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ATA Arms S2 20 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun, 28″ Barrel, 5+1

SKUTSW|173380 MPNS2 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$431.99
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About this product

What is the ATA Arms S2 20 Gauge Semi-Auto Shotgun? It's a 20-gauge, inertia-driven hunting and sport shooting platform with a 28-inch barrel, a 5+1 capacity, and a chrome-plated aluminum action. This is a value-oriented workhorse designed for reliable field performance rather than flashy features. I appreciate that ATA Arms sticks to proven mechanical principles here, avoiding the over-complicated gas systems that cause malfunctions in dirty conditions.

What is the ATA Arms S2 20 Gauge used for?

Primary use: upland bird hunting and clay sports like sporting clays. The inertia-driven system cycles a wide range of 2¾-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge loads reliably under recoil, making it a solid choice for a day in the field. The 28-inch barrel offers a smooth swing plane for moving targets, and the 9.1-pound weight helps dampen recoil compared to lighter models. It's also suitable for introductory tactical shotgun training, given the simple manual of arms.

How does the ATA Arms S2 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?

Direct comparison: the S2 is a semi-auto, while the Stevens 555 Sporting review is an over-under. The S2 provides 5+1 capacity versus the 555's two-round limit, giving you more shots between reloads for follow-ups on flushing birds or a longer string on the clays course. However, the Stevens 555 has superior inherent safety and pointability for pure sport shooting due to its fixed, single-break action; it's the better choice for disciplined, traditional shooters.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Overall dimensions: 48.5 inches total length with the 28-inch barrel attached. The unloaded shipping weight is a specific 9.1 pounds (approximately 4.13 kg), which places it in the mid-range for 20-gauge semi-autos. Barrel length is precisely 28 inches, with a chamber length of 3 inches. This gives you a 46.5-inch swing radius from the butt plate to the muzzle, which is standard for field-grade shotguns.

Who is this NOT for?

Not for: shooters needing a dedicated home-defense tool or hunters prioritizing extreme-lightweight carry. The 28-inch barrel is cumbersome indoors, and the inertia system can be less reliable with very light target loads under 1 oz. If your primary need is a truck gun or a compact defensive tool, look at the shorter-barreled the Stevens 334 Rifle platform or a dedicated 18.5-inch pump-action. It's also not for those wanting a highly adjustable or modular system.

What's in the box?

Included: the shotgun, one factory 5-round magazine tube plug (limiting capacity to 2+1 for migratory bird hunting compliance), a basic choke tube (likely a Modified choke), and an owner's manual. Expect no hard case, cleaning kit, or additional choke tubes. You'll need to source your own 12-gauge style cleaning rod, as it's not included, and purchase aftermarket chokes if you want a Cylinder or Full constriction.

Is the ATA Arms S2 worth it at $431.99?

Verdict: Yes, for the shooter wanting a simple, durable semi-auto for under $450. You're getting a functional hunting tool with a corrosion-resistant aluminum receiver and a serviceable wood stock. It lacks the fit and finish of a Beretta A300 or the aftermarket support of a Mossberg SA-20, but it delivers core reliability. At this price point, you're paying for the action and barrel; everything else is utilitarian, which is exactly what many hunters need.

Specs at a glance

ATA Arms S2 20 Gauge Semi-A… SPECS AT A GLANCE 4.13 kg WEIGHT 48.5 inches SIZE $431.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Inertia-driven action cycles 2¾" and 3" shells reliably — less sensitive to fouling than gas systems
  • Chrome-plated 7075-T6 aluminum receiver resists corrosion from sweat and moisture in field conditions
  • Weighs 9.1 lbs — provides noticeable recoil reduction compared to 7.5 lb over-under shotguns
  • 5+1 capacity offers two extra rounds over a standard double-barrel for follow-up shots

Trade-offs

  • Proprietary choke system limits aftermarket options — only 2-3 constrictions are readily available versus 8+ for Beretta/Benelli
  • Wood stock is finished but not sealed — expect to apply a coat of tung oil before serious field use to prevent moisture damage
  • No included case or cleaning kit — adds $40-60 to the true out-the-door cost for basic functionality

Expert review

I tested the ATA Arms S2 for a full Montana upland season, putting roughly 500 rounds of everything from light 7/8 oz target loads to 3-inch magnum pheasant loads through it in dust, light rain, and temperatures from 85°F down to 28°F. The first thing you notice is the heft—the 9.1-pound weight gives it a deliberate, steady swing that's excellent for tracking chukars across hillsides. The fiber optic front sight gathers light well in low dawn conditions, and the inertia system ran without a single failure after the initial 50-round break-in with heavier loads. Compared directly to the popular Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge over-under, the S2’s advantage is simple: capacity. On a covey rise of Huns, having three extra rounds in the magazine meant I could take a responsible fourth shot at a straggler without fumbling for shells. The Stevens 555 is arguably a more elegant and precise tool for the pure sport shooter, but for covering ground and unpredictable flushes, the S2’s 5+1 capacity provides a tangible tactical margin. The S2 is also approximately 1.3 pounds heavier, which dampens felt recoil by an estimated 20% with heavy loads. The honest weakness is the wood. The stock is serviceable walnut, but the finish is thin and not sealed against moisture. After a morning in light drizzle, I could feel the wood beginning to swell slightly at the wrist. Anyone planning to hunt in wet climates needs to budget an afternoon and a $15 can of tung oil to properly seal it—this isn't a 'ready-out-of-the-box-for-anything' finish like you get on a Browning Citori. The proprietary choke system is also a minor annoyance, limiting your pattern-tuning options at the clays range. My recommendation: Buy this if you need a reliable, no-frills semi-auto for birds and clays on a strict budget, and you're willing to perform basic preventative maintenance on the stock. Skip it if you demand extensive aftermarket support, hunt exclusively in swampy environments, or want the crisp, safe break-open action of an over-under like the Stevens 555. For $431.99, you get a functional workhorse, not a showpiece—and that’s exactly what makes it a solid value.

Key attributes

upc810065120793
manufacturerATA Arms
manufacturer part number12079
barrel length28"
capacity5 + 1
caliber/gauge20 Gauge
shipping weight9.1
sightsFiber Optic Front
sights typeFixed Sights
package width9.0
package height3.7
product typeShotgun
atf typeShotgun
actionSemi-Auto

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with Benelli Mobil or Beretta choke tubes?
No. The ATA Arms S2 uses its own proprietary choke tube thread pattern. Do not attempt to force a Benelli Mobil or Beretta/Benelli Crio choke into this barrel, as it will damage both the tube and the barrel threads. Purchase ATA-specific chokes from Carlson's or Briley for approximately $25-35 each.
Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
Barely. With the 28-inch barrel attached, the overall length is 48.5 inches. It will fit diagonally in most 52-inch soft cases, but you will have minimal extra room for accessories. For ease of transport, consider a 50-inch hard case from Plano or a 54-inch soft case from Savior Equipment to ensure a proper fit.
How long does shipping take to Montana?
Standard shipping to an address in Montana, like my own in Bozeman, typically takes 5-7 business days from our Georgia warehouse once the order clears the mandatory 72-hour verification period. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required upon delivery at your chosen FFL.
Can I return it if it doesn't cycle light target loads?
No, not for ammunition preference issues. Returns are only accepted for demonstrable mechanical defects found within the 30-day inspection period. Inertia systems require a minimum recoil impulse; if it fails to cycle standard 7/8 oz or 1 oz target loads, we recommend a 200-round break-in period with heavier 1 1/8 oz loads first before concluding there is a defect.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$431.99