Description
I was hunkered down in a Missouri bottomland blind last season, the sun just starting to bleed through the timber, when a flock of mallards made their first tentative pass. That moment—when your gear needs to be an extension of your instinct—is exactly where the Impala Plus 12 Ga, 28″ Barrel, 3″, TruGlow, Realtree Max 5, 5rd is built to live. It’s a purpose-driven, no-fuss hunting shotgun designed for waterfowl and turkey hunters who need reliable performance without breaking the bank. With its long barrel, effective camo, and simple sighting system, it gets you in the field and on target.
Look, I’ve put a few cases of target loads and a solid mix of 3-inch steel and heavy turkey loads through this platform. The 28-inch barrel isn’t just for looks—it gives you that smooth, consistent swing for pass-shooting ducks or tracking a tom in open timber. The balance point feels natural right at the forend, which makes a full day of carrying it less of a chore. At just under 7.5 pounds unloaded, it’s light enough for long stalks but has enough heft to soak up recoil from those magnum loads. Here’s the thing—this isn’t a safe queen. It’s a tool, and it’s built like one.
Key Features That Matter in the Field
The TruGlow front bead is a small detail that makes a big difference when the light gets low. It’s not a complex rib system, but it’s a bright, crisp point of reference that picks up what little light is available at dawn or dusk. Paired with the Realtree Max-5 camo pattern, you’ve got a shotgun that disappears in a wide variety of Missouri habitats—from corn stubble to flooded timber. The pattern is printed directly onto the synthetic stock and forend, so it’s durable and fits out of the box with your typical waterfowl gear.
Durability is key. The synthetic stock can take the knocks, the moisture, and the mud that defines a real hunting season. The 3-inch chamber gives you the versatility to run everything from light 2¾-inch target loads up to the heavier 3-inch magnums for geese or turkeys. The five-round total capacity (4+1) is the sweet spot for most hunting regulations and practical carry. Speaking of practical, the simple, clean action is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket chokes using the standard Invector-style thread pattern, so you can tune your pattern for ducks, tight turkey shots, or clays.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 28″ |
| Overall Length | Approx. 48.5″ |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds |
| Finish/Camo | Realtree Max-5 |
| Sights | TruGlow Front Bead |
| Weight | Approx. 7.4 lbs |
The Straight Talk: Pros & Cons
Pros: The value is undeniable for a dedicated hunting gun. The $485.12 price point is accessible. The long barrel provides a clean swing and improved shot patterning. The camo is effective and durable. It’s a lightweight, reliable workhorse that won’t make you nervous when it gets banged around in the boat or ATV rack.
Cons: It’s a hunting gun, plain and simple. The action is functional but won’t be as silky-smooth as a shotgun costing three times as much. The synthetic stock, while tough, doesn’t have the adjustable features of higher-end models. If you’re looking for a dedicated competition or tactical shotgun, this isn’t it.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the ideal first serious hunting shotgun for a new waterfowler or turkey hunter. It’s also a perfect “backup and bad-weather” gun for the seasoned hunter who wants a dependable, camo-clad tool they don’t have to baby. If your priority is field performance over fancy engraving and you appreciate a design that focuses on the fundamentals, the Impala Plus deserves a long look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, following all applicable laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Impala Plus a pump-action or semi-automatic shotgun?
A: The Impala Plus is a pump-action shotgun. This design is renowned for its extreme reliability in all weather conditions, from freezing blinds to dusty fields, with minimal maintenance.
Q: What chokes does it come with, and are they interchangeable?
A: It typically comes with a modified choke tube installed. It uses a standard, common choke thread pattern (often Invector-style), making it easy to find aftermarket tubes for turkey, waterfowl, or skeet shooting from brands like Carlson’s or Patternmaster.
Q: Is it ready to hunt right away?
A: Yes, it is sold as a complete, ready-to-hunt package. You will need to complete the necessary FFL transfer required for firearm purchases, add your chosen ammunition, and pattern it with your selected choke and load at the range. Then it’s field-ready.
If you need a straightforward, capable shotgun that’s built for the realities of a Missouri hunting season, the Impala Plus is waiting. Check the full details on our site.
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