Description
Let me paint a picture for you. It’s a crisp Missouri morning, the sun’s just breaking through the trees, and you’re walking a field edge for early-season doves. You need a shotgun that’s light, fast, and points like an extension of your arm—something that won’t wear you out by 10 AM but has the elegance to make the hunt feel special. That’s the exact scenario where the CZ Redhead Premier 28 Ga, 28″, Turkish Walnut, Silver Satin Chrome shines. I’ve put a few flats of shells through this model, and it’s the kind of over-under that makes you want to find reasons to use it.
Here’s your answer capsule: The CZ Redhead Premier 28 Gauge is a 28-inch barreled over-under shotgun built on a scaled, lightweight frame. It features a silver satin chrome finish on the receiver with intricate scroll engraving and a select Turkish walnut stock. Designed for upland hunting and clays, it offers a classic, balanced feel with modern reliability at a price point of $822.40.
The first thing you’ll notice is how it comes up. Weighing in at a hair under 6.5 pounds, it’s effortless to carry and quick to mount. That scaled 28-gauge frame is the real secret—it’s not just a chopped-down 20-gauge. This gives it the proper proportions and balance that dedicated small-gauge shooters crave. The 28-inch barrels, with fixed chokes (Improved Cylinder and Modified), are a perfect all-around length for the gauge, providing a smooth swing without feeling whippy.
Then there’s the wood and metal. The Turkish walnut stock has a satin finish that shows off decent figure—it’s not exhibition-grade, but it’s far above what you often see in this price bracket. The silver satin chrome receiver is clean and crisp, with laser-etched scrollwork that adds a touch of class without being flashy. It’s a handsome gun that looks like it costs several hundred dollars more. The single selective trigger and automatic ejectors worked flawlessly in my testing; it’s a gun that’s drop-in ready for the field or the clays range right out of the case.
Mechanically, it’s built on a boxlock action with a Greener-style crossbolt for solid lockup. The safety is manual, which I prefer for hunting, and it’s conveniently located for your thumb. The gun points intuitively, and that light weight makes it a dream for long walks in the grouse woods or chasing quail. At $822.40, it sits in a sweet spot between budget Turkish imports and high-end Italian artistry, offering proven performance without the heart-stopping price tag. This model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
| Gauge | 28 |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 28 inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 45.5 inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.4 lbs |
| Chokes | Fixed IC & Mod |
| Stock | Turkish Walnut |
| Receiver Finish | Silver Satin Chrome |
Pros & Cons
The pros are clear: outstanding value for the finish level, a perfectly scaled and balanced frame that makes the 28-gauge a joy to shoot, and reliable CZ mechanics. It’s a lightweight companion for upland hunters. The cons? The fixed chokes might limit some clay shooters who want more versatility—though for most hunting, IC/Mod is ideal. Some may wish for a more elaborate wood grade, but that would push the price up. That said, for a hunting tool that will see real use, the wood is plenty nice.
Who is this for? This is the ideal gun for the upland hunter who appreciates tradition but is pragmatic about budget. It’s for the shooter who wants to step into the refined world of small-gauge shooting without a massive investment. It’s also a fantastic option for a younger or smaller-framed shooter looking for a lightweight, low-recoil over-under that isn’t a “youth model” in disguise. If you’re used to pumps or autos and want to try an over-under, this is a very sensible place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the chokes really fixed? Can they be changed?
A: Yes, this specific model comes with fixed Improved Cylinder and Modified chokes. They are not interchangeable. If you need multi-choke versatility, look at the CZ Redhead Premier Target models, but for most upland hunting scenarios, this fixed pair is highly effective.
Q: Is the 28-gauge practical, or is it just a novelty?
A: It’s utterly practical within its range. With modern ammunition, a 28-gauge is highly effective on doves, quail, woodcock, and grouse inside 35 yards. It offers less shot payload and recoil than a 20-gauge, making it a superb choice for a full day in the field where shot opportunities are plentiful.
Q: How does it compare to a Browning or Beretta?
A: You’re comparing a well-made value-oriented gun to established premium brands. The CZ won’t have the same long-term track record or resale value as a Citori or a Silver Pigeon, but it delivers about 80-90% of the shooting experience for less than half the price. For many hunters, that’s an excellent trade-off.
If the idea of a lightweight, elegant over-under for those long days afield speaks to you, the CZ Redhead Premier 28-gauge deserves a close look. Check its availability on our site.
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