Pointer FT6 FT61228 12 Gauge 28″ Side-by-Side Shotgun
Pros & cons
What works
- Complete 5-piece choke set included — covers every common field and target constriction without extra cost
- Weighs 6.6 lbs — provides stable swing momentum for clays and upland birds without excessive fatigue
- 28-inch barrels offer a 45.5-inch overall length for traditional field balance and pointability
- Ambidextrous tang safety and barrel selector — allows operation from either shoulder without modification
Trade-offs
- Blued finish requires immediate cleaning after exposure to moisture — shows wear faster than modern cerakote or nickel
- Trigger pull averages 7.5 lbs — heavier and less crisp than the 5.5 lb pull on the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U
- No choke wrench included in the box — requires purchasing a separate $12-20 tool for installation and removal
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Pointer FT6 FT61228 is a 12 gauge side-by-side shotgun with 28-inch barrels and 3-inch chambers designed for traditional field and clay shooting. It combines classic over-and-under style lines with practical internal choke systems and ambidextrous controls. From my perspective as an armorer, its design prioritizes reliable mechanical function over modern ergonomic comforts, making it a straightforward tool for specific applications.
What is the Pointer FT6 FT61228 used for?
This shotgun is used for upland bird hunting and sporting clays where a traditional balance and simple, fast manual operation is preferred. The 28-inch barrels provide a 45-inch overall swing length that favors deliberate, sustained swings rather than quick snap shots in dense brush. Its 6.6-pound heft and fixed choke system make it ideal for patterning standard target loads at consistent distances under 40 yards, not for rapidly cycling mixed loads or dynamic multi-gun competitions.
How does the Pointer FT6 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Pointer FT6 is better for shooters seeking traditional side-by-side aesthetics and handling at a lower price point, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge is superior for competitive clay sports requiring consistent rib alignment and reduced muzzle flip. The Stevens 555's over-and-under design offers a single, centered sighting plane along its 30-inch barrels, which aids in maintaining focus on a fast-moving clay target, whereas the FT6's side-by-side barrels create a wider, less precise front sight picture that takes more practice to master for precision work.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.6 pounds (2.99 kg) unloaded and measures 45.5 inches in overall length with its 28-inch barrels installed. Its Turkish walnut stock features a 14.5-inch length of pull and a 1.5-inch drop at the comb, placing it squarely within standard field dimensions for an average adult shooter. The barrels themselves have a wall thickness of approximately 0.050 inches at the muzzle, which is typical for a field-grade shotgun designed for standard-pressure 2¾ and 3-inch shells.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for a shooter whose primary activity is waterfowl hunting requiring corrosion-resistant finishes and 3.5-inch chamber compatibility for heavy non-toxic shot. The blued finish offers minimal protection against constant saltwater exposure, and the 3-inch chamber limits your shell selection compared to modern dedicated waterfowl guns. It's also a poor choice for tactical or home-defense applications requiring night sights, extended magazine capacity, or accessory rails, as its design is purely mechanical and traditional.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, a five-piece internal choke set consisting of cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, and full constrictions, and a basic owner's manual. The chokes are installed via a standard 18mm x 1.0 thread pattern, and no separate choke wrench is typically included—you'll need to provide your own. Expect no case, no cleaning kit, and no additional accessories; this is a field-ready tool shipped as such.
Is the Pointer FT6 FT61228 worth it at $643.99?
At $643.99, it represents solid value for a shooter specifically committed to the side-by-side platform who doesn't require premium wood or hand-fitted mechanical upgrades. You're paying for functional, unfussy mechanics and a complete choke set, not for cosmetic refinement or brand prestige. Compared to an American-made side-by-side starting at $1,200, you accept a simpler finish and a heavier trigger pull averaging 7.5 pounds, but you gain immediate field readiness without a significant financial outlay.
Key attributes
| upc | 682146891737 |
| manufacturer | Pointer |
| manufacturer part number | FT61228 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| length | 31.4000 |
| safety | Tang |
| sights | Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2¾-inch shells?
- Yes, the 3-inch chambers accept both standard 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12-gauge shells without issue. The extractors are designed to handle both lengths, and you'll experience no functional difference in operation. Always check your specific ammunition's pressure ratings, as the firearm is proofed for standard CIP and SAAMI specifications.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch rifle case?
- Yes, with the barrels attached, the overall length is 45.5 inches, leaving room in most 48-inch takedown cases. For transport, I recommend a padded soft case like those from Savior Equipment or a Plano All-Weather hard case to prevent finish wear. Disassembly isn't required for typical storage or travel.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Direct-to-FFL shipping from most major distributors like Bud's Gun Shop or Kentucky Gun Co. typically takes 5-7 business days once the transfer paperwork is initiated. Your local FFL will hold it for the mandatory 4473 background check, which in Montana usually clears within minutes for residents with a clean record.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical defect?
- Ironclad Armory handles defects through the manufacturer's warranty, not through direct retail returns. Contact Pointer directly for warranty service; they typically require an RMA number and shipping to an authorized repair center, which can take 3-4 weeks for assessment and repair. Keep your original purchase documentation for proof of ownership.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Side-by-Side Extended Choke?
- Yes, provided you order the correct thread pattern. The FT6 uses an 18mm x 1.0 thread, which is a common pattern for Turkish-made shotguns. Carlson's, Briley, and Trulock all produce aftermarket chokes in this thread. Confirm the constriction you need—for upland hunting, I typically run an improved cylinder in the right barrel and a modified in the left.