CZ-USA Redhead Premier Reduced Length 20 Gauge 24″

About this product

The CZ-USA Redhead Premier Reduced Length 20 Gauge 24″ is a purpose-built compact over/under shotgun designed for shooters needing a shorter overall dimension and length of pull. As Declan Vance, I view this configuration through the lens of dimensional compliance and practical fit—the 24″ barrel and 13″ length of pull place it in a specific category for smaller-framed users or those operating in dense cover. It represents mainstream manufacturer engagement with the growing compact shotgun segment, offering a factory-complete package that avoids the regulatory complexities of modifying a standard-length shotgun.

What is the CZ-USA Redhead Premier Reduced Length 20 Gauge 24″ used for?

This shotgun is designed for upland game hunting in thick cover and for small-statured shooters requiring a proportionally scaled firearm. The 24-inch barrel and 6-pound weight make it exceptionally maneuverable in brush and timber, where the overall 40.5-inch length presents fewer snag points compared to a standard 28-inch barreled over/under. Its 13-inch length of pull allows proper cheek weld and sight alignment for shooters with shorter arms, reducing the tendency to stretch forward and compromise control during recoil management.

How does the CZ-USA Redhead Premier Reduced Length compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″?

The CZ-USA offers superior mechanical execution and material quality, while the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ provides a more affordable entry point. The Redhead Premier features auto ejectors and a silver satin chrome receiver with gloss black chrome barrels for corrosion resistance, whereas the Stevens 555 uses a simpler blued finish and manual extractors. However, the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ represents solid value at roughly $200 less, making the CZ a better choice for serious hunters valuing durability and refined operation.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This shotgun weighs exactly 96 ounces (6 pounds) unloaded, with an overall length of 40.5 inches and a length of pull measured at precisely 13 inches from trigger to buttpad center. The 24-inch barrels feature an 8mm flat ventilated rib for consistent sighting plane, with chamber dimensions accommodating standard 2¾-inch shells up to maximum 3-inch magnum loads. This dimensional package creates a handling characteristic focused on snap-shooting scenarios within 30 yards rather than sustained pointing on distant or crossing targets.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for competitive sporting clays shooters needing extended sight radius or waterfowl hunters requiring high-volume 3-inch magnum capacity. The 24-inch barrel reduces muzzle velocity by approximately 25 feet per second compared to a 28-inch barrel when using identical ammunition, and the shorter sighting plane provides less forgiveness on extended swing-through shots. Adult shooters with a standard 14.5-inch length of pull will find the 13-inch dimension uncomfortably short, likely requiring an aftermarket spacer kit which adds cost and compromises the clean lines of the Turkish walnut stock.

What's in the box?

The package includes five Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style internal choke tubes—full, improved modified, modified, improved cylinder, and cylinder constrictions—for patterning versatility across different game species and shooting distances. Additional contents are a basic choke tube wrench, a standard owner's manual with basic warranty registration, and a single hard plastic case measuring 42 inches internally to accommodate the firearm with approximately 1.5 inches of clearance at the muzzle end. Notably absent are additional stock spacers or comb adjustment hardware—fitment modifications require aftermarket sourcing.

Is the CZ-USA Redhead Premier Reduced Length 20 Gauge 24″ worth it at $1,111.99?

At $1,111.99, this shotgun represents appropriate value for shooters requiring its specific reduced-dimension configuration from a reputable manufacturer. Compared to purchasing a standard-length Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in and paying a qualified gunsmith $250-400 for barrel cutting and re-crowning, plus stock modification, the factory-built CZ offers superior warranty protection and resale documentation. The investment becomes less justifiable if standard-dimension shotguns fit you properly, as you're paying a premium for dimensional reduction rather than mechanical superiority over entry-level competitors.