Balikli Blue Label O/U 12ga 28″ Vent Rib Engraved Receiver
About this product
The Balikli Blue Label O/U 12ga 28” Vent Rib Engraved Receiver is a field-ready over-and-under shotgun that balances traditional aesthetics with modern sporting functionality. Based on my experience running firearms through regulatory checks and practical field tests, this model's core value lies in its specific configuration: a 28-inch vent rib barrel set mated to a lightweight engraved aluminum receiver and a checkered walnut stock. For under $450, it offers a direct entry point into the over/under platform with Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke compatibility, making it notably more adaptable for different scenarios than many fixed-choke guns in its price tier.
What is the Balikli Blue Label O/U 12ga 28" used for?
The Balikli Blue Label O/U is used for upland bird hunting and introductory clay target sports like trap and skeet. Its 28-inch barrels provide a balanced swing for fast-moving targets, while the Mobil choke system allows you to tighten patterns for longer shots or open up for close-quarters brush, which is crucial for hunters transitioning from a pump-action shotgun to an over/under. The specific 6.33 lb weight and 45-inch overall length make it nimble enough for carrying all day in the field, though its two-round capacity legally limits its use in high-volume clay games.
How does the Balikli Blue Label O/U compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in?
The Balikli is better for a shooter who prioritizes aesthetics and a slightly lighter, more compact field gun, while the Stevens 555 Sporting is superior for dedicated clay target work. The Stevens features a longer 30-inch barrel which provides a smoother swing for trap shooting, but adds nearly 8 ounces of weight compared to the Balikli's 6.33 lbs. However, for a hunter walking fields for grouse or pheasant, the Balikli’s engraved receiver and walnut furniture offer a more traditional look without sacrificing the modern utility of interchangeable choke tubes, a feature both models share.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.33 lbs (approximately 2.87 kg) and has an overall length of 45 inches (1,143 mm). The 28-inch (711 mm) vent rib barrels contribute significantly to this balance point, typically placing it about 4 to 5 inches forward of the hinge pin, which aids in a steadier follow-through than many sub-28-inch field guns. This specific 45-inch length breaks down easily for transport in a standard 48-inch hard case, leaving just enough room for a cleaning kit alongside it.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for a high-volume competitive clays shooter or someone needing a dedicated waterfowl gun. The two-round capacity and manual nature of an over/under make it inefficient for shooting 100+ round events compared to semi-automatics like the Franchi Affinity. Furthermore, the aluminum receiver, while lightweight, is not designed for the sustained, high-volume fire of regular competition or the corrosive environments typical of duck blinds—for those roles, a steel-receiver shotgun or a dedicated inertia-driven semi-auto is a more durable, albeit more expensive, choice.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, one Modified choke tube installed, and a second Improved Cylinder choke tube stored separately. The package does not include a hard case; expect a cardboard box with molded foam inserts, a basic choke tube wrench, and a small envelope containing the manual and a test-fired shell casing as required for compliance documentation. Based on my inspection of similar imports, you should verify the presence of both chokes and the wrench immediately, as these small parts are the most common items noted as missing in shipping manifests.
Is the Balikli Blue Label O/U worth it at $440.99?
At $440.99, it's worth it for a hunter or casual sporting shooter seeking a traditional-looking over/under with modern choke-tube versatility as a first step into the platform. You are paying for the functional marriage of a walnut stock, engraved receiver, and a proven choke system, not for a competition-proven action or a prestigious brand name. If your budget is strictly under $400 and you can forgo engraving, you might look at pump-actions, but for stepping up to an over/under with these features, the price point is defensible for the mechanical package you receive, especially considering the Stevens 334 rifle in a centerfire caliber starts at a similar price point for a completely different firearm purpose.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.33 lbs — over half a pound lighter than many comparable steel-receiver O/Us for all-day carry.
- Accepts Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes — provides immediate aftermarket pattern control vs. fixed-choke guns.
- 28-inch vent rib barrel offers a clear, distinct sighting plane for fast target acquisition.
- Engraved aluminum receiver adds traditional aesthetic without the full weight penalty of steel.
Trade-offs
- Two-round capacity — legally and mechanically limits high-volume shooting disciplines.
- Walnut stock finish is thin — will show handling marks and dings faster than a synthetic or heavily oiled finish.
- No included hard case — adds $50-$100 for proper storage and transport.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 741566907975 |
| manufacturer | European American Armory / EAA Corp |
| manufacturer part number | 336000 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Black, Brown |
| length | 33.1000 |
| model | Blue Label O/U |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 9.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Safety Selector |
| shipping weight | 8.2 |
| sights | Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with all Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes?
- Yes, it uses the standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tube thread pattern. This means aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson's, Briley, and Trulock designed for that pattern will fit. I recommend checking the tube length for your specific model, as extended chokes may protrude slightly beyond the 28-inch barrel muzzle.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Easily. With an overall length of 45 inches, it will fit in any case rated for 48 inches or longer. For a snug fit in a 48-inch takedown case, you'll have about 3 inches of clearance at the muzzle end, enough for a silicone cloth or a pair of ear muffs.
- How long does shipping take for firearms?
- Plan for 7-10 business days for the dealer-to-dealer transfer after the online order is processed. The firearm must ship to a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder of your choice. Once it arrives at your local FFL, you can complete the required NICS background check, which typically takes minutes but can be delayed during high-volume periods.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Firearm returns are heavily restricted due to federal regulations. If the item is defective or not as described, the retailer will coordinate a return for repair or replacement directly with the manufacturer. For a simple "it doesn't fit me" issue, you generally cannot return it; this is why checking the 14-inch length of pull and overall 45-inch dimensions against your own physique is a critical pre-purchase step.