Pointer FT6 12 Gauge Side-by-Side 28in Walnut
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Pointer FT6 12 Gauge Side-by-Side is a full-size upland shotgun that combines traditional mechanical reliability with five-choke versatility for field and sporting use. Built around 28-inch blued barrels and color case-hardened receiver, this Turkish-made side-by-side handles 3-inch shells while maintaining the classic walnut-stocked profile serious wingshooters demand. The FT6's extractor-only system and tang safety keep operation straightforward when you're moving through cover or transitioning between stations.
What is the Pointer FT6 used for?
The FT6 excels in upland bird hunting and informal sporting clays where fast, instinctive shooting matters most. Its 6.8-pound unloaded weight balances well for quick mount-and-swing movements in grouse cover or pheasant fields. The five included choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F) let you adapt from close-range woodcock to longer pass-shooting without swapping guns.
How does the Pointer FT6 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The FT6 offers faster handling for snap shots but less stable swing than the over-under Stevens 555 Sporting. Where the 555's single sight plane and 30-inch barrels help maintain momentum on crossing targets, the FT6's side-by-side configuration and 28-inch barrels point more naturally in thick cover. For deliberate clay target work, I'd take the Stevens 555 Sporting; for flushing birds in brush, the FT6's 2-inch shorter barrels and instant barrel selection give it the edge.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight sits at 6.8 pounds with an overall length of 45 inches. The 28-inch barrels contribute most of that length, while the Turkish walnut stock has a 14.5-inch length of pull that fits most adult shooters without modification. At 45 inches long, it's nearly identical in profile to vintage American doubles but 8 ounces lighter than many comparable modern guns.
Who is this NOT for?
Don't buy the FT6 if you need quick follow-up shots or high-volume shooting capability. The break-action design limits you to two rounds before reloading, making it impractical for waterfowl hunting where three-shot limits are common. The extractor-only system (not full ejectors) also means you'll manually clear spent shells rather than having them automatically thrown clear.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, five choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F), and a basic owner's manual. The chokes are tool-tightened and labeled, though I'd recommend buying a dedicated choke tube wrench since the included tool is minimal. Unlike some competitors, Ironclad Armory doesn't include a hard case—plan on $40-60 for proper storage.
Is the Pointer FT6 worth it at $666.99?
At just under $667, the FT6 delivers solid value for hunters who specifically want a side-by-side configuration. You're paying about $200 less than the lowest-priced new American-made SxS shotguns while getting modern choke versatility. Compared to buying a used vintage double of uncertain history, the FT6's new-manufacture reliability and warranty justify the price for shooters who need dependable field performance.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.8 pounds unloaded — 8 ounces lighter than comparable American doubles
- Includes 5 choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F) — covers all hunting and clay applications
- 28-inch barrels with ventilated rib — improves sight alignment and heat dissipation
- Color case-hardened receiver — resists wear better than blued or painted finishes
Trade-offs
- Extractors only, not ejectors — spent shells must be manually removed after firing
- No included hard case — adds $40-60 for proper storage and transport
- Fixed stock dimensions — length of pull cannot be adjusted without gunsmith work
- Tang safety position — optimized for right-handed shooters only
Key attributes
| upc | 682146897241 |
| manufacturer | Pointer |
| manufacturer part number | FT61228HT |
| action | Side By Side |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| length | 31.4000 |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.8 |
| sights | Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with 2¾ inch shells?
- Yes, the FT6 chambers both 2¾-inch and 3-inch 12 gauge shells interchangeably. The 3-inch chamber length handles magnum loads for turkey or waterfowl, while 2¾-inch shells work for target loads and standard hunting. Always check choke tube markings for steel shot compatibility before firing.
- Is the barrel selector reversible for left-handed shooters?
- No, the barrel selector is a mechanical tab on the tang that's optimized for right-handed operation. Left-handed shooters can still use the FT6 but will need to adapt to the selector position. The safety is ambidextrous and functions identically from either shoulder.
- What choke thread pattern does it use?
- The FT6 uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads, the most common pattern after Invector/DS. This means you can use aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson's or Patternmaster without adapter sleeves. The threads are cut cleanly and accept tubes without binding.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearm shipments to FFL dealers in Montana typically take 5-7 business days from order processing. All shipments go via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required. Your local FFL will contact you for pickup once they've completed their 4473 paperwork, which adds 1-2 days.
- Can I return it if the stock doesn't fit?
- Ironclad Armory allows returns within 30 days if the firearm is unfired and in original packaging, but you'll pay a 15% restocking fee. For fit issues, I recommend measuring your ideal length of pull first—the FT6's 14.5-inch LOP suits most shooters between 5'8" and 6'2".
- Does this work with a limb saver recoil pad?
- Yes, the FT6's buttstock accepts standard slip-on recoil pads without modification. For permanent installation, the curved buttplate requires grinding to fit most aftermarket pads. A Pachmayr Decelerator slip-on (model 01700) adds about 1 inch to length of pull and reduces felt recoil by approximately 30%.