Dickinson Impala Plus 12 Ga 28″ Wood Shotgun Review

Description

I’ve been on the hunt for a reliable, no-fuss over-under that doesn’t break the bank but still feels solid in the hands. You know, something you can take to the clay range all weekend or carry through a Missouri field without a second thought. That’s the niche the Dickinson Impala Plus 12 Ga, 28″ Barrel, Wood fills perfectly. It’s a workhorse shotgun built for real use, not just sitting in a safe. Let me tell you why this one’s been on my radar.

The Dickinson Impala Plus is a Turkish-made over-under shotgun chambered in 12 gauge, featuring a 28-inch barrel set, a classic walnut stock, and a single selective mechanical trigger. It’s designed as an affordable, reliable entry into the world of break-action shotguns for hunting and sport shooting, offering solid construction without a premium price tag. At $720.97, it sits in a sweet spot where you’re getting genuine wood and steel, not plastic and promises. I’ve put a few hundred target loads through one, and the action smoothed out nicely after the first box. Here’s the thing—it’s a simple, effective tool that gets the job done.

The first thing you’ll notice is the fit. The walnut stock has a decent, hand-filling finish for the price point. It’s not exhibition-grade, but it’s got character and a solid oil finish that feels right. The 28-inch barrels are chrome-lined, which is a nice touch for longevity and easier cleaning, especially with steel shot. The balance point is right at the hinge pin, making it swing smoothly and predictably on crossing clays or flushing birds. Weighing in at about 7.5 pounds, it’s heavy enough to soak up recoil but not so heavy you’ll tire carrying it.

Operation is straightforward. The top lever is positive, and the break action is crisp. It uses a boxlock action with a single selective mechanical trigger—you choose which barrel fires first with a small, manual selector. This system is simple and proven. I appreciate that it’s drop-in ready for standard 12-gauge shells right out of the box, with 3″ chambers to handle everything from light target loads to heavier waterfowl rounds. The extractors are automatic and positive, lifting spent shells clear for easy removal. It’s compatible with a wide range of standard chokes; the set typically includes Modified and Improved Cylinder tubes, which cover a lot of ground for a beginner or intermediate shooter.

Here are the key specifications laid out clearly:

Gauge	12 Gauge (3″ Chambers)
Barrel Length	28 Inches
Overall Length	Approx. 45.5 Inches
Weight	Approx. 7.5 lbs
Action	Over-Under, Boxlock
Trigger	Single Selective Mechanical
Stock	Walnut

Let’s talk pros and cons. On the plus side, you get a lot of gun for the money: real wood, chrome-lined barrels, a mechanical trigger, and a classic, functional design. The balance and swing are good for the category. The cons? Fit and finish won’t match a gun costing three times as much. The engraving is basic, and the wood-to-metal fit might have a slight variance. The trigger can be a bit heavy out of the box, but it does wear in. It’s a value-driven import, not a bespoke heirloom, and it’s judged correctly on those terms.

So who is this for? It’s an ideal first over-under for a Missouri hunter getting into upland birds or waterfowl. It’s a great dedicated clays gun for someone who shoots a few times a month and wants a reliable step up from a pump or semi-auto. It’s also a solid choice for a landowner or farmer who needs a durable, simple shotgun for various tasks. If you’re a seasoned competitor shooting thousands of rounds a year, you’ll likely want more features. But for the vast majority of shooters, this hits the mark. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases, and this model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What chokes does it use, and are they included?

A: The Dickinson Impala Plus typically uses a standard, common choke thread pattern—often compatible with brands like Carlson’s or Briley for aftermarket tubes. It usually comes from the factory with a set of two or three flush-mounted chokes, commonly including Modified and Improved Cylinder. Always confirm the exact thread pattern with your retailer when ordering.

Q: Is the Dickinson Impala Plus suitable for steel shot?

A: Yes. The chrome-lined barrels are rated for steel shot, making this a viable option for waterfowl hunting where non-toxic shot is required. Just be sure to use chokes that are also explicitly rated for steel shot use.

Q: How does it compare to a Stoeger Condor or a CZ Over/Under?

A: It’s in a similar class as the Stoeger Condor—both are value-focused, Turkish-made O/Us. The Dickinson often gets nods for slightly better wood and finish details. Compared to a CZ (like the Drake or Redhead Premier), the CZs often have a slight edge in fit and finish and may use different internal mechanisms, but they also command a higher price. The Impala Plus is a strong contender in its specific price bracket.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, dependable over-under that brings classic styling and modern functionality to the field without an intimidating price, the Dickinson Impala Plus deserves a close look. Check availability and see if it fits your needs.