Dickinson ST1226DH Estate 12 Gauge 26″ Shotgun
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.70 lbs — 1.3 lbs lighter than Stevens 555 Sporting O/U
- 26-inch barrels provide 45.5-inch overall length for balanced handling
- Five included choke tubes (C, IC, IM, M, F) cover all field patterns
- Hand-checked Turkish walnut stock with oil finish resists moisture absorption
Trade-offs
- Two-round capacity requires frequent reloading versus three-round over-unders
- Blued finish lacks corrosion resistance for wet environments
- No included hard case — adds $100-200 for proper storage
- Fixed stock dimensions limit customization without gunsmith work
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Dickinson ST1226DH Estate is a 12 gauge side-by-side shotgun with 26-inch barrels and classic Turkish walnut stock designed for field shooting and sporting clays. This break-open shotgun combines traditional aesthetics with modern manufacturing tolerances, featuring a color case hardened receiver and precise chokes for reliable performance. With its 5.70-pound weight and 45.5-inch overall length, it handles like a classic field gun but with consistent modern fit.
What is the Dickinson ST1226DH Estate 12 Gauge 26″ Shotgun used for?
This shotgun excels in upland bird hunting and sporting clays where fast handling and traditional pointability matter most. The 26-inch barrels provide excellent balance for quick mounting, while the five included chokes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full) allow precise pattern control from 20 to 40 yards. I've found it particularly effective for grouse and pheasant in tight cover where faster swing speeds outperform longer-barreled options.
How does the Dickinson ST1226DH compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in?
The Dickinson offers superior classic aesthetics and faster handling at the cost of lower shot capacity and simpler mechanics. While the Stevens 555 Sporting provides three shots with its over-under design and longer 30-inch barrels for sustained swing on trap fields, the Dickinson's 26-inch barrels and 5.70-pound weight make it 1.3 pounds lighter and noticeably quicker to shoulder. For walk-up hunting where shots appear suddenly under 35 yards, the Dickinson's pointability wins; for deliberate trap shooting, the Stevens' longer sight plane and extra round prove advantageous.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 5.70 pounds (91.2 ounces) with an overall length of 45.5 inches and 26-inch barrels measuring 0.725 inches at the muzzle. The 14.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb provide classic field dimensions that fit most adult shooters wearing typical hunting layers. The chambers accept 3-inch shells though I recommend 2.75-inch loads for reduced recoil in this lightweight platform.
Who is this NOT for?
Serious trap shooters needing consistent multi-target engagement or waterfowl hunters requiring corrosion resistance should look elsewhere. The two-round capacity forces reloading after every pair of shots, making it impractical for sports like FITASC or five-stand where targets appear in rapid sequence. The blued finish and walnut stock also lack the weatherproofing needed for extended use in wet environments where stainless steel and synthetic stocks like those on the Stevens 334 excel.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, five choke tubes (C, IC, IM, M, F) with wrench, and owner's manual documenting Turkish import regulations. The chokes thread standard Beretta/Benelli patterns allowing aftermarket options, while the manual includes specific ATF guidance for 922(r) compliance since this firearm contains fewer than 10 imported parts. No case or additional accessories ship standard, requiring separate purchase of appropriate storage and cleaning equipment.
Is the Dickinson ST1226DH worth it at $1731.99?
At this price point, you're paying for hand-fitted walnut and precise machining rather than maximum utility. Compared to Turkish competitors like Stoeger or CZ offering similar configurations under $800, the Dickinson's tighter lockup, better wood-to-metal fit, and refined triggers justify the premium for shooters valuing craftsmanship. For those wanting modern performance at lower cost, the over-under Stevens 555 delivers three shots and adjustable comb for $600 less, making the Dickinson a choice for traditionalists specifically wanting side-by-side aesthetics.
Key attributes
| upc | 6468095813976 |
| manufacturer | Dickinson |
| manufacturer part number | ST1226DH |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| safety | Manual Thumb |
| sights | Brass Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard 12 gauge choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke threading pattern, identical to most modern Italian-made shotguns. The included five chokes cover patterns from Cylinder to Full constriction, and aftermarket options from brands like Carlson's or Briley fit perfectly. You'll need a 3/4-inch choke tube wrench for installation and removal.
- Can I use 3-inch magnum shells safely?
- The chambers accept 3-inch shells mechanically, but I recommend against sustained use of heavy magnum loads. This lightweight platform transmits significant recoil—firing ten 3-inch magnum shells generates approximately 180 foot-pounds of felt recoil energy, which most shooters find punishing. Stick to 2.75-inch target or field loads for comfortable shooting sessions.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Standard shipping to licensed FFL holders takes 3-5 business days from order verification, excluding background check processing time. All firearms ship via FedEx Priority Overnight with adult signature required, and your designated FFL must provide current license documentation before shipment. Delivery delays typically occur only during peak holiday periods or severe weather events.
- Is the stock length adjustable?
- No, the Turkish walnut stock features fixed dimensions with 14.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb. For shooters needing different fit, aftermarket options from brands like Graco or Kick-Eez require gunsmith installation costing $200-400 including fitting and finishing. The fixed dimensions work best for average adult builds between 5'8" and 6'2" height.