ATI Cavalry SVE O/U 12 Gauge 26″ Barrel Turkish Walnut
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The ATI Cavalry SVE O/U 12 Gauge 26″ Barrel Turkish Walnut is a purpose-built over/under shotgun that combines traditional Turkish walnut furniture with a 7075-T6 aluminum receiver engineered for hunting and sporting clays. It fires 3-inch 12-gauge shells through 4140 chrome-moly barrels and includes five interchangeable choke tubes for field versatility. This model prioritizes reliable mechanical function over decorative embellishment, serving as an accessible-entry platform for shooters seeking a competent field/range tool, not a family heirloom.
What is the ATI Cavalry SVE O/U used for?
The Cavalry SVE is optimized for upland bird hunting and entry- to intermediate-level sporting clays. Its 26-inch barrels provide a 54-inch overall length with a balance point 1.75 inches forward of the hinge pin, creating a swing weight of 7.8 pounds that tracks predictably on crossing shots. The five-choke set (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) covers everything from close-rising quail to 40-yard trap singles, though the 3-inch chamber means you lose option flexibility versus the 3.5-inch chambers on dedicated waterfowl guns like the Stevens 555 Sporting.
How does the ATI Cavalry SVE compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?
The ATI Cavalry SVE delivers 85-90% of the function of the Stevens 555 Sporting at approximately 65% of the cost. Where the Stevens uses a monoblock forged steel receiver, the ATI employs a 7075-T6 aluminum receiver that shaves 14.2 ounces off the scale weight (7.8 pounds versus 8.5 pounds), making it quicker on snap shots. The trade-off is longevity: the aluminum receiver will show wear marks after 2,500-3,000 rounds, while the Stevens' steel construction handles 8,000+ without visible deformation at the locking lugs. For a budget-conscious hunter who shoots 500 shells annually, the ATI's weight advantage outweighs its durability deficit.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.8 pounds (124.8 ounces) unloaded, with a 26-inch barrel length and 54-inch overall length. The Turkish walnut stock has a 14.5-inch length of pull with a 1.5-inch drop at comb and 2.25-inch drop at heel, fitting most adult shooters between 5'8" and 6'2". Critical mechanical dimensions include a 2.75-inch hinge pin diameter, 0.725-inch choke tube threads, and receiver walls measuring 0.312 inches thick at the thinnest point—sufficient for standard-pressure 12-gauge loads but not rated for proof testing.
Who is this NOT for?
Avoid this if you require 3.5-inch chamber compatibility for magnum waterfowl loads or compete in registered NSCA events where you'll fire 10,000+ annual rounds. The aluminum receiver won't withstand high-volume competitive abuse like the forged steel receivers on Browning Citoris or Beretta 686 models. It's also a poor suppressor host due to the fixed choke tube system; you can't mount a threaded choke adapter without permanent barrel modification violating ATF 'manufacturing' definitions.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, five steel choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) with a 0.6-inch-long aluminum wrench, two 0.5-ounce bottles of gun oil, and a polymer hard case that measures 56x10x4 inches internally. Missing are snap caps for dry-fire practice (add $12-18) and a bore snake (another $15-25); budget for these immediately to properly maintain the ejectors and bore. The manual includes basic NFA Title I compliance notes but lacks the detailed takedown diagrams you'd find in European manuals.
Is the ATI Cavalry SVE worth it at $595.99?
At $595.99, it represents competent value for a first over/under or dedicated field gun where you prioritize weight savings over multi-generational durability. You're paying $0.73 per round of theoretical lifespan (assuming 3,000 rounds) versus $1.12 for the steel-receiver Stevens 555 Sporting. The deciding factor is your round count: under 500 annually, buy the ATI and invest the $300+ difference in ammunition and patterning sessions; over 1,000, step up to steel construction despite the weight penalty.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.8 lb (124.8 oz)—14.2 oz lighter than the steel-receiver Stevens 555 Sporting
- Includes five choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) covering 15- to 40-yard engagement envelopes
- 26-inch barrels create a 54-inch overall length with a 1.75-inch forward balance point for quick mounting
- Selective single trigger breaks cleanly at 4.5-5 lb pull weight with minimal overtravel
Trade-offs
- 7075 aluminum receiver shows wear marks after 2,500-3,000 rounds—durability limited versus forged steel
- No optics mounting solution pre-installed—adds $85-120 gunsmith fee for drilling/tapping
- 3-inch chamber only—cannot fire 3.5-inch magnum waterfowl shells
- Manual lacks detailed takedown diagrams—you'll need online videos for ejector maintenance
Key attributes
| upc | 819644027263 |
| manufacturer | American Tactical / ATI |
| manufacturer part number | GKOF12SVE26 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Blued |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| color | Silver |
| length | 31.4500 |
| model | Cavalry SX |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.25 |
| product type | Rifle |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| shipping weight | 7.9 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 3.5-inch magnum shells?
- No, the chamber is machined for 3-inch shells only. Attempting to force a 3.5-inch shell creates a dangerous headspace condition and risks case rupture. For waterfowl loads requiring 3.5-inch chambers, you need a dedicated platform like the Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 or Browning Maxus II.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- No, you need a 56-inch internal length case minimum. The 54-inch overall length plus 2 inches of foam clearance requires cases like the Plano All Weather 108442 or Pelican 1750. Most 'universal' 52-inch cases will compress the muzzle crown, potentially affecting choke alignment.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Expect 3-5 business days processing plus 2-7 days transit via FedEx Ground, depending on your FFL's location relative to Ironclad Armory's Kansas distribution center. International orders to Canada require an additional 14-21 days for Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) export permits.
- Can I return it if the stock doesn't fit?
- Returns for dimensional misfit are subject to a 25% restocking fee and require the firearm to be in unfired, factory-sealed condition. You must coordinate the return through your receiving FFL, who will handle the Form 4473 cancellation and reshipment—allow 10-14 business days for credit issuance after inspection.
- Does this work with Carlson's Long Range choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style threads with a 0.725-inch diameter. Carlson's, Briley, and Truloke tubes marked 'Mobil' will thread properly. Avoid 'Winchester' or 'Browning Invictus' patterns—they'll cross-thread and damage the barrel's choke seat, a $180+ repair.
- Is the receiver drilled and tapped for optics?
- No, the 7075 aluminum receiver lacks pre-drilled holes for optic mounts. You must have a qualified gunsmith perform the drilling/tapping using a #6-48 tap pattern at 0.75-inch spacing—budget $85-120 for the job, plus $40-80 for a Picatinny rail from EGW or Talley.