American Tactical Cavalry SX 28 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun

Description

For the shooter who appreciates the balance of tradition and practicality, the American Tactical Cavalry SX 28 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun offers a refined option for upland bird hunting, clay target practice, and light field use across the United States. Whether you’re walking a Kansas cornfield for pheasants or breaking clays at a local range in Ohio, this 28-gauge over/under delivers the handling characteristics that experienced shooters value. The 28-inch barrels and wood stock provide a classic profile that fits well in the field and at the range, making it a versatile addition to any shotgun collection.

What This Product Is and Who It’s For

The American Tactical Cavalry SX is a 28-gauge over/under shotgun built for shooters who want a reliable, straightforward firearm for recreational and practical use. This model is chambered in 28 gauge, a gauge known for its light recoil and efficient payload delivery, which makes it suitable for new shooters, youth, and experienced hunters alike. It is designed for upland bird hunters who need a quick-handling gun for flushing game, as well as target shooters who appreciate the classic over/under action for breaking clays. While not intended for home defense or concealed carry due to its configuration, it serves well in sport shooting and hunting contexts. Collectors may also find value in its traditional blued finish and wood stock, which reflect a no-nonsense approach to shotgun design.

Key Specifications Breakdown

• Caliber/Gauge: 28 Gauge
• Action Type: Over/Under (break-action)
• Barrel Length: 28 inches
• Chamber Length: 3 inches (accepts 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch shells)
• Capacity: 2 rounds (standard for over/under shotguns)
• Finish: Blued steel on barrels and receiver
• Stock: Wood (walnut or hardwood, depending on production batch)
• Weight: Approximately 6.5 to 7.0 pounds (varies slightly by production)
• Sights: Bead front sight (brass or fiber optic, depending on model variant)
• Chokes: Typically includes interchangeable choke tubes (improved cylinder, modified, full)
• Length of Pull: Approximately 14.25 to 14.5 inches
• Overall Length: Approximately 44 inches
• Safety: Manual tang-mounted safety/selector

Feature Deep-Dive

The 28-inch barrels on the Cavalry SX are a deliberate choice for balance and swing. This length provides a smooth, controlled movement when tracking flying targets, whether you’re on a skeet field or pursuing woodcock in thick cover. The over/under configuration keeps the barrels stacked vertically, which reduces perceived recoil and allows for a slim, easy-to-carry profile. The blued finish offers a durable surface that resists light moisture and handling wear, though routine care is recommended to maintain its appearance. The wood stock is fitted with a semi-gloss finish that provides a secure grip without being overly slick, and the checkering at the wrist and forend aids in consistent hand placement during rapid follow-up shots.

The action on the Cavalry SX is a boxlock design, which is common in field-grade over/unders. This design keeps the internal components protected from debris and allows for a clean exterior. The break-open mechanism is operated by a top lever, which releases the barrels for loading and unloading. The ejectors are automatic, meaning spent shells are thrown clear when the gun is opened, which speeds up reloading during active shooting. The extractor function on live shells allows for safe unloading without cycling unfired rounds. The trigger is a single selective trigger, allowing the shooter to choose which barrel fires first via a selector switch integrated into the safety tang. This feature is useful for adjusting choke selection on the fly, depending on the target distance.

Choke tube compatibility is a significant advantage for this shotgun. The Cavalry SX comes with a set of interchangeable choke tubes, typically including improved cylinder, modified, and full. This allows the shooter to tailor the shot pattern for different distances and target types. For close-range upland hunting, an improved cylinder choke opens the pattern for fast-flushing birds. For longer shots on a trap range, a full choke tightens the pattern for consistent breaks. The threaded choke system is standard and accepts common 28-gauge choke tubes from various manufacturers, though American Tactical recommends using their branded tubes for best fit. The choke tubes are easily swapped using a wrench, which is often included with the firearm.

The weight of the Cavalry SX, around 6.5 to 7.0 pounds, positions it as a lightweight option for field carry. This is beneficial for hunters who walk long distances, as the gun does not become a burden after hours of carrying. The reduced weight also contributes to the manageable recoil of the 28-gauge chambering, making it a good choice for shooters who are sensitive to heavier loads. The balance point is typically just forward of the hinge pin, which gives the gun a neutral feel that swings naturally. The stock’s drop at comb and heel are set to provide a comfortable cheek weld for most shooters, though those with very long or short necks may need to adjust their mount slightly.

The bead front sight is simple but effective for the intended uses. It provides a clear reference point for alignment without the clutter of a rib-mounted sight system. The vented rib between the barrels reduces heat mirage during extended shooting sessions and provides a flat sighting plane. The rib is serrated to minimize glare, which can be helpful in bright sunlight. While this shotgun is not designed for precision slug shooting, the bead sight is adequate for the shot patterns typical of 28-gauge loads. For shooters who prefer a more visible sight, aftermarket fiber optic beads can be installed easily, though the factory bead is sufficient for most field and range conditions.

Ideal Use Cases

Upland Bird Hunting: The 28-gauge Cavalry SX is a natural fit for quail, grouse, pheasant, and woodcock hunting. The light weight and 28-inch barrels allow for fast mounting and smooth swings in dense cover. The 3-inch chamber allows for heavier loads when needed for larger birds or longer shots. The interchangeable choke system lets you adapt to varying terrain and bird behavior.

Target Shooting and Clays: This shotgun performs well on skeet, trap, and sporting clays courses. The 28-gauge offers less recoil than 12-gauge, which can help maintain focus during longer practice sessions. The over/under action provides a single point of aim and quick follow-up shots. The 28-inch barrel length is a standard choice for clay games, offering a good balance of speed and accuracy.

Small Game Hunting: For rabbit, squirrel, and other small game, the 28-gauge with appropriate shot sizes delivers clean kills without excessive meat damage. The light weight makes it easy to carry through fields and woods, and the 2-round capacity is sufficient for most small game scenarios. The ability to use 2 3/4-inch shells keeps ammunition costs manageable.

Youth and New Shooters: The reduced recoil and manageable weight make the Cavalry SX a good option for introducing new shooters to shotgun sports. The over/under action is simple to operate and safe to load and unload. The 28-gauge ammunition is widely available and less punishing than larger gauges, helping build confidence and skill.

Compatibility Notes

Ammunition: This shotgun is compatible with 28-gauge shells in 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch lengths. Standard lead shot loads, steel shot (when using appropriate choke tubes), and bismuth loads can be used. Always verify choke tube compatibility with steel shot, as some tubes are marked for lead only. We recommend using factory-loaded ammunition from reputable manufacturers such as Winchester, Remington, Federal, or Browning for consistent performance.

Choke Tubes: The Cavalry SX uses standard 28-gauge Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke threads. This means aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s, Trulock, or Briley are compatible, though we recommend testing fit before extended use. American Tactical factory choke tubes are included with the firearm and are the recommended option for warranty coverage.

Accessories: This shotgun accepts standard over/under accessories such as slip-on recoil pads, barrel sleeves, and hard cases. Soft cases for 44-inch overall length shotguns are widely available. Cleaning rods and jags for 28-gauge are standard. No optics mounting is standard on this model, but aftermarket rib-mounted sights or adhesive fiber optic beads can be added if desired.

Holsters and Mags: Not applicable. As a break-action over/under, this shotgun does not use detachable magazines or holsters. Side saddle shell holders for over/under shotguns are available but less common than for pump or semi-auto models. A simple shell pouch on a belt is a practical alternative for carrying extra ammunition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this shotgun be shipped directly to my home in the U.S.?
No. Federal law requires that all firearms purchased from a licensed FFL dealer be shipped to another FFL dealer in your state for transfer. We ship to the FFL you provide during checkout. You must arrange with that dealer to accept the transfer and complete the required background check (NICS) before taking possession. We do not ship to residential addresses.

2. How does the FFL transfer process work?
After placing your order, you will need to provide the name and address of a licensed FFL dealer in your area who is willing to accept the transfer. We will then ship the firearm to that dealer. The dealer will contact you when it arrives, and you will complete the ATF Form 4473 and undergo a NICS background check. Transfer fees are set by the receiving FFL and are not included in our price. We recommend contacting your chosen FFL before ordering to confirm they accept transfers and to ask about their fees.

3. What ammunition is compatible with this shotgun?
This shotgun is chambered for 28-gauge shells with a 3-inch chamber. It will safely fire both 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch 28-gauge shells. We recommend using factory-loaded ammunition from major manufacturers. Do not use reloaded, remanufactured, or hand-loaded ammunition, as we cannot verify the safety or performance of such loads. Always match the shot size and load to your intended use (e.g., #7.5 or #8 for clays, #6 or #5 for pheasant).

4. What warranty does American Tactical provide?
American Tactical offers a limited lifetime warranty on the Cavalry SX for the original owner. This covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. The warranty does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, aftermarket modifications, or use