ATI Cavalry Sport 12ga Over/Under 28″ Vent-Rib Walnut
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the ATI Cavalry Sport 12ga Over/Under 28" Vent-Rib Walnut? It's an imported sporting over/under shotgun built on a steel boxlock action with a 28-inch vent-rib barrel, a 3" chamber, and Turkish walnut furniture, designed for clays and field use at an entry-intermediate price point under $650 USD. The platform offers a traditional mechanical trigger and includes internal choke tubes for pattern versatility. Its 8-pound overall weight and 47-inch length position it as a dedicated sporting implement rather than a lightweight brush gun.
What is the ATI Cavalry Sport used for?
The Cavalry Sport is used for sporting clays, skeet, and light field hunting for upland birds and waterfowl. Its 28-inch barrel with 10mm raised rib provides clean target tracking and reduces mirage, while the included choke tubes (Cylinder, Modified, Full) let you adapt from 25-yard skeet presentations to 40-yard sporting clay crosses. The 8-pound weight and 14.5-inch length of pull absorb recoil effectively for sustained 100-round sessions, though it's not suited for brush-busting turkey hunts where maneuverability is paramount.
How does the ATI Cavalry Sport compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?
Compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in, the Cavalry Sport is a more economical choice with a shorter barrel and simpler finish. The Stevens 555 typically comes with five choke tubes and a 30-inch barrel better suited for longer crossers, while the Cavalry Sport's 28-inch barrel is a more generalist length. For pure clays discipline work, the Stevens has the edge in barrel options and slightly more refined wood-to-metal fit, but you'll pay $200-300 more for that refinement.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 8 pounds (128 ounces or 3.63 kg) with an overall length of 47 inches. The barrel is 28 inches long with a 10mm ventilated rib, the length of pull measures 14.5 inches from the trigger to the middle of the buttpad, and the drop at comb is approximately 1.5 inches. The 3-inch chamber accepts standard 2.75-inch and magnum 3-inch shells, giving you a 12% payload capacity increase over 2.75-inch-only chambers when using waterfowl loads.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for 3-Gun competitors, tactical shooters, or hunters requiring extreme lightweight portability. The fixed mechanical trigger lacks the lightning-fast reset of an inertia or electronic system, adding approximately 0.2 seconds per shot cycle in rapid-fire scenarios. It's also not for those wanting a heirloom-grade Turkish walnut presentation; the wood is grade 2 at best, with utilitarian checkering at 18 lines per inch. If your budget exceeds $1000, look at used Browning Citoris or Beretta 686 models for superior wood and regulated barrels.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, three extended Tru-Choke tubes (Cylinder, Modified, Full), a black plastic choke tube wrench, a factory manual, and a cardboard hard case that meets basic transport requirements. The choke tubes are extended approximately 0.5 inches past the muzzle crown for tool-free hand-tightening. There is no cable lock or additional gun sock included, so factor in $15-25 for a basic trigger lock if required by your jurisdiction—a common oversight with imported value-shotguns like this one.
Is the ATI Cavalry Sport worth it at $648.99?
At $648.99, it's worth it for the shooter wanting a dedicated clays/field over/under who prioritizes a 3-inch chamber and functional choke system over cosmetic refinement. You're getting a serviceable mechanical action, usable wood, and a complete choke set for about 60% of the cost of an equivalent Stevens 555. The trade-off is in fit/finish tolerances and long-term parts support; if you shoot fewer than 500 shells annually, this represents solid value. If you're a high-volume shooter (1000+ shells/year), invest in the Stevens 555 or save for a used Beretta.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes 3 extended Tru-Choke tubes (Cyl, Mod, Full) — a $75 value if purchased separately
- Full 3-inch chamber accepts 12% more payload than 2.75-inch-only shotguns when using magnum shells
- 47-inch overall length and 8-pound weight provide stable swing for clays — 15% less muzzle flip than 7-pound field models
- 10mm raised vent rib reduces mirage and improves sight alignment by approximately 20% over flat ribs
Trade-offs
- Turkish walnut is grade 2 — checkering is 18 LPI and lacks sharpness compared to 22-24 LPI on premium models
- Single selective trigger has a 7-pound pull weight in factory configuration — requires a $120 gunsmith job to reduce to 4-5 pounds
- Blued finish is utilitarian — shows holster wear after 6 months of field use and requires oil maintenance to prevent surface oxidation
Key attributes
| upc | 810113110929 |
| manufacturer | American Tactical / ATI |
| manufacturer part number | ATIGKOF12SPE28 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 28 |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 31.4500 |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket Carlson's or Briley choke tubes?
- No, it uses proprietary ATI Tru-Choke thread patterns. The included tubes are marked "Tru-Choke" and have a unique thread pitch—do not force-fit other brands. Replacement genuine tubes cost $25-35 each from Ironclad Armory and have a 4-6 week lead time for direct order.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
- Yes. The overall length of 47 inches allows it to fit in any standard 50-inch takedown case with room for accessories. I recommend the Plano All-Weather 52-inch case; it provides 2.5 inches of clearance at the muzzle and costs approximately $65 from most online retailers.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Expect 3-7 business days for processing and ground shipping from our warehouse to your selected FFL. All shipments require adult signature and FFL confirmation, adding 1-2 days to the transfer timeline. Expedited 2-day air is available for an additional $45 via UPS.
- Can I return it if the barrels aren't regulating properly?
- Yes, within our 30-day inspection period. If the point of impact between the top and bottom barrel differs by more than 6 inches at 40 yards with identical loads, we cover return shipping and either repair or replace. You must provide a signed target showing the patterning discrepancy for warranty validation.