28 Gauge Shotguns
The 28 gauge occupies a unique niche in shotgunning — between the 20 gauge and .410 bore, it delivers a 3/4-oz. payload at velocities that pattern well and hit hard enough for upland birds, yet with recoil so mild that it’s often described as the most pleasant of all gauges to shoot. Serious upland hunters and clay shooters prize the 28 gauge for its balance of performance and shootability, and many gunmakers offer their finest over/under and side-by-side models in this gauge as a premium offering. The 28 gauge is not a beginner’s gauge — ammo is more expensive and less available than 12 or 20 — but for dedicated upland and clay enthusiasts, it’s a genuine delight to shoot.
Read our full 28 Gauge Buying Guide ↓
28 Gauge vs. 20 Gauge: Is the Smaller Gauge Worth It?
The 20 gauge is the practical choice for most shooters — better ammo selection, lower cost per round, and more rifle-to-field ammunition including buckshot and slugs. The 28 gauge offers noticeably lighter recoil, slightly lighter guns in comparable configurations, and a certain refinement that appeals to accomplished shotgunners. On birds inside 35 yards with proper choke selection, a well-patterned 28 gauge load is fully effective. Beyond that range or in wind, the lighter payload begins to show its limits. For dedicated upland hunters who shoot primarily quail, woodcock, or sporting clays, the 28 gauge’s shooting pleasure is genuine and meaningful.
28 Gauge Ammunition: What’s Available and What to Use
The 28 gauge is a 2¾” shell loading 3/4 oz. of shot — typically #7½, #8, or #9 for birds and clays. Federal, Winchester, and Remington all produce 28 gauge target loads; Fiocchi and Rio offer value-priced options. Premium hunting loads from Federal Premium, Winchester AA, and Remington Premier are available in #6 and #7½ for upland birds. Slugs and buckshot exist in 28 gauge but are specialty items — this is an upland and clay gauge, not a utility gauge. Budget around 20–30% more per box compared to 20 gauge for equivalent quality loads.
Best 28 Gauge Shotguns: Over/Under and Semi-Auto Options
The 28 gauge shines brightest in over/under and side-by-side configurations for upland hunting. Browning’s Citori and CX series, Beretta’s A400 and 686 lines, and Benelli’s 828U all offer 28 gauge variants — typically as premium models. For semi-automatic 28 gauge, the Beretta A400 and Browning Maxus offer reliable cycling with light loads, though semi-autos in 28 gauge are less common than break-action options. The 28 gauge rewards quality gunfitting — a well-fitted lightweight 28 gauge gun swings naturally and makes for genuinely enjoyable shooting.
28 Gauge for Sporting Clays and Skeet
The 28 gauge is a recognized NSCA and NSSA gauge with dedicated sub-gauge events at most major shoots. Experienced sporting clays shooters often use 28 gauge on sub-gauge days or to sharpen their skills — the smaller payload is less forgiving of poor lead and mount, making it an excellent training tool. For registered skeet, the 28 gauge is one of the four standard gauges (along with 12, 20, and .410). Shooting 28 gauge in competition requires quality ammo and consistent technique; the margin for error is smaller than with 12 or 20, which many accomplished shooters consider a feature rather than a limitation.
28 Gauge vs. .410: Which Smaller Gauge Is Right for You?
The .410 bore is smaller, lighter, and more challenging than the 28 gauge — it’s often considered the hardest gauge to shoot well on clay targets. The 28 gauge is meaningfully more effective in the field and on the range while still delivering the lightweight, low-recoil shooting experience. For young hunters transitioning from .410, the 28 gauge is typically the logical next step. For experienced shooters who want a challenge gauge for competition or simply enjoy the refinement of small-bore shooting, both are valid choices — but the 28 gauge is the more practical of the two.
Shop 28 Gauge Shotguns and Upland Hunting at Impact Guns
Browse all shotguns at Impact Guns including our 20 gauge and .410 bore pages. For over/under options, see our over/under shotguns page. For upland and clay shooting, see our semi-auto shotguns and Browning and Beretta lineups.