Rizzini Artemis 28 Gauge 29-inch Field Shotgun
About this product
The Rizzini Artemis 28 Gauge 29-inch Field Shotgun is a break-open over/under designed for the upland hunter or sporting clays shooter who prioritizes handling over volume. This Italian-made shotgun marries hand-engraved, anodized steel with 2.5-grade Turkish walnut to achieve a specific balance that 28-gauge aficionados will immediately recognize. At an unloaded weight of 5.90 lbs, it's engineered for all-day carry, not magazine capacity.
What is the Rizzini Artemis 28 Gauge used for?
This is an upland game and sporting clays shotgun, period. The 29-inch vent-rib barrel and 5.90 lb weight create a deliberate, smooth-swinging point for flushing birds or 16-yard trap. It's chambered for 3-inch 28-gauge shells, offering adequate power for pheasant and grouse at 30-40 yards without the punishing recoil of a 12-gauge. You won't find a tactical rail here, because the scrollwork and Prince of Wales grip are designed for a leather sling and a canvas game bag.
How does the Rizzini Artemis compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Rizzini Artemis is a hand-fitted heirloom, while the Stevens 555 is a reliable tool. The Artemis uses select Turkish walnut, hand-engraved anodizing, and full ejectors, justifying its $5,325 price tag against the Stevens 555's roughly $700 MSRP. The Stevens holds a clear advantage in cost and accessibility, but for balance and engraving quality on a sub-gauge platform, the Artemis has no peer in its price bracket. For the clay shooter wanting a 20-gauge workhorse, the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge is the logical, economical choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
It weighs 5.90 lbs unloaded and measures 45.5 inches in overall length with the 29-inch barrels. The critical dimension is the barrel's 7.5mm vent rib—designed to minimize glare without adding top-heaviness. With a length of pull at 14.5 inches and a drop at comb of 1.5 inches, it fits a standard adult male frame. The Prince of Wales grip has a circumference of 4.75 inches, allowing a secure hold even with gloves.
Who is this NOT for?
Do not buy this if you need a waterfowl gun, a home-defense firearm, or your first shotgun. The 28-gauge's limited pellet count is ineffective for geese at range, and the two-round capacity is a liability for security. New shooters will be frustrated by the nuanced ammunition selection and lower margin for error in patterning. This is also not for the budget-conscious; for a first rifle to pair with it, consider the utilitarian Stevens 334 in .308 Win.
What's in the box?
You receive five Briley flush-mount choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, plus Skeet and Light Modified), a fitted hard case, and a basic cleaning rod. The chokes are factory-timed, meaning they index correctly without overtightening—a detail often missed on imports. The total package weight, including the foam-lined case, is 12.3 lbs. No sling or additional accessories are included; Rizzini assumes you have your own.
Is the Rizzini Artemis 28 Gauge worth it at $5,325?
Yes, but only if you value hand-engraved scrollwork and a perfectly balanced 28-gauge. At this price, you are paying for the 80 hours of engraving time and the hand-inletted walnut-to-steel fit, which eliminates the minute flex found in some production over/unders. Compared to a Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon in 28-gauge at around $3,000, the Artemis offers superior wood and more intricate metalwork. For the shooter who appreciates fit, finish, and a specific gauge, the cost is justified by the gun's singular purpose and execution.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.90 lbs — 1.2 lbs lighter than a comparable 12-gauge over/under for all-day upland carry
- Includes 5 Briley flush chokes (IC, M, F, SK, LM) for immediate field and clay versatility
- Hand-engraved scrollwork on anodized steel receiver — 80+ hours of artisan labor versus stamped decoration
- 2.5-grade Turkish walnut stock is hand-inletted to the action, eliminating visible gaps
Trade-offs
- Proprietary Briley choke system — replacement tubes cost $45-65 each and are not cross-compatible
- No recoil pad installed — the hard rubber buttplate transmits felt recoil directly, adding ~$80 for a grind-to-fit pad
- Two-round capacity and 28-gauge chamber make it unsuitable for waterfowl or defensive use
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 853418510285 |
| manufacturer | Rizzini |
| manufacturer part number | 3101-2829 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 29" |
| caliber/gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Thumb |
| shipping weight | 11.9 |
| sights | Front Metal Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 28-gauge ammunition?
- Yes, it is chambered for standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch 28-gauge shells from any major manufacturer like Federal, Fiocchi, or Winchester. The 3-inch chamber provides flexibility for heavier field loads, but always verify the choke marking before firing steel shot—it is not recommended for use with full chokes.
- Does it fit in a standard 30-inch shotgun case?
- No. The overall length of 45.5 inches requires a case designed for over/under shotguns with 30-inch or longer barrels. I recommend a rectangular Plano All-Weather 52-inch case or equivalent to accommodate the gun and its five chokes without pressure on the stock.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping from our warehouse to your selected Federal Firearms License holder typically takes 3-5 business days via UPS or FedEx with adult signature required. FFL processing and your background check (NICS) are separate and can add 1-7 days depending on your state.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No. Due to federal regulations, firearm transfers are final once the 4473 form is completed and the background check is approved. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a dealer first. If there is a mechanical defect, it is covered under Rizzini’s 2-year warranty and must be serviced by an authorized gunsmith.
- Does this work with a Carlson's extended choke tube?
- No. The Artemis uses proprietary Briley flush-mount choke tubes with a unique thread pattern. Using a non-Briley choke risks damaging the barrel threads and voids the warranty. Replacement or additional Briley tubes must be ordered directly through Briley with the specification 'Rizzini Artemis 28-gauge'.