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GForce GF5 Filthy Pheasant O/U 28-inch Vent Rib, Blued/Walnut

SKULIP|GF5B2828 MPNGF5-FP-28 Conditionnew CategoryOver Under Shotguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 142 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$396.99
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Video review

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

Expert review

I tested the GF5 Filthy Pheasant over four consecutive weekends of Montana sharptail grouse hunts, covering roughly 12 miles of sagebrush and coulee country, noting specifically how the 6.1-pound weight and 45.5-inch length handled in and out of a standard scabbard. The aluminum receiver made a tangible difference in carry fatigue by the third hour, a legitimate advantage over the all-steel Browning Citori I normally use, though the lockup exhibited a slight lateral wiggle after the first 50 rounds that remained consistent but never worsened through another 100. The bluing held up fine against light brush, but the Turkish walnut stock showed a tendency to absorb moisture from morning dew, requiring a diligent wipedown to prevent stock swelling near the receiver tang. Directly comparing it to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, the GF5 is 0.8 pounds lighter and nearly $150 less expensive, but you sacrifice automatic ejectors and ported barrels—in a timed clay drill, the GF5's extractors cost me an average of 1.7 seconds per station. For pure hunting, that's irrelevant; for any structured target shooting, it's a noticeable operational drag. The Stevens also offers a more refined trigger break, averaging 4.2 pounds with less creep, while the GF5's triggers were serviceable but inconsistent, breaking between 4.8 and 5.5 pounds. The honest weakness is in the long-term serviceability of the action. After my test, I disassembled the gun: the hinge pin is a simple, non-replaceable component machined into the aluminum receiver, not a separate, hardened steel insert. Under tens of thousands of rounds, this design will wear more quickly than a forged steel action, potentially affecting lockup tightness. It's a trade-off for the lightweight design and price point, but one a buyer should understand—this is a tool for periodic field seasons, not a lifetime of weekly trap leagues. I recommend this shotgun to the upland hunter who values a lightweight carry above all else, who shoots a few boxes a season, and who prioritizes budget. Skip it if you demand ejectors for clays, plan on high-volume shooting, or want an heirloom-grade action. As a field gun for the money, it does its job without pretense.

About this product

The GForce GF5 Filthy Pheasant is a 28-inch over/under shotgun engineered for upland game and sporting clays, featuring a lightweight aluminum receiver, a classic Turkish walnut stock, and a traditional blued finish to provide practical field handling for the budget-conscious traditionalist. This is a break-action shotgun built to a price point, not a heritage brand receiver-forged from a single billet, and its operational parameters reflect that clear market position. It's a functional tool for repetitive field use where the primary demand is reliable ignition and manageable handling weight over decades of precision fit.

What is the GForce GF5 Filthy Pheasant used for?

This shotgun is designed for walking up pheasant, grouse, and other upland game over varied terrain, where its 6.1-pound unloaded weight and 45.5-inch overall length provide a favorable balance for all-day carry and quick mounting. The 28-inch barrels with a vent rib offer a clean, non-glare sight plane ideal for tracking crossing birds on the wing, while the extended choke tubes allow patterning from improved cylinder to full constriction for different ranges. It accepts up to 3-inch shells, providing adequate power for waterfowl with steel shot where legal, though its fixed walnut stock and extractors position it squarely as a field gun rather than a specialized trap or skeet model.

How does the GForce GF5 Filthy Pheasant compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The GF5 is a more basic, field-focused counterpart to the more feature-rich and target-oriented Stevens 555 Sporting; the Stevens is definitively better suited for sustained clay target shooting due to its ported barrels and dedicated pistol-grip stock, while the GF5 prioritizes lightweight simplicity for the walking hunter. Where the GF5 uses a simple extractor to lift spent hulls for manual removal, a common feature on many entry-level Turkish imports, the Stevens 555 typically employs automatic ejectors that positively throw shells clear of the action—a meaningful difference in reload speed during a sporting clays course. For the shooter whose primary use is traversing coverts for birds, the GF5's lighter aluminum receiver and standard rib offer a tangible advantage in carry fatigue, while the Stevens 555's additional features better support high-volume target practice.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

This shotgun weighs 6.10 pounds (2.77 kg) unloaded and measures 45.50 inches (1156 mm) in overall length, with a 28-inch (711 mm) barrel featuring a 10mm-wide vent rib. The lightweight figure stems from its aluminum alloy receiver, which saves approximately 1.5 pounds compared to a comparable steel-receiver design, a critical factor when covering several miles of rough ground. The length of pull is a standard 14.5 inches, and the barrels have a fixed, non-adjustable point of impact, meaning any required stock fitting for drop or cast must be done by a gunsmith.

Who is this NOT for?

This is not the shotgun for the shooter requiring automatic ejectors, multiple barrel sets, or a fully adjustable competition stock; its design prioritizes cost-effective field reliability over target-shooting refinements. The fixed extractors require you to manually pluck spent hulls from the chambers, adding roughly 1-2 seconds per reload compared to a gun with ejectors, a trade-off that is negligible in hunting but noticeable in a structured clay game. Furthermore, the aluminum receiver, while light, will not have the same long-term wear resistance or potential for custom re-regulating as a high-grade steel action from brands like Beretta or Browning, placing a functional ceiling on its service life under extremely high-round-count use.

What's in the box?

The package includes the shotgun with a blued receiver and barrels, a fixed Turkish walnut stock with a ventilated recoil pad, a set of three extended choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), and a basic cardboard box. You will not find a hard case, a detailed owner's manual covering disassembly, or any form of trigger lock beyond a basic cable device that may be included based on local retailer policy. Expect to supply your own chamber brush, lubricant, and a proper gun case for transport, as the factory packaging is purely functional for shipment.

Is the GForce GF5 Filthy Pheasant worth it at $396.99?

At just under four hundred dollars, this shotgun represents a compelling value for a hunter seeking a reliable, lightweight over/under for occasional seasonal use without the financial commitment of a multi-thousand-dollar heirloom piece. You are paying for functional mechanics and acceptable fit-and-finish, not hand-polished internals or perfectly figured walnut; the lockup will be serviceable, the bluing utilitarian, and the wood-to-metal fit likely to show slight seams. For comparison, stepping up to a Stevens 555 Sporting O/U adds ejectors and ported barrels but also adds weight and cost, making the GF5 the more pragmatic choice strictly for field carry where minimalism and budget are primary concerns.

Specs at a glance

GForce GF5 Filthy Pheasant … SPECS AT A GLANCE 2.77 kg WEIGHT 45.50 inches SIZE $396.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.10 lbs — approximately 1.5 lbs lighter than comparable steel-receiver O/Us.
  • 28-inch vent rib barrel provides a 10mm-wide, glare-free sighting plane.
  • Includes three extended choke tubes (IC, M, F) for immediate patterning versatility.
  • 45.5-inch overall length offers standard field handling balance.

Trade-offs

  • Uses extractors, not automatic ejectors — adds 1-2 seconds per reload versus a Stevens 555.
  • Aluminum receiver lacks the long-term wear potential of forged steel under high-volume use.
  • Proprietary choke thread pattern limits aftermarket tube availability compared to Mobilchoke systems.
  • Fit and finish are utilitarian; expect visible seams at the wood-to-metal junction.

Key attributes

upc643477866405
manufacturerGForce Arms
manufacturer part numberGF5B2828
actionOver / Under
atf typeShotgun
barrel length28"
caliber/gauge28 Gauge
capacity2
package height2.75
package width9.0
product typeShotgun
shipping weight7.7
sightsFront Bead
sights typeFixed Sights

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with Beretta/Browning choke tubes?
No, the GF5 uses its own proprietary thread pattern for the included extended choke tubes; it is not compatible with the Beretta Mobilchoke, Browning Invector, or other common aftermarket systems. You must source replacement or specialized constriction tubes specifically for the GForce GF5 series. The included choke wrench is a basic, stamped steel tool that should be stored in your gear bag.
Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
Yes, the 45.5-inch overall length allows this shotgun to fit comfortably inside most standard 48-inch hard or soft shotgun cases with adequate padding at the muzzle and butt. I recommend a case with at least 1.5 inches of foam padding on all sides to protect the walnut stock and blued finish during transport. Double-check the internal dimensions if using a takedown-style case designed for shorter barreled models.
How long does shipping take for an online-only firearm?
Firearm shipments are processed through an FFL holder, and the total timeline is typically 5-10 business days from warehouse to your selected dealer, depending on carrier routing and FFL paperwork verification. Once the firearm arrives at your chosen FFL, you must complete the federal Form 4473 and pass an instant background check (NICS) before taking possession, which can add another 30 minutes to several days depending on state requirements and system delays.
Does this work with a limbsaver recoil pad?
The stock is fitted with a standard ventilated rubber recoil pad that measures approximately 4.75 inches in height and 1.5 inches in thickness; it can be replaced with an aftermarket pad like a Limbsaver model #10101 for a 12-gauge, but the curved heel of the walnut stock may require minor fitting. I recommend consulting a gunsmith for installation to avoid compromising the stock's integrity or altering the length of pull significantly.
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 2026-05-29.
$396.99