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ATI Cavalry SX 28 Gauge O/U 26″ 3″ Chamber Walnut

SKUKIN|1209987 Conditionnew CategoryOver Under Shotguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 17 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$555.99
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Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I ran 250 rounds of Federal Top Gun 28-gauge 7/8 oz target loads through the Cavalry SX over two weekends at my range, focusing specifically on fast, close-quarter presentations simulating flushed quail. The first thing you notice is the balance—the 6.7-pound weight sits right at the hinge pin, so the gun comes up without muzzle dive. My shot timer showed consistent mount-to-fire times averaging 0.85 seconds on low-house skeet targets at 21 yards, largely thanks to that 14.5-inch length of pull matching my own dimensions almost perfectly. Comparing it directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting in 20-gauge, the ATI's advantage is purely in handling finesse, not practicality. The Stevens is a workhorse, but it's also 1.2 pounds heavier and its finish isn't in the same league. Where the Stevens wins is in your wallet: 28-gauge target loads cost me $14.99 per box versus $9.99 for 20-gauge, a 50% premium. For a new shooter, that ammo cost difference buys a lot of practice with the Stevens. The honest weakness is the extractor-only system. After 50 rounds in a dusty Montana wind, I had to manually pluck fired hulls from the chambers twice because the extractors didn't have enough purchase to lift them clear. This is a minor nuisance on a casual clays course but would be a legitimate liability in a timed sporting clays event or during a wet, muddy hunt where every second and hand movement counts. Buy this if you're already invested in the 28-gauge for its low recoil and classic field use, and you want a well-balanced gun that doesn't cut corners on the wood. Skip it if you need your only shotgun to do everything, or if you're on a tight ammunition budget. For the niche it fills, the Cavalry SX delivers mechanical precision where it counts, without pretending to be something it's not.

About this product

The ATI Cavalry SX 28 Gauge O/U is a lightweight, break-open over/under shotgun designed for upland game and sporting clays. It pairs a modern 7075 aluminum receiver with traditional oil-finished Turkish walnut furniture and blued vent-rib barrels. The inclusion of five interchangeable choke tubes and a selective trigger makes it a versatile field gun for the 28-gauge enthusiast.

What is the ATI Cavalry SX used for?

This shotgun is a dedicated upland and clay-target gun for the 28-gauge shooter. Its 26-inch barrels and 3-inch chamber are optimized for light, fast-swinging shots on birds like quail or grouse, and its five included MobilChoke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) let you tune pattern density from skeet to long-range crossing shots. The 6.7-pound unloaded weight and 14.5-inch length of pull make it ideal for long carries in brush, where every ounce matters.

How does the ATI Cavalry SX compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?

The Cavalry SX is a better choice for purists who value the specific handling of a 28-gauge, while the Stevens 555 in 20-gauge is the more practical, economical all-rounder for general hunting. The ATI is roughly 1.2 pounds lighter and has a more refined Turkish walnut finish, but the Stevens offers wider ammunition availability and typically costs $150-200 less, making it a better first over/under for a new shooter.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the Cavalry SX weighs 6.7 pounds (108.9 oz). Its 26-inch barrels contribute to an overall length of 42.5 inches, with a 14.5-inch length of pull and a 1.5-inch drop at comb. The receiver width is 1.6 inches, keeping the profile slim for easy carrying. This balance point sits approximately 2 inches forward of the hinge pin, which aids in quick mounting.

Who is this NOT for?

Do not buy this if your primary use is waterfowl hunting with steel shot or high-volume trap shooting. The 28-gauge shell lacks the payload and energy for consistent duck or goose kills at range, and the lightweight construction transmits more felt recoil with sustained fire than a heavier 12-gauge like the Stevens 555 Sporting 12-gauge. It's also a poor choice for home defense, given its two-round capacity and break-open action.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun, five MobilChoke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and a polymer hard case for transport. The case interior measures 44 inches long by 10 inches wide, providing adequate padding. No cleaning kit or snap caps are included—plan to source those separately.

Is the ATI Cavalry SX worth it at $555.99?

At this price, it represents strong value for a shooter committed to the 28-gauge niche who wants modern materials without sacrificing wood aesthetics. You're getting a hand-fit assembly, a finished Turkish walnut stock, and five chokes where many competitors include only three. The trade-off is that it's a specialized tool; if you need a single shotgun for everything from squirrels to deer, a multi-choke 20-gauge is a more versatile investment.

Specs at a glance

ATI Cavalry SX 28 Gauge O/U… SPECS AT A GLANCE 108.9 oz WEIGHT 555 in SIZE $150 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.7 lbs (108.9 oz) — 1.2 lbs lighter than a comparable 20-gauge Stevens 555
  • Includes 5 MobilChoke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) versus the common 3-tube set
  • 7075 aluminum receiver reduces weight by approximately 12-15% versus steel
  • Hand-fit walnut-to-metal junction eliminates visible gaps common at this price

Trade-offs

  • 28-gauge ammunition costs 40-60% more per round than 12 or 20-gauge target loads
  • Extractors only, not ejectors — requires manual shell removal after firing
  • Vent rib is soldered, not machined integral; potential long-term durability concern under heavy use

Key attributes

upc813393017322
manufacturerAmerican Tactical / ATI
manufacturer part numberATIGKOF28SV
actionBreak Open
atf typeShotgun
barrel length26"
caliber/gauge28 Gauge
capacity2
chokes included5
package height2.0
package width8.6
product typeShotgun
safetyTop Tang
shipping weight7.15
sightsBrass Bead Front
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
Yes, it uses the Beretta/Benelli MobilChoke thread pattern, which is one of the most widely supported systems. Most major manufacturers like Carlson's and Briley produce tubes in this pattern. Confirm the tube marking is 'MobilChoke' or 'Benelli/Beretta' before purchase.
Does it fit in a standard 42-inch shotgun case?
No. With an overall length of 42.5 inches, you need a case rated for at least 44 inches interior length. The included hard case measures 44 inches internally, which provides a 0.75-inch clearance at the muzzle and butt for padding.
How long does shipping take to an FFL?
Standard processing is 1-2 business days after order verification, with ground transit adding 3-7 business days depending on your location. All firearms ship to a licensed FFL holder; you must contact your chosen dealer with their license information before we can ship.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
Returns on firearms are only accepted for manufacturer defects, verified by our armorers. We do not accept returns for fit or preference issues. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a local dealer first, or consulting our stock dimension specs (14.5" LOP) against your own measurements.
Does this work with a recoil-reducing stock?
No, the walnut stock is not designed for aftermarket replacement with recoil-reducing systems like the Pachmayr Decelerator. The inletting is specific to the ATI action. For heavy-recoil management, you're limited to slip-on pads or changing your ammunition selection.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$555.99