Pointer Acrius O/U 28 Gauge 28in Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.2 lbs — nearly a full pound lighter than many 12 gauge over/unders, ideal for long walks.
- Includes five choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — immediate versatility for field and clays.
- Chrome-lined 28-inch barrels — significantly easier to clean and more corrosion-resistant than plain steel.
Trade-offs
- Fixed field stock with plastic buttplate — no adjustability for fit, requires an aftermarket pad for comfort with heavy loads.
- Basic mechanical trigger — lacks the crisp, adjustable break of higher-end sporting models, with a pull weight around 5.5 lbs.
- Laser-etched "floral coin" finish — decorative but thin; holster wear or hard field use will show through to the base metal quickly.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Ironclad Armory Pointer Acrius O/U 28 Gauge is a traditional Turkish-made over/under shotgun built for the field sportsman who demands simplicity and mechanical reliability. This firearm pairs a 28-inch chrome-lined barrel with a fixed Turkish walnut stock and a basic tang safety, offering a fundamental break-action experience at an accessible price point. I recommend it for shooters entering the 28 gauge niche who want a working tool, not a showpiece.
What is the Pointer Acrius O/U 28 Gauge used for?
The Pointer Acrius is primarily a field and sporting clays gun for upland game and clay target practice. Its 5.2-pound weight and 28-inch barrels provide a smooth, fast swing for birds like quail and dove, while the included five choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) let you tailor patterns for different ranges. The fiber-optic front sight and 8mm-wide ventilated rib aid in fast target acquisition, though it lacks the more refined balance of a dedicated competition gun like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in 20 gauge.
How does the Pointer Acrius compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?
The Acrius is a more basic, lighter-weight entry point focused purely on field utility compared to the longer, competition-oriented Stevens 555 Sporting. Where the Stevens 555 in a comparable caliber often features a 30-inch barrel for a steadier swing and more advanced inertia trigger system, the Acrius uses a simpler mechanical trigger and saves roughly half a pound in weight, making it better for all-day carries in thick cover. The Stevens construction is generally more robust for high-volume shooting, but the Acrius offers the core over/under function for about $140 less.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs exactly 5.2 lbs (2.36 kg) unloaded, with an overall length of approximately 45.5 inches given its 28-inch barrels and a length of pull around 14.5 inches. The chrome-lined barrel walls are standard thickness, contributing to the balanced feel, and the receiver width is a manageable 1.6 inches across at its widest point. These dimensions make it one of the lighter 28 gauge over/unders on the market, a key advantage for walking hunters.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for the tactical shooter, the high-volume competition shooter, or anyone needing a multi-purpose home defense firearm. The two-round capacity and break-action design are ill-suited for defensive scenarios, and the mechanical components, while reliable, are not built to withstand the tens of thousands of rounds a dedicated clays course might demand annually. For those needs, consider a semi-automatic or a more heavily built over/under. It's also not for the collector; the laser-etched floral coin finish on the receiver is decorative but lacks the depth and durability of true engraving.
What's in the box?
The package includes the complete shotgun, a set of five steel internal choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a basic choke tube wrench, and an owner's manual. You will need to supply your own gun case—the Acrius ships in a manufacturer's cardboard box—and you should budget for immediate snap cap purchase to practice dry-fire without damaging the firing pins. The chokes are a strong inclusion, giving you functional versatility straight out of the box.
Is the Pointer Acrius worth it at $468.99?
At just under $469, the Acrius represents significant value for a shooter wanting to enter the 28 gauge realm without a four-figure investment. You are paying for core function: a chrome-lined barrel that cleans easily, a serviceable walnut stock, and a reliable action. You are not paying for advanced trigger tuning, fancy wood figure, or extensive aftermarket support. For a first over/under or a dedicated light-game gun, the value proposition is clear, especially when compared to the higher price of many .410 bore models that offer similar field utility.
Key attributes
| upc | 682146860016 |
| manufacturer | Pointer |
| manufacturer part number | KAR2828 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| color | BI-TONE |
| length | 31.6000 |
| model | ACRIUS |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.0 |
| sights | Fiber-optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 3-inch 28 gauge shells?
- No, this model is chambered for standard 2 ¾-inch 28 gauge shells only. Using 3-inch shells is unsafe and will cause a dangerous over-pressure condition. Always verify chamber length with a chamber gauge before your first range session.
- Does the stock have a recoil pad installed?
- No, the fixed Turkish walnut field stock comes with a simple, checkered plastic buttplate. For extended shooting sessions with heavier target loads, you will likely want to add an aftermarket recoil pad from a vendor like Pachmayr or Limbsaver, which will also add about 1 inch to the length of pull.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Processing is typically 1-3 business days, with ground shipping adding 5-8 business days transit time to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. You must coordinate directly with your FFL for transfer; Ironclad Armory cannot ship directly to a residential address.
- Can I return it if it has a mechanical defect?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory covers functional defects under a 1-year limited warranty. You must initiate a return request within 30 days of the FFL transfer date for a refund or replacement. Cosmetic issues or buyer's remorse are not covered, and all returns must go through an FFL, adding cost and time.