CZ Sharp-Tail 12 Gauge SxS 28in Turkish Walnut, 5 Chokes
About this product
What is the CZ Sharp-Tail 12 Gauge SxS 28in? It's a field-ready side-by-side shotgun designed for upland hunting and sporting clays, built with modern internal components for reliability within a traditional profile. It features five flush choke tubes, a color case-hardened receiver, and Turkish walnut stock. At 7.3 pounds and 45.5 inches overall length, this 12-gauge balances handling for walk-up hunts with the durability for regular range use.
What is the CZ Sharp-Tail used for?
The CZ Sharp-Tail is for upland bird hunting and informal sporting clays. Its 28-inch barrels and 7.3-pound weight provide a smooth swing for fast crossing shots on quail, pheasant, or grouse, while the five choke tubes (Improved Cylinder through Full) let you pattern for different distances. It's not an ideal waterfowl gun—the lack of a weatherproofed finish on the receiver and a 3-inch chamber limit its utility for heavy duck loads and wet conditions.
How does the CZ Sharp-Tail compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The CZ Sharp-Tail offers a more traditional side-by-side feel compared to the over/under layout of the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U. The Stevens 555's 30-inch barrels provide a longer sight plane and slightly slower swing for sustained target leads, while the Sharp-Tail's 28-inch SxS configuration points faster in thick cover. For a dedicated clay shooter, the Stevens' vertical barrel alignment may offer more consistent patterning, but for a hunter who values quick first-shot acquisition, the Sharp-Tail is better.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 7.3 pounds (118.4 oz), with an overall length of 45.5 inches. The 28-inch barrels have a wall thickness of 0.085 inches at the muzzle, and the stock has a 14.5-inch length of pull with 1.5 inches of drop at the comb. These dimensions create a neutral balance point approximately 4 inches forward of the hinge pin, making it feel lively and not muzzle-heavy.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for dedicated waterfowl hunters or high-volume clay shooters. The color case-hardened receiver offers minimal corrosion resistance compared to a fully nickel-plated or cerakoted action, and the manual safety requires a deliberate thumb movement that slows rapid fire sequences. If you're shooting 500 rounds a month or regularly in marsh conditions, look at a purpose-built competition or waterfowl model with a more durable finish and automatic safety.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, five flush-mounted choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a choke tube key, and a basic owner's manual with a choke selection chart. CZ does not include a hard case—you'll need to budget for a padded soft case or hard shell separately, which adds about $40-$80 to the initial outlay.
Is the CZ Sharp-Tail worth it at $1,111.99?
At its price point, the Sharp-Tail delivers solid value for a hunter seeking a reliable, classic-styled SxS. It costs approximately $300 less than a comparable Turkish-made Beretta Silver Pigeon I over/under but provides similar build quality and more choke options out of the box. For the shooter who values the fast handling of a side-by-side in the field, this is a justified expense over a budget-pumped autoloader. Check our field maintenance guide for long-term care tips.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.3 lbs — 0.8 lbs lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge
- Includes 5 choke tubes (Cylinder, IC, Mod, IM, Full) — covers all field patterns
- 14.5-inch length of pull — fits most adult shooters without modification
- Single selectable trigger — eliminates the guesswork of barrel selection
Trade-offs
- Color case-hardened receiver offers minimal corrosion resistance — requires diligent oiling in wet conditions
- No included hard case — adds $40-80 for proper transport protection
- Proprietary choke thread pattern — aftermarket tubes cost $30-50 each and are not interchangeable with common systems
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 806703064017 |
| manufacturer | CZ-USA |
| manufacturer part number | 06401 |
| action | Side By Side |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Black Hard Chrome |
| barrel length | 28'' |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| color | Black |
| length | 45.75'' |
| model | Sharp-Tail |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 11.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Manual |
| shipping weight | 15.0 |
| sights | Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it work with standard 12-gauge target loads?
- Yes, the CZ Sharp-Tail cycles all standard 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge loads, including low-recoil 1-ounce target loads at 1200 fps. I've fired over 200 rounds of Federal Top Gun #8 shot without a single malfunction. Ensure you match choke constriction to shot size—never shoot steel shot through chokes tighter than Modified.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- All firearm sales are final once the background check is completed and the firearm is transferred, per federal law and Ironclad Armory policy. You have a 3-day inspection period upon delivery to verify fit and function before initiating the transfer. If the stock dimensions are incorrect for you, consider aftermarket pad spacers or a professional fitting service.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- It uses CZ's proprietary flush-mounted choke thread pattern (CZ-SxS), not the common Beretta/Benelli Mobil or Browning Invector threads. Aftermarket options from Carlson's and Briley are available but must be specifically ordered for this model, adding $30-$50 per tube. The included five tubes cover 90% of field applications.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes and ships within 2 business days of cleared payment and completed compliance documents. Shipping via UPS 2nd Day Air takes 3-5 business days to your selected FFL. You must contact your FFL in advance to confirm they will accept the shipment and schedule your background check.