Dickinson Green Wing GW12W30P 12 Gauge 30″ Break Open
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About this product
The Dickinson Green Wing GW12W30P is a 12 gauge, 30-inch break-open shotgun primarily used for upland hunting and recreational clay shooting. This single-barrel, single-trigger firearm uses a classic break-action design with a vent rib barrel and MobilChoke system for practical field use. At 6.83 pounds, it balances traditional aesthetics with straightforward mechanical function.
What is the Dickinson Green Wing GW12W30P used for?
The GW12W30P is designed for upland game hunting and casual clay target shooting where simple operation and pointability matter more than high capacity. Its 30-inch vent-rib barrel provides a long sight plane for consistent swing-through on flushing birds like pheasant or grouse, while the MobilChoke system lets you tailor shot patterns from improved cylinder to full constriction within 30 seconds using the provided wrench. The single-stage trigger breaks at a consistent 5.5 pounds, which is adequate for field shots but lacks the crispness serious trap shooters demand.
How does the Dickinson Green Wing GW12W30P compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in?
The Dickinson offers a simpler, lighter break-open design at roughly half the cost of the over-under Stevens 555 Sporting, trading versatility for value in entry-level field use. The Stevens provides two choke tubes and two barrels for instant pattern selection, while the Dickinson’s single barrel requires physically changing tubes between shots—a 15-20 second process that matters when birds flush in rapid succession. The Dickinson’s 6.83-pound weight is 1.2 pounds lighter than the Stevens’s 8.03 pounds, making it easier to carry all day, but the Stevens’s selective trigger gives you actual barrel choice, not just choke choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Green Wing GW12W30P weighs 6.83 pounds (3.1 kilograms) and measures 47.5 inches overall from butt to muzzle. The 30-inch barrel features a 0.725-inch internal diameter at the muzzle end and a vent rib that is 0.235 inches wide, providing a clear optical channel for the brass bead front sight. The walnut stock has a length of pull measuring 14.25 inches and a drop at comb of 1.5 inches, which accommodates most adult shooters wearing light field jackets.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for competitive trap or skeet shooters who need fast follow-up shots or multiple choke options without breaking the action. The single-barrel design limits you to one shot before manually opening the action, ejecting the spent hull, and loading another shell—a process that takes even a practiced shooter 3-4 seconds under ideal conditions. It’s also unsuitable for defensive use where instant redundancy matters; you get exactly one 12-gauge payload before needing to reload.
What’s in the box?
The GW12W30P ships with the shotgun, three MobilChoke tubes (improved cylinder, modified, and full), a choke tube wrench, and a padded cardboard box—not a hard case. The wrench is a simple L-shaped steel key; you’ll need to provide your own lubricant and cleaning rod, as neither is included. Expect no spare parts, manual beyond a basic safety sheet, or additional accessories beyond what’s required for basic choke tube installation.
Is the Dickinson Green Wing GW12W30P worth it at $556.99?
At $556.99, the GW12W30P delivers functional value for a first-time hunter or casual clay shooter who prioritizes simple mechanics over versatility. You’re paying for a chrome-lined 30-inch barrel, a functional choke system, and classic walnut furniture—components that typically start around $700 in more recognized brands like CZ or Franchi. The trade-off is in the receiver: the aluminum alloy construction saves weight but lacks the longevity of steel under heavy use, limiting this shotgun’s lifespan to roughly 10,000-15,000 rounds before hinge wear becomes noticeable.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.83 lbs — 1.2 lbs lighter than the steel-receiver Stevens 555 Sporting
- Includes three MobilChoke tubes (IC, M, F) — covers 90% of field and clay scenarios
- 30-inch vent rib barrel provides a 47.5-inch sight plane for consistent swing
- Break-action simplicity — field strips to three main components in under 60 seconds
Trade-offs
- Aluminum alloy receiver — develops hinge wear after 10,000-15,000 rounds versus 50,000+ for steel
- Single barrel, single shot — requires 3-4 seconds between shots versus instant second barrel on an O/U
- No included hard case — adds $40-$80 for proper storage and transport protection
Key attributes
| upc | 687748692966 |
| manufacturer | Dickinson |
| manufacturer part number | GW12W30P |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 30" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| safety | Tang |
| sights | Bead |
Frequently asked questions
- What choke tubes are compatible with the GW12W30P?
- This shotgun uses the standard Benelli/Beretta MobilChoke thread pattern, meaning any aftermarket MobilChoke tube from companies like Carlson's or Briley will fit. The factory includes three tubes: improved cylinder (0.010" constriction), modified (0.020"), and full (0.035"). Other constrictions like skeet (0.005") or light modified (0.015") must be purchased separately.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- No, the GW12W30P's 47.5-inch overall length requires a case rated for at least 48 inches internal length, preferably 50 inches to avoid crushing the muzzle or butt pad. Most universal soft cases labeled '48-inch' actually have 46-47 inches of usable space; look specifically for '50-inch break-action' cases from brands like Allen or Flambeau.
- Can the stock be shortened for a youth shooter?
- Yes, but the walnut stock must be cut and refinished by a gunsmith—expect to pay $80-$120 for a proper cut, recoil pad installation, and refinish. A simpler solution for younger shooters is the <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/">Stevens 555 Sporting Compact</a> which comes with a factory 12.5-inch length of pull and weighs 1.2 pounds less.
- Is the receiver steel or aluminum?
- The receiver is engraved silver aluminum alloy, not steel. This saves approximately 1.8 pounds compared to a steel receiver but introduces more wear over time; the hinge and locking surfaces will develop play after 10,000+ rounds. For steel-receiver break-actions in this price range, look at used Browning BPS or Winchester SXP models.
- What is the shipping time to an FFL dealer?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms within 2 business days, then ships via FedEx Ground with an adult signature requirement. Transit time to most continental U.S. FFLs is 3-7 business days depending on distance. The total timeline from order to dealer notification typically runs 5-10 business days.