The 7 Best 28 Gauge Shotguns for Upland Hunting in 2026
The best 28 gauge shotguns for upland hunting offer light carry, low recoil, and strong field performance. If you want a bird hunting shotgun, these shotgun reviews focus on hunting shotguns that work well in the uplands.
While 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotguns remain the most common picks, the 28 gauge has earned a loyal following among hunters who want speed, comfort, and precision.
It works well for quail, woodcock, and snipe, where shots are usually taken at moderate range. Its low recoil helps hunters stay on target and enjoy longer days in the field.
Modern ammo and better gun design have made these light hunting shotguns much more capable.
In this guide, we review the 7 best 28 gauge shotguns for upland hunting in 2026. The list ranges from budget over-under models to premium Italian builds and fast semi-auto designs.
Understanding Shotgun Gauges for Hunting
Before you buy a 28 gauge shotgun, it helps to see how it compares with other common gauges used by hunters.
10 Gauge
The 10 gauge is one of the biggest shotgun options available. Hunters mostly use it for waterfowl.
It throws heavy loads, but it also brings more recoil, more weight, and fewer ammo choices.
12 Gauge
The 12 gauge remains the most popular shotgun gauge in America because of its flexibility. It works well for turkey, waterfowl, upland birds, and sporting clays.
16 Gauge
The 16 gauge sits between the 12 and 20 gauge. Traditional upland hunters like its mix of power and easy handling.
20 Gauge
The 20 gauge is one of the most common upland hunting choices. It gives you less recoil and less weight than a 12 gauge, while still offering enough power for most game birds.
28 Gauge
The 28 gauge is known for its light build, smooth feel, and low recoil. It is a great choice for:
- Quail hunting
- Woodcock hunting
- Dove hunting
- Snipe hunting
- Small game hunting
- Sporting clays
.410 Bore
The .410 bore is the smallest common shotgun option. It makes very little recoil and is often used for small game, training, and casual shooting.
Why Choose a 28 Gauge Shotgun for Upland Hunting?
Many hunters skip the 28 gauge because larger shotgun gauges are more popular. Even so, the best 28 gauge shotguns for upland hunting offer clear benefits.
The biggest benefit is less recoil. Lower recoil improves comfort, helps keep shots tight, and lets hunters take more shots on long days in the field.
A lighter shotgun is also easier to carry through woods, fields, and rough ground. If you spend hours walking behind bird dogs, every ounce matters.
A 12 gauge can send more pellets at longer range, but most upland shots happen inside 35 yards. At those distances, a well-patterned 28 gauge shotgun is more than capable of clean harvests.
The real strength of the 28 gauge is not raw power. It is shooting confidence, comfort, and fast handling.
The 7 Best 28 Gauge Shotguns for Upland Hunting in 2026
| Shotgun | Best For | Action | Main Advantage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browning Citori 28 Gauge | Durable upland hunting | Over-under | Proven Browning craftsmanship | Premium |
| Benelli ETHOS SuperSport | Accuracy and speed | Semi-auto | Lightweight design and recoil control | Premium |
| CZ-USA CZ Drake 28 Gauge | Beginners | Over-under | Affordable quality | Budget |
| Stevens 555 E 28 Gauge | Best value | Over-under | Lightweight and affordable | Budget |
| Rizzini Artemis Small | Luxury hunting | Sideplate over-under | Italian craftsmanship | Premium |
| Taylors & Company Huntress | Traditional hunters | Side-by-side | Classic design and balance | Premium |
| Beretta A400 Xplor Action | Semi-auto performance | Semi-auto | Fast cycling and reduced recoil | Premium |
- Browning Citori 28 Gauge — Best Durable 28 Gauge Shotgun for Upland Hunting
Browning has decades of shotgun making experience. The Browning Citori 28 gauge carries that history with strong reliability and fine craft.
This over-under shotgun blends classic style with useful hunting features. The barrel selector lets hunters choose which barrel fires first, and automatic ejectors make spent shell removal fast and easy.
The Citori has a 2-round capacity, weighs about 6.1 pounds, and uses chrome-plated chambers built for long-term use.
Its balanced feel makes it a strong choice for hunters who want a premium shotgun that can handle years of upland hunting.
Browning Citori 28 Gauge Features
- Over-under action
- 28 gauge chambering
- Automatic ejectors
- Barrel selector system
- Chrome-lined chambers
- Premium Browning construction
Pros
- Excellent durability
- Smooth operation
- Classic design
- Built for decades of use
Cons
- Premium price
- Benelli ETHOS SuperSport 28 Gauge — Most Accurate 28 Gauge Shotgun
The Benelli ETHOS SuperSport 28 gauge is built for hunters and competition shooters who want speed, accuracy, and light weight.
Benelli’s Comfort Tech 3 recoil system helps cut felt recoil while keeping cycling quick and smooth.
The carbon-fiber finish lowers weight and adds durability. That makes it a smart pick for hunters who cover a lot of ground during upland hunts.
Benelli ETHOS SuperSport Features
- Semi-automatic inertia action
- 4+1 capacity
- Lightweight 5.4-pound design
- Comfort Tech 3 recoil reduction
- Extended choke tubes
Pros
- Extremely light
- Fast cycling
- Low recoil
- Excellent balance
Cons
- Expensive
- CZ-USA CZ Drake 28 Gauge — Best Affordable 28 Gauge Shotgun
The CZ Drake 28 gauge gives hunters an easy entry point into an over-under shotgun.
Even with its lower price, the Drake uses CNC-machined parts and many features found on higher-end guns.
With a Turkish walnut stock, selectable trigger, five choke tubes, and a 6-pound weight, it offers great value for beginners and casual upland hunters.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Good build quality
- Multiple choke options
- Beginner-friendly design
Cons
- Advanced shooters may want premium features
- Stevens 555 E 28 Gauge — Best Value 28 Gauge Shotgun
The Stevens 555 E 28 gauge is one of the best value options for upland hunters.
Its light aluminum receiver cuts carry weight, while the steel breech insert adds durability. The shotgun also has an elegant walnut stock, automatic ejectors, and swappable choke tubes.
At under 6 pounds, it is easy to carry through long hunting days.
Pros
- Excellent value
- Light build
- Strong feature set
- Easy to handle
Cons
- Less refined than higher-priced models
- Rizzini Artemis Small — Best Premium 28 Gauge Shotgun
For hunters who value hand-built firearms, the Rizzini Artemis Small 28 gauge shows top-tier Italian shotgun craft.
It has hand-finished engraving, premium Turkish walnut, and a true 28 gauge receiver. That mix gives it both beauty and strong performance.
It is aimed at serious collectors and dedicated upland hunters who want a gun built with no compromises.
Pros
- Excellent craft
- Beautiful engraving
- Lightweight true 28 gauge action
- Collector quality
Cons
- Very expensive
- Taylors & Company Huntress 28 Gauge — Best Side-by-Side Shotgun
The Taylors & Company Huntress 28 gauge offers classic side-by-side style with modern hunting use.
With Italian build quality, a 5.5-pound weight, and a 3-inch chamber, it gives hunters good all-around use for upland hunting.
Its classic look and balanced feel appeal to hunters who like traditional shotgun designs.
Pros
- Classic side-by-side design
- Light weight
- Italian craft
- Flexible ammo options
Cons
- Less appeal than modern semi-autos
- Beretta A400 Xplor Action 28 Gauge — Best Semi-Automatic 28 Gauge Shotgun
The Beretta A400 Xplor Action 28 gauge is one of the most advanced semi-automatic shotguns available.
Its Blink system gives very fast cycling, while Beretta’s Kick-Off recoil system cuts felt recoil.
The shotgun weighs only 5.5 pounds and is a great fit for upland hunters who want speed, comfort, and reliability.
Beretta A400 Features
- Semi-automatic action
- Blink cycling system
- Kick-Off recoil reduction
- Lightweight design
- Swappable chokes
Pros
- Very soft shooting
- Fast cycling
- Premium reliability
- Excellent balance
Cons
- Higher price point
Final Verdict: Best 28 Gauge Shotgun for Upland Hunting
The best 28 gauge shotgun depends on your hunting style, budget, and shooting needs.
For most hunters, the Stevens 555 E 28 gauge offers strong value with its light build, solid performance, and low price.
Hunters who want premium semi-automatic performance should look at the Beretta A400 Xplor Action. It brings speed, comfort, and advanced recoil control.
For those who want traditional craft, the Browning Citori and Rizzini Artemis Small are among the finest 28 gauge shotguns available.
The 28 gauge remains one of the most enjoyable shotgun options for upland hunting because it gives hunters a strong mix of carry ease, accuracy, and shooting comfort.
If you are shopping for upland hunting gear, the 28 gauge deserves a serious look.
FAQ: Best 28 Gauge Shotguns for Upland Hunting
Is a 28 gauge shotgun good for upland hunting?
Yes. A 28 gauge shotgun is a great choice for upland hunting, especially for quail, dove, woodcock, and other game birds at moderate range.
Is a 28 gauge better than a 20 gauge for upland hunting?
A 28 gauge gives you less recoil and less weight, while a 20 gauge offers more shot capacity and range. The best pick depends on your hunting conditions.
What is the best 28 gauge shotgun for beginners?
The CZ Drake and Stevens 555 E are both great beginner-friendly 28 gauge shotguns because they offer solid performance at a fair price.
Can a 28 gauge shotgun kill a pheasant?
Yes. With the right ammo and choke choice, a 28 gauge shotgun can take pheasants at normal upland hunting distances.
Q&A
Question: How should I choose between over-under, side-by-side, and semi-automatic 28 gauge shotguns for upland hunting?
Short answer: Pick the action that fits your goals. Over-unders give you classic handling and proven field reliability. That group includes the Browning Citori, the CZ Drake, the Stevens 555 E, and the Rizzini Artemis Small. If you want a traditional look and balance, the Taylors & Company Huntress side-by-side is a strong pick. For the fastest cycling and softer recoil, go semi-auto. The Benelli ETHOS SuperSport focuses on ultra-light carry and quick cycling, while the Beretta A400 Xplor Action leans into very fast cycling and very soft shooting.
Question: What’s the lightest 28 gauge shotgun in this roundup?
Short answer: The Benelli ETHOS SuperSport is the lightest at about 5.4 pounds. Close behind are the Beretta A400 Xplor Action and Taylors & Company Huntress at about 5.5 pounds. Most other picks weigh around or under 6 pounds. The CZ Drake comes in at about 6 pounds, the Stevens 555 E is under 6, and the Browning Citori is about 6.1 pounds.
Question: I’m on a budget — should I choose the CZ Drake or the Stevens 555 E?
Short answer: Both are strong values, but they focus on different strengths. The CZ Drake gives you CNC-machined parts, a selectable trigger, five choke tubes, and a 6-pound build. That makes it a good pick for beginners who want features at a low price. The Stevens 555 E leans on its best-value role with an aluminum receiver for lower carry weight, a steel breech insert for durability, automatic ejectors, and swappable chokes, all at under 6 pounds. Pick the Drake if you want more features. Pick the 555 E if you want the lightest feel and auto ejectors.
Question: Between the Benelli ETHOS SuperSport and Beretta A400 Xplor Action, which semi-auto is better for recoil and speed?
Short answer: Both are quick and easy to shoot, but the Beretta A400 Xplor Action leans harder into very fast cycling with its Blink system and very soft shooting with Kick-Off recoil reduction. The Benelli ETHOS SuperSport is even lighter, at about 5.4 pounds, and uses Comfort Tech 3 to reduce recoil while still cycling fast. Choose the A400 for maximum softness and speed. Choose the ETHOS if the lightest carry weight matters most.
Question: What does a true 28 gauge receiver or action mean on the Rizzini Artemis Small, and why might it matter?
Short answer: In this guide, it means the shotgun is built around a receiver made for 28 gauge. That helps keep the gun light and the handling sharp. Combined with hand-finished engraving and high-grade walnut, it is aimed at dedicated upland hunters and collectors who want top-tier craft, even at a very high price.