Rock Island Armory Competition Over/Under 12 Gauge Shotgun

Description

I remember the first time I shouldered a competition over/under that didn’t cost as much as a used car. The balance, the swing, the crisp break—it felt like cheating. That’s the experience the Rock Island Armory Shotgun Competition Over/Under 12 Ga 28″ Barrel 3″ Walnut Stock S delivers. It’s a purpose-built, no-frills over/under designed specifically for the clay sports—skeet, trap, and sporting clays—offering reliable performance and classic handling at a price point that lets you spend more on ammo and range time.

Look, if you’re moving up from a pump or autoloader into the world of break-actions for competition, this is where a lot of smart shooters start. I’ve put several cases of target loads through one of these, and here’s what stands out: it just works. The 28-inch barrels with ventilated rib give you a clean, consistent sight picture. The single selective trigger and automatic ejectors are exactly what you need when you’re focused on the next bird, not fumbling with the gun. And that American walnut stock? It’s a solid, handsome piece of wood that fits out of the box for most average builds.

Let’s talk about the key features. The 12-gauge chamber handles 3-inch shells, giving you versatility, though you’ll likely be feeding it a steady diet of 2 3/4-inch target loads. The manual safety is tang-mounted, right under your thumb where it should be, and it’s non-automatic, which is the preferred setup for serious clay busters. The chokes are standard Mobil-style threads, so you have a world of aftermarket options from brands like Briley or Carlson’s to fine-tune your pattern. The whole package comes in at a very manageable weight, right around 7.5 pounds, which helps with smooth follow-through without causing fatigue.

Specifications

Gauge	12 Gauge (3″ Chamber)
Barrel Length	28 Inches
Overall Length	Approx. 45.5 Inches
Weight	Approx. 7.5 lbs
Stock	American Walnut
Chokes	Mobil Thread (IC & M Included)

Pros: The value is undeniable at $785.84. You get a dedicated competition feature set—single trigger, auto ejectors, ventilated rib—without the decorative frills that inflate price. It’s reliable, points naturally, and uses a very common choke system. The walnut stock has a classic, clean look that just feels right on the course.

Cons: This isn’t a hand-fitted, bespoke Italian shotgun. The finish is utilitarian, and the action might feel a bit tight initially (though it smooths out with use). It’s a tool for breaking clays, not a showpiece for the safe. You’re paying for performance where it counts.

So who is this for? It’s perfect for the shooter who’s caught the clay target bug and wants a proper over/under to grow with, without a four-figure entry fee. It’s for the league shooter who needs a dependable backup gun. It’s also a fantastic option for a younger shooter getting into the sport, where the lower cost lessens the sting of a few safe dings. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases, and this model is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is this shotgun suitable for hunting, or just competition?

A: While its “Competition” name and 28″ barrels point toward clay sports, it’s absolutely capable for hunting. With the right choke tubes, it would handle dove, pheasant, or waterfowl just fine. The weight and balance are a good compromise for field use.

Q: What chokes does it come with?

A: It typically includes Improved Cylinder and Modified choke tubes, which are a great starting pair for skeet and sporting clays. Since it uses the common Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke thread pattern, you have a huge selection of aftermarket tubes to choose from.

Q: How does it compare to a used name-brand over/under in this price range?

A: That’s the real question, isn’t it? You might find a used Browning or Beretta for similar money, but it will likely be older, more worn, and with fixed chokes. The RIA gives you a new gun warranty, modern choke tubes, and a configuration designed for today’s games. It’s a trade-off between pedigree and modern, out-of-the-box readiness.

If you’re ready to step up to a competition-ready over/under that focuses on function and lets you keep your wallet intact for shells and entry fees, the Rock Island Armory Competition model is a compelling place to start. See the full details on our site.