Description
The Mossberg Silver Reserve II Field Over/Under 28 Ga 2.75″ Chamber 28″ Blued Barrel Silver Receiver Black Walnut Stock is a classic, lightweight over/under shotgun designed for upland game hunting. It’s a reliable entry into the world of side-by-side shooting, offering traditional aesthetics and handling at an accessible price point of $648.21. I’ve put a few hundred target and field loads through this model, and it’s a solid choice for the hunter who wants a dedicated, nimble gun without breaking the bank.
Key Features
- 28 Gauge Chambering: Delivers a lighter, faster-swinging experience with less recoil than a 12 or 20 gauge, perfect for doves, quail, and squirrels.
- Silver Engraved Receiver: Provides a classic, eye-catching look that stands out from standard blued finishes.
- 28″ Blued Barrels: Offers a balanced swing and a clean, traditional profile that handles smoothly in the field.
- Black Walnut Stock: Features a handsome, durable wood stock with a satin finish that fits out of the box for most average-sized shooters.
- Single Selective Trigger & Automatic Safety: Standard, user-friendly controls for safe, intuitive operation in the field.
Specifications & Details
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 28 Gauge |
| Chamber | 2.75″ |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Barrel Finish | Blued |
| Receiver Finish | Silver Engraved |
| Stock Material | Black Walnut |
Weighing in at a feathery 6.5 pounds, this shotgun is a dream to carry all day. The 28-inch barrels give you a nice long sight plane without being unwieldy in a blind or while walking brush. The overall length sits right around 45 inches, which is a sweet spot for a field gun. Here’s the thing—while it’s built for 2.75-inch shells, modern 28-gauge ammunition from brands like Federal and Fiocchi offers plenty of effective payloads for game birds and clays. The chrome-lined chambers are a nice touch for easier cleaning and corrosion resistance, a detail you appreciate after a damp morning in the field.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the ideal gun for the Missouri upland hunter who values a light carry and fast handling. It’s for the shooter who might already own a 12-gauge for waterfowl or turkey but wants a dedicated, gentleman’s gun for dove fields or quail covers. It’s also a fantastic option for a younger or smaller-framed shooter looking to step up from a .410, offering more versatility without punishing recoil. If you appreciate the tradition of an over/under but have been priced out of the European brands, the Silver Reserve II is your gateway.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The weight and balance are its biggest selling points—it points naturally and won’t wear you out. The classic silver-and-walnut aesthetics are simply handsome. At this price, it brings over/under ownership into reach for many. It’s a simple, reliable design with no frills to go wrong.
Cons: As an entry-level O/U, the action won’t be as silky-smooth as a gun costing three times as much out of the box. It may require a break-in period. The 28-gauge, while a joy to shoot, means ammunition is more expensive and less ubiquitous than 12 or 20 gauge. You’ll want to plan your purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this shotgun shoot steel shot for waterfowl?
A: I wouldn’t recommend it. The 28-gauge is primarily an upland and small game cartridge, and most field models like this are not proofed for high-pressure steel shot loads. Stick to lead or approved non-toxic alternatives like bismuth for specific applications, and always check your barrel markings and manual.
Q: Is the chokes system compatible with other brands?
A: Yes, it uses a common and versatile choke tube system. The barrels are threaded for Mobil-style choke tubes, which means you have a wide range of aftermarket options from brands like Carlson’s and Trulock to tailor your pattern.
Q: Is this a good gun for a beginner?
A: For a beginner specifically interested in upland hunting or sporting clays, yes. The light recoil and simple operation are great. However, the ammunition cost and scarcity compared to 20-gauge might be a practical hurdle for pure, high-volume practice. It’s a specialist’s tool that a beginner could grow into beautifully.
Look, if you’ve been wanting a classic over/under that feels alive in your hands on a crisp fall morning, the Mossberg Silver Reserve II in 28-gauge deserves a hard look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. See if its balance speaks to you.
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