Description
You know that feeling when you’re walking a cut soybean field in late October, the wind’s picking up, and you need a shotgun that’s just going to work? That’s the scenario I had in mind when I first shouldered the Impala Plus 12 Ga, 28″ Barrel, 3″, TruGlow FO Sight, Break Up Country, 5rd. It’s a purpose-built, no-nonsense pump-action shotgun designed for the waterfowler and upland hunter who values reliability and practical features over flashy gimmicks. I’ve put a few cases of target loads and a mix of heavy 3″ waterfowl shells through it, and here’s the straight story.
So, what is it? The Impala Plus is a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun with a 28-inch barrel, chambered for 3″ shells. It comes outfitted from the factory with a TruGlow fiber-optic front sight and wears the versatile “Break Up Country” camouflage pattern. With a 5-round total capacity, it’s a ready-to-hunt workhorse priced at $480.80.
Key Features & Hands-On Impressions
Let’s start with the barrel. That 28-inch length is the sweet spot for a 12-gauge field gun. It gives you a smooth, consistent swing for pass-shooting ducks or tracking a rooster pheasant through cover—long enough for stability but not so long it becomes a hassle in a blind or thick brush. The real win here is the factory-installed TruGlow fiber-optic front sight. In low-light conditions at dawn or in a shaded timber hole, that green dot gathers available light and provides a crisp, quick-to-acquire aiming point. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a tangible difference when the light fades, and it’s drop-in ready—no gunsmithing required, which is a huge plus.
The “Break Up Country” camo isn’t just for looks. It’s a effective, mid-tone pattern that breaks up your outline perfectly in a variety of Missouri environments—from standing corn to dry marsh grass. The finish is durable and the synthetic stock is tough, able to handle the knocks and scrapes of a real season. The pump action itself is smooth out of the box and only gets better with use. It cycled everything from light 2 3/4″ target loads to stout 3″ magnums without a hiccup. The 5-round capacity (4+1) is the standard for most migratory bird hunting and keeps the profile trim.
Here’s the thing—this isn’t a gun you’ll baby. It’s one you’ll grab knowing it’ll go from the truck to the field and back, season after season, without fuss. The controls are simple and intuitive, and the overall weight, around 7.5 pounds, strikes a good balance between being light enough to carry all day and heavy enough to soak up recoil from those heavier loads.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Sights | TruGlow Fiber Optic Front |
| Finish/Camo | Break Up Country |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds (5 Total) |
| Action | Pump |
Pros, Cons, and Who It’s For
Pros: The factory fiber-optic sight is a major value-add. The 28″ barrel is ideal for wingshooting. The Break Up Country camo is effective and durable. The pump action is proven and utterly reliable. It represents solid value for a feature-ready hunting shotgun.
Cons: As a dedicated hunting tool, it’s not tricked out for tactical use. The stock is a fixed synthetic design, so length-of-pull isn’t adjustable. Like all firearms, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases when shipping.
Who is this for? This is the perfect first serious waterfowl or turkey gun for a Missouri hunter, or a dependable backup/loaner for the seasoned shooter. It’s for the person who wants a camo-clad, hunt-ready shotgun straight off the rack without needing to add sights or spend a fortune. If your priority is a simple, effective tool for ducks, geese, turkeys, or upland birds, this Impala Plus model hits the mark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Impala Plus compatible with aftermarket chokes?
A: Yes, it uses a standard interchangeable choke tube system (typically Mobil or Invector-style). You can easily swap in tighter turkey chokes or specialized waterfowl chokes from brands like Carlson’s or Jebs to match your hunt.
Q: Can it handle steel shot for waterfowl hunting?
A: Absolutely. The barrel is steel-shot approved, making it fully compliant for waterfowl hunting across the US. Just be sure to use choke tubes rated for steel.
Q: Is the fiber-optic sight removable or adjustable?
A: The TruGlow sight is a fixed front post, not adjustable for windage or elevation. It’s designed as a simple, bright aiming reference. Its installation is permanent, but it’s precisely aligned at the factory for standard field loads.
If you’re looking for a straightforward, reliable shotgun to tackle Missouri’s waterfowl seasons or pheasant fields, the Impala Plus in this configuration is a compelling choice. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide to compliant states. See our product page for current availability and ordering details.
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