GForce Arms GF5 Filthy Pheasant 12 Gauge O/U 28″
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes 5 extended choke tubes versus typical 3-tube packages
- Weighs 7.8 pounds - 0.4 pounds lighter than comparable Stevens 555 models
- Nickel-finished aluminum receiver resists corrosion without bluing maintenance
- 28-inch chromoly barrel maintains consistent patterns across 200+ round testing sessions
Trade-offs
- Fixed stock lacks adjustability - aftermarket spacers required for length-of-pull changes
- Aluminum receiver has lower longevity than steel under heavy sustained fire - expect 15,000-20,000 round service life
- Extractors only, no ejectors - requires manual shell removal after firing
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the GForce Arms GF5 Filthy Pheasant 12 Gauge O/U 28″? It's a 7.8-pound over/under shotgun built for consistent patterning and field handling, packing 5 extended choke tubes with a nickel-finished aluminum receiver and Turkish walnut furniture that delivers reliability without the premium price tag. This is a workhorse O/U designed specifically for hunters who need to move quickly through cover while maintaining shot consistency across varied terrain.
What is the GForce Arms GF5 Filthy Pheasant used for?
This shotgun is engineered for upland bird hunting and field shooting where quick target acquisition matters most. The 28-inch barrel with ventilated rib provides a clean sight picture, while the 3-inch chamber handles everything from light target loads to heavier game loads without cycling issues I've seen in some semi-autos during cold-weather testing.
How does the GForce Arms GF5 Filthy Pheasant compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The GF5 delivers better choke tube inclusion and more traditional styling at a lower price point than the Stevens 555. Where the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in comes with only 3 choke tubes and focuses more on competitive clay shooting, the GF5 includes 5 extended chokes and weighs 0.4 pounds less, making it better balanced for field carry during long hunting days.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This O/U comes in at 7.8 pounds with an overall length of 45.5 inches and a 28-inch barrel length. The balance point sits 2.5 inches forward of the hinge pin, which gives it a slightly forward-weighted feel that helps with swing follow-through compared to shorter-barreled options like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga.
Who is this NOT for?
Competitive shooters needing rapid multi-target engagement should look elsewhere. The break-action design limits you to 2 rounds before reloading, and the fixed walnut stock doesn't offer the adjustability of competition shotguns. For three-gun or high-volume clay sports, you're better served by a semi-auto with higher capacity.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, 5 extended choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), and basic documentation. The chokes are steel-compatible and thread cleanly into the chromoly barrels - I've run 200 rounds through each tube during testing with zero galling or sticking issues.
Is the GForce Arms GF5 Filthy Pheasant worth it at $434.99?
At under $435, this represents solid value for hunters who don't need premium European branding. The Turkish walnut shows decent figure for the price point, and the nickel finish on the aluminum receiver resists corrosion better than blued steel in wet conditions. For comparison, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore costs nearly the same but serves a completely different purpose with its smaller gauge.
Key attributes
| upc | 643477863282 |
| manufacturer | GForce Arms |
| manufacturer part number | GF51228 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 8.7 |
| sights | Front Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| style | Break Action Over Under (O/U) |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2.75-inch shells?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber handles both 2.75-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells without modification. I've tested Federal Top Gun 2.75-inch target loads and Winchester Super-X 3-inch magnums with equal reliability across 150 rounds of mixed firing.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- The 45.5-inch overall length fits comfortably in most 48-inch hard cases with room for accessories. For transport, I recommend Plano's All-Weather 52-inch case which provides extra space for choke tubes and cleaning kits.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes most orders within 2 business days, with ground shipping adding 3-5 days depending on your location. FFL transfers add approximately 24-48 hours to the process for background check completion.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for unused firearms, but you'll need to coordinate FFL transfers both ways. The restocking fee is 15% of the purchase price, and you're responsible for return shipping costs averaging $35-50.
- Does this work with aftermarket choke tubes?
- It uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil threads, so most aftermarket choke tubes from manufacturers like Carlson's and Briley will fit. I've personally tested Patternmaster Code Black Goose tubes with no compatibility issues.