G2 in 28-gauge deserves a long look. It’s a functional, well-made piece that brings a lot of joy to the field. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases. See if it’s the right fit for your next hunt.