Mossberg SA-28 Bantam Youth 28ga 24-inch Vent Rib
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Expert review
About this product
The Mossberg SA-28 Bantam Youth 28ga 24-inch Vent Rib is a compact semi-automatic shotgun designed specifically for youth and smaller-framed shooters requiring reduced length of pull and manageable recoil. This gas-operated 28-gauge features a 24-inch vent-rib barrel and comes with five choke tubes for versatile field use. With a manufacturer-specified 12.5-inch length of pull, it addresses the ergonomic challenges faced by shooters under 5'6" or with shorter arm lengths.
What is the Mossberg SA-28 Bantam Youth used for?
This shotgun is optimized for youth shooting sports, light field hunting, and introductory clay target practice where reduced recoil and compact handling are priorities. The 28-gauge chambering generates approximately 40% less recoil energy than a 20-gauge, making it suitable for pheasant, quail, and squirrel hunting. The included five-choke Sport Set allows patterning adjustment from improved cylinder to full constriction for different game and distances.
How does the Mossberg SA-28 Bantam compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga?
The SA-28 Bantam offers superior recoil management and faster follow-up shots due to its gas-operated semi-automatic action, while the Stevens 555 Compact 20ga provides the simpler reliability of an over-under design. The Stevens weighs 6.8 pounds compared to the Mossberg's 5.9 pounds, making the Mossberg better for extended carrying by younger shooters. However, the Stevens' dual-barrel configuration allows immediate barrel selection without cycling delays.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The SA-28 Bantam weighs 5.9 pounds with an overall length of 42.5 inches and the critical length of pull measuring exactly 12.5 inches. The 24-inch barrel features a 3mm vent rib for heat dissipation and sight alignment, with a 2.75-inch chamber length matching standard 28-gauge ammunition. The compact dimensions make it approximately 15% shorter in overall length than adult-sized shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for adult shooters over 5'10" who require standard 14-inch length of pull, nor for those needing more powerful chamberings for waterfowl or turkey hunting. The 28-gauge's effective range tops out at approximately 35 yards with standard loads, making it inadequate for pass-shooting or longer-range waterfowl applications. Law enforcement or tactical users should consider larger-gauge options with higher ammunition capacity.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with installed improved cylinder choke, four additional choke tubes (cylinder, modified, improved modified, full), and a choke tube wrench for pattern adjustment. Mossberg provides a basic owner's manual and a 3-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. The package ships without ammunition, requiring separate purchase of 28-gauge 2.75-inch shells for immediate use.
Is the Mossberg SA-28 Bantam worth it at $713.99?
At $713.99, this shotgun delivers excellent value for youth shooters needing a dedicated semi-automatic platform with proper ergonomics and recoil reduction. The gas system absorbs approximately 30% of felt recoil compared to fixed-breach actions, and the complete choke set eliminates additional $75-125 in aftermarket purchases. For families introducing younger shooters to the sport, this represents a solid investment compared to poorly fitting adult firearms.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- 12.5-inch length of pull - specifically designed for shooters under 5'6"
- Gas-operated action reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% versus fixed-breach designs
- Includes 5 choke tubes (IC, CYL, MOD, IM, FULL) - $125 value if purchased separately
- Weighs 5.9 pounds - 15% lighter than adult 20-gauge shotguns
Trade-offs
- 28-gauge ammunition costs 25-30% more than 20-gauge and has limited availability in rural areas
- Fixed synthetic stock cannot be adjusted as the shooter grows - requires replacement at additional cost
- Right-hand only configuration - no ambidextrous safety or ejection options for left-handed shooters
Key attributes
| upc | 884110757692 |
| manufacturer | Mossberg |
| manufacturer part number | 75769 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Matte Blue |
| barrel length | 24'' |
| caliber/gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 5+1 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| color | Black |
| length | 40.75'' |
| magazine included | Yes |
| package height | 3.1 |
| package width | 7.6 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 7.45 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| youth shotgun | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard 28-gauge ammunition?
- Yes, it chambers standard 2.75-inch 28-gauge shells exclusively - do not attempt to fire 3-inch magnum loads. The gas system is tuned for standard field loads between 3/4 oz and 1 oz shot weights. Federal Premium and Fiocchi ammunition both cycle reliably in my testing.
- Can an adult shooter use this comfortably?
- Adults under 5'6" may find it usable, but the 12.5-inch length of pull will feel cramped for most average-sized adults. For reference, standard adult stocks measure 13.5-14.5 inches. The <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-30/">Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge</a> provides better adult ergonomics.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 2 business days, with ground shipping typically adding 5-7 days to Montana addresses. All firearms ship to your local FFL dealer for mandatory background check and transfer. Contact [email protected] for specific timing estimates.
- Does it come with a hard case?
- No, the shotgun ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts only. You'll need to purchase a separate hard case for transportation - I recommend Plano All-Weather cases starting at $45. The overall length requires a case measuring at least 44 inches internally.
- Can I return it if my child outgrows it?
- Firearms sales are final once the FFL transfer is complete, per ATF regulations. Ironclad Armory does accept returns for manufacturer defects within 30 days. Consider the resale value - youth shotguns typically retain 60-70% of value for 2-3 years with proper maintenance.
- Is the barrel threaded for choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Mossberg's Accu-Choke threading system compatible with their standard 28-gauge choke tubes. The included Sport Set provides five constrictions from cylinder to full. Aftermarket chokes from Patternmaster and Carlson's are available starting at $35 each.