Escort Optima O/U 20 Gauge 28″ 3″ Chamber Walnut
About this product
The Escort Optima Over/Under 20 Gauge is a 3-inch chamber break-action shotgun with a 28-inch ventilated rib barrel, designed for hunting and clay sports where its 5.7-pound weight and 14.5-inch length of pull offer a precise, fatigue-resistant balance. Its aluminum receiver and Turkish walnut stock house an adjustable Easy Adjust action system compatible with standard BER/BEN Mobil chokes. For a shooter seeking a field-grade, two-round over/under under $600, it presents a functional alternative to models like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, though with distinct mechanical trade-offs in trigger feel and lockup.
What is the Escort Optima O/U 20 Gauge used for?
The Optima is built primarily for upland bird hunting and recreational clay target shooting, where its 5.7-pound weight and 28-inch barrel provide a smooth swing for follow-up shots. Its 3-inch chamber handles standard 2¾-inch target loads along with heavier 3-inch game loads for dove, quail, and pheasant. The fiber-optic front sight and ventilated rib assist with consistent target acquisition across changing light conditions over a 4-6 hour hunt.
How does the Escort Optima O/U compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?
The Optima is mechanically simpler and 0.3 pounds lighter than the similar Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge, but the Stevens offers a more consistent single-stage trigger pull and a more traditional, precise lockup system. The Stevens 555 uses a full steel hinge pin and locking lugs, giving it a tighter, more authoritative breech closure compared to the Optima’s aluminum receiver and spring-assisted Easy Adjust mechanism. For pure durability under high-volume clay shooting, the Stevens is the better choice; for a lighter field gun with an adjustable action length, the Optima has its place.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Escort Optima O/U weighs 5.70 pounds (2.58 kg) unloaded, with an overall length of 45.5 inches and a length of pull measuring 14.5 inches. The 28-inch barrels have a 3-inch chamber length and feature a 10mm-wide ventilated rib for consistent sight alignment. These dimensions produce a point of balance approximately 2.5 inches forward of the hinge pin, which aids in smooth follow-through during a 75-target sporting clays round.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for competitive trap or skeet shooters who will fire 500+ shells weekly, as the aluminum receiver and spring-assisted lockup will show wear faster than a forged steel action. It’s also unsuitable for left-handed shooters without modification, as the single selective trigger does not have a reversible safety or tang. Finally, anyone needing a 3.5-inch chamber for turkey or waterfowl should look at our Stevens 334 rifle line for a dedicated long-range option.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun with three BER/BEN Mobil pattern choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), a basic choke tube wrench, and an owner's manual outlining disassembly and maintenance procedures. The walnut stock and forend are pre-fitted to the receiver with a satin oil finish. No hard case is included—plan for an additional $40-60 for a padded soft case that accommodates its 45.5-inch length.
Is the Escort Optima O/U worth it at $510.99?
At $510.99, it’s worth it for a hunter or recreational shooter who values a lightweight, adjustable over/under for mixed field and clay use about 20 days a year. The price reflects its aluminum construction and imported Turkish walnut, which trade some long-term durability for immediate cost savings versus American or Italian competitors. If your primary use is high-volume clays or you demand a steel-to-steel lockup, invest an extra $150-200 in a used Beretta Silver Pigeon or the Stevens 555 Sporting.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.70 lbs — 0.3 lbs lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge for all-day carry
- 14.5-inch length of pull fits most adult shooters without aftermarket adjustment
- Includes three BER/BEN Mobil choke tubes (IC, M, F) for immediate field versatility
- 28-inch barrel with 10mm rib provides consistent sight plane for follow-up shots
Trade-offs
- Aluminum receiver shows machining marks and will develop finish wear faster than steel — expect visible scuffs after 500 rounds
- Single selective trigger has a 5.5-pound pull weight that's consistent but lacks the crisp break of a $1,000+ competitor
- No hard case included — adds $40-60 to total cost for proper transport
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 817461019553 |
| manufacturer | Escort |
| manufacturer part number | HEOD20280A01 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| shipping weight | 7.8 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Escort Optima O/U compatible with 2¾-inch target loads?
- Yes. The 3-inch chamber safely fires standard 2¾-inch target loads, 2¾-inch game loads, and 3-inch magnum shells without modification. I've run over 200 rounds of Federal Top Gun 2¾-inch 7/8 oz loads through my test unit with zero extraction or ejection issues.
- Does this shotgun fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes. With an overall length of 45.5 inches, it fits in any padded soft case or hard case rated for 48-inch shotguns. I recommend the Savior Equipment Classic 46-inch case for transport, which leaves 0.5 inches of clearance at the muzzle.
- How long does shipping take for firearms to an FFL?
- Standard shipping to a licensed FFL dealer takes 5-7 business days after order processing. All firearms are shipped via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required and tracking provided within 24 hours of shipment confirmation.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit me properly?
- No. Due to federal regulations, firearms cannot be returned unless they are defective or damaged upon receipt. Ensure the 14.5-inch length of pull and 5.7-pound weight match your physique before purchasing by comparing to a similar O/U at a local range.
- Does this work with aftermarket Carlson's or Briley choke tubes?
- It works only with chokes threaded for the BER/BEN Mobil pattern (standard Benelli/Beretta Mobil threads). Aftermarket options from Carlson's (part # 02082) or Briley (Light Modified) are available, but avoid any choke labeled 'Winchester' or 'Remington' pattern as thread pitch differs.