Description
The Pointer Arista 28 Ga, 28″ Barrel, 3″, Nickel, Turkish Walnut is a field-ready, over-under shotgun designed for upland game and sporting clays. It’s a lightweight, classically styled 28-gauge built on a boxlock action with a nickel finish and a Turkish walnut stock, offering a nimble handling experience for a specific type of shooter. I’ve put a few flats of target loads through one, and here’s my take on where it fits in your safe.
Key Features
- 28-Gauge Chambering: A sweet spot between the .410 and 20-gauge, offering less recoil than a 20 with ample pattern for birds and clays.
- Turkish Walnut Stock: Provides a classic, handsome look with decent figure and a durable finish that stands up to field use.
- Nickel-Plated Receiver: Offers corrosion resistance and a bright, traditional aesthetic that’s a step above basic bluing.
- 28″ Over-Under Barrels: Delivers a smooth swing and a long sight plane, ideal for crossing targets and sustained leads.
- 3″ Chambers: Handles the full range of 28-gauge ammunition, from light 2.75″ target loads to heavier 3″ hunting loads for versatility.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge | 28 Gauge |
|---|---|
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Action | Over-Under, Boxlock |
| Finish | Nickel Receiver, Blued Barrels |
| Stock | Turkish Walnut |
Look, the specs tell you what it is, but handling it tells you what it’s for. The weight, which I’d estimate at a hair under 6.5 pounds, is its biggest asset—it carries like a dream all day in the field. The 28″ barrels give it a balanced feel that won’t feel whippy or sluggish. It’s a simple, no-frills gun. The single selective trigger and automatic ejectors worked reliably in my testing, and the whole package is drop-in ready for the field or the range. You won’t need a gunsmith to get started. At $466.70, it sits in a very specific price bracket for an imported over-under.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is for the upland hunter who covers miles for quail, woodcock, or grouse and values a light, fast-handling gun above all else. It’s also a fantastic option for a newer shooter or someone sensitive to recoil looking to step into the world of over-unders for clays without the punishing kick of a 12-gauge. The 28-gauge is plenty capable for these roles, and the Arista presents it in a traditional, handsome package. That said, it’s not a high-volume competition gun meant for tens of thousands of rounds a year.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The weight and balance are its winning traits—it’s just easy and enjoyable to carry and shoot. The nickel and walnut give it a visual appeal that outshines many guns in this price range. For the hunter who walks more than they shoot, it’s a brilliant companion. The 3″ chamber adds useful flexibility for different load types.
Cons: As with many value-oriented over-unders, the action may feel a bit stiff initially and the finish details won’t match a gun costing three times as much. Ammunition cost and variety for the 28-gauge is higher and more limited than for 12 or 20-gauge, which is a practical consideration. It’s a specialized tool, not a general-purpose shotgun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 28-gauge enough gun for dove or pheasant?
A: Absolutely, with the right load and within reasonable range. For doves, it’s fantastic. For pheasant, stick with 3″ shells with #6 or #5 shot and keep your shots inside 35 yards. It’s a finesse gauge that rewards good shooting.
Q: What chokes does it come with?
A: The Pointer Arista typically comes with a set of interchangeable choke tubes (often Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full). This gives you the flexibility to tighten or open your pattern for different games or clay targets. They use a common thread pattern, compatible with many aftermarket brands like Carlson’s or Trulock.
Q: Can this handle steel shot for waterfowl?
A: I would not recommend it. While the 3″ chamber could theoretically cycle steel, the 28-gauge with steel shot lacks the pellet count and energy for ethical waterfowl hunting at typical ranges. Stick to lead for upland and clays, or specialized non-toxic like Bismuth if required.
If you’ve been considering a lightweight, traditional over-under for upland pursuits or a gentle introduction to clays, the Pointer Arista in 28-gauge is a compelling option to handle in person. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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