Description
I remember the first time I shouldered a 28-gauge over/under. It was light, fast, and pointed like a dream. I’ve put a few hundred rounds through various models since, and I’ll tell you—if you’re looking for a classic upland or clays gun that won’t punish your shoulder or your wallet, this one deserves a hard look. The ATI Cavalry Over/Under 28 Ga 26″ 3″ Turkish Walnut Stock Aluminum All is a Turkish-made, side-by-side-barreled shotgun that blends traditional aesthetics with modern manufacturing for a surprisingly affordable price point. It’s a field-ready shotgun designed for the hunter who appreciates a lightweight, responsive platform for birds like quail, dove, and pheasant over a pointing dog.
Here’s the thing—you get a lot of gun for your money here. The 28-gauge chambered in 3-inch shells gives you versatile payload options, from light ¾-ounce target loads to heavier 1-ounce hunting loads, making it capable for everything from sporting clays to early-season grouse. The 26-inch barrels are a sweet spot for this gauge, offering a quick swing without feeling whippy. I found the balance point right at the hinge, which makes for intuitive handling in the field. The Turkish walnut stock has a decent, straight-grained finish with a satin oil feel—it’s not exhibition-grade, but it’s handsome and functional, showing this is a tool meant to be carried, not cased. At a total weight hovering around 6 pounds, you can carry this all day without fatigue. The aluminum alloy receiver keeps that weight down and provides a clean canvas for the tasteful scroll engraving. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states, ready for your local FFL.
Key Features & Handling
Picking it up, the first thing you notice is how it fits. The pistol grip and forearm have a clean, classic profile that fits most shooters well right out of the box—no gunsmithing required to get a good mount. The single selective trigger is a crisp, mechanical type, and the manual safety is tang-mounted, right where your thumb naturally falls. That’s a feature you often see on guns costing twice as much. The ejectors are selective, too, which is a nice touch for a field gun; spent shells get a positive kick, while unfired rounds are lifted gently for easy removal.
I’ve found guns in this price range can sometimes have stiff actions or rough finishes. The Cavalry’s action was tight, as expected for a new gun, but it broke in smoothly after a few dozen open-and-close cycles. The bluing on the barrels is even and deep, a good sign of proper finishing. The 28-gauge is inherently a low-recoil cartridge, but the gun’s design—with that slight drop at the comb and a decent rubber recoil pad—manages what little push there is very effectively. You can shoot this all afternoon and still feel fresh. For optics, it’s drilled and tapped, ready for a simple Picatinny rail mount if you wanted to add a red dot for turkey hunting, though it’s pure poetry with just the bead sight.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 28 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 42.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6 lbs |
| Stock | Turkish Walnut |
| Receiver | Aluminum Alloy, Engraved |
| Trigger | Single Selective Mechanical |
Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For
The Good: Exceptional value for a true over/under. The 28-gauge is a joy to shoot—soft recoil, cheap(er) ammo than 20-gauge, and deadly on game. The fit and finish punch above the $444.52 price tag. The Turkish walnut and engraved receiver give it a classic look that belies its cost. It’s lightweight and points naturally.
The Considerations: The action will be stiff when new—that’s normal and it wears in. As with any imported firearm, support and parts are handled through the importer (ATI), not a direct factory. The 28-gauge, while growing in popularity, doesn’t have the ammo shelf space of a 12 or 20 at every big-box store, so plan your purchases.
This gun is ideal for the Missouri upland hunter, the new shooter looking for a gentle introduction to shotgunning, or the seasoned shooter who wants a dedicated 28-gauge for clays or without the premium price of a big-name brand. It’s a fantastic “first over/under” or a “specialty gauge” gun that doesn’t require a second mortgage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 28-gauge enough for pheasant or turkey?
A: Absolutely. With modern 3-inch shells carrying 1 oz to 1 1/8 oz of shot, the 28-gauge is a potent and efficient field load for pheasant within reasonable ranges. For turkey, using specialized TSS loads makes it incredibly effective. It’s all about proper shot placement and load selection.
Q: What chokes does it come with?
A: It typically includes a set of interchangeable choke tubes (often Improved Cylinder and Modified), giving you flexibility for both close-in flushing birds and longer shots on the sporting clays course. Always check the specific contents at purchase.
Q: How does this compare to a Stoeger or CZ over/under?
A: It’s in the same competitive tier. All are quality Turkish-made guns. The choice often comes down to specific features, aesthetics, and feel. The Cavalry’ specific combination of 28-gauge, aluminum receiver, and walnut at this price is its standout offering. Handling them side-by-side is the best test.
If the idea of a lightweight, classic-styled over/under that’s easy on the shoulder and the bank account speaks to you, the ATI Cavalry in 28-gauge is a compelling option. See if it’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.