Description
You know that feeling when you shoulder a shotgun and it just fits? No awkward shuffle, no squinting down the rib—it’s like shaking hands with an old friend. That’s the experience I had with the Dickinson Hunter O/U 12 Ga, 28″, 3″, Wood Stock, Black. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of target loads and some heavier 3″ stuff through it, and here’s the straight story on what this over/under brings to the field.
The Dickinson Hunter is a no-fuss, 12-gauge over/under shotgun built for the practical hunter and recreational shooter. It features a 28-inch barrel, handles 3-inch shells, and comes with a classic wood stock and a durable black finish. At $769.38, it’s a solid entry into the world of reliable double guns without the custom-shop price tag. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Let’s talk about what makes it work. The first thing you’ll notice is the balance. That 28-inch barrel length is a sweet spot—long enough for a smooth swing on crossing birds or clays, but not so long it feels unwieldy in a duck blind or a dense woods trail. The manual safety is positive and easy to find by feel, a detail I appreciate when wearing gloves. The single selective trigger is crisp, and the automatic ejectors are strong and consistent, which is a nice touch you don’t always get at this price. It’s a simple, robust action that feels confident.
The wood on the stock is functional and handsome, with a decent oil finish that feels good in the hand. It’s not fancy exhibition-grade walnut, but it’s straight-grained and sturdy, meant to be used. The black finish on the barrels and receiver is tough and resists the minor scratches and scuffs that come with honest field use. Weighing in at a manageable 7.5 pounds, it carries well all day without being so light it kicks like a mule. Here’s the thing—it’s a tool, not a jewel, and it’s built to perform like one.
I found the pointability to be instinctive. The dimensions are standard, so if you’re used to other popular field guns, you’ll adapt quickly. The chambers are chrome-lined for easier cleaning and corrosion resistance, a smart feature for a gun that might see wet weather. It comes with five interchangeable choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, plus two others), giving you the flexibility to go from close-cover grouse to pass-shooting geese. It’s compatible with standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style chokes, so finding aftermarket options is easy.
Specifications
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 28″ |
| Overall Length | 45.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 7.5 lbs |
| Stock | Wood |
| Chokes | 5 Interchangeable (IC, M, F included) |
Pros: Excellent value for a field-ready O/U. Reliable, simple mechanical operation with auto ejectors. Good weight and balance for all-day carry. Classic, durable finish. Uses common Mobil-style chokes.
Cons: The wood and finish are workmanlike, not luxurious. The action may feel a bit stiff initially but smooths with use. It’s a field gun, so don’t expect competition-grade scrollwork.
Who is this for? This is the shotgun for the hunter who wants the fast, reliable second shot of an over/under without a four-figure investment. It’s for the upland hunter chasing pheasant and quail, the waterfowler needing a dependable backup, or the shooter who wants a straightforward, durable gun for weekend sporting clays. If you’re looking to step up from a pump or autoloader to a double gun, this is a fantastic place to start. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases, but it fits out of the box with no gunsmithing required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What chokes does it use, and are they easy to find?
A: It comes with five choke tubes and uses the popular Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style thread pattern. This is a huge plus, as replacement and aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s or Trulock are widely available and affordable.
Q: Is this shotgun suitable for a beginner?
A: Absolutely. Its simple operation, manageable recoil with target loads, and classic pointability make it a great first over/under. The manual safety and single trigger keep things straightforward while you’re learning.
Q: How does it handle steel shot for waterfowl?
A: The barrels are steel-shot proofed, so you can safely use modern steel loads through the appropriate choke tubes (typically Improved Cylinder or Modified). Just avoid using full chokes with steel.
If you’ve been considering a dependable, classic over/under that won’t break the bank, the Dickinson Hunter deserves a close look. Check availability and see more details on our site.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.