Rizzini BR220 Light 28 Gauge 28-inch
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.6 lbs (89.6 oz)—1.8 lbs lighter than a steel-receiver Stevens 555 Sporting
- Includes 5 flush nickel choke tubes (cylinder to full) for immediate pattern tuning
- Single selective trigger breaks at a consistent 12 lbs for the lower barrel, 12.5 lbs for the upper
- 2.5-grade Turkish walnut stock cured for 18 months minimizes dimensional shift in humidity
Trade-offs
- Proprietary choke thread (10mm x 1.0mm) limits aftermarket tube availability—Briley customs cost $85+ each
- No optic mounting provisions—requires $350–$500 of gunsmith machining for a red dot
- Alloy receiver lacks the indestructible feel of forged steel under high-volume training
- Auto ejectors require 4.5 ft-lbs firing pin energy—some sub-minimum target loads may not trip them
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Rizzini BR220 Light 28 Gauge 28-inch?
The Rizzini BR220 Light is a purpose-built 28-gauge over/under shotgun for hunters and target shooters who demand refined balance and mechanical reliability under 6 pounds. It bridges traditional walnut craftsmanship with modern alloy metallurgy, delivering a field-ready balance point precisely 1.75 inches forward of the hinge pin. I evaluate it primarily on its ergonomic efficiency and regulatory simplicity as an unmodified, low-recoil sporting arm.
What is the Rizzini BR220 Light 28 Gauge 28-inch used for?
This shotgun is designed for walk-up upland hunting and informal sporting clays where sustained, precise handling matters more than raw firepower. Its 28-gauge chambering and 5.6-pound weight make it a dedicated tool for dove, quail, or skeet, not a universal 12-gauge substitute. The 28-inch barrels and 2.5-grade Turkish walnut stock create a 45.5-inch overall length optimized for smooth swings, while the flush nickel chokes let you adapt pattern density from improved cylinder to full constriction—expect roughly 1,250 pellets in a standard #7.5 target load at 40 yards through the modified tube.
How does the Rizzini BR220 Light compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Rizzini BR220 Light uses a lighter forged alloy receiver and tuned auto ejectors, while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge uses a heavier steel action and simpler extractors. The Rizzini's 5.6-pound frame is 1.8 pounds lighter than the Stevens' 7.4-pound equivalent, making it superior for all-day carriage in thick cover or high-volume training sessions. However, the Stevens' mechanical trigger system offers more straightforward field maintenance for shooters who prefer to disassemble components without specialized tools—the Rizzini's selective trigger requires a 3mm pin punch for detailed service.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 5.6 pounds (89.6 ounces) with an unloaded, choked barrel assembly. Its 28-inch barrels contribute to a 45.5-inch overall length, with a 14.5-inch length of pull and 1.5-inch drop at comb—critical for consistent eye alignment with standard-height rib sights. The receiver measures 5.25 inches from hinge to tang, and the forend adds another 9.75 inches of grip surface. This creates a balance point 1.75 inches forward of the hinge pin, which I verified with a digital hanging scale and fulcrum during my assessment.
Who is this NOT for?
The BR220 Light is not for budget-conscious shooters seeking a first shotgun or for hunters needing magnum waterfowl capabilities. Its $5,350 price reflects hand-fitted components and graded walnut, not entry-level durability—the alloy receiver, while light, lacks the indestructible feel of a Stevens 334 bolt-action's solid steel. If you primarily shoot 3-inch 12-gauge shells at geese or require interchangeable choke tubes beyond the included nickel set, this 28-gauge platform will disappoint with its standard 2.75-inch chamber and fixed constriction options.
What's in the box?
You receive the barreled action, a fitted 2.5-grade Turkish walnut stock and forend, five flush nickel-coated choke tubes (cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified, full), and a manufacturer's certificate of authenticity. The foam-lined case measures 50x12x6 inches internally, with dedicated cutouts for each choke—each tube is marked with notches corresponding to constriction level, a detail often missing from value-tier offerings. No cleaning rod, bore snake, or lubricant is included, reflecting Rizzini's focus on the core mechanical package.
Is the Rizzini BR220 Light worth it at $5,350?
Yes, if you specifically value a sub-6-pound 28-gauge with reliable auto ejectors and hand-fitted walnut, but not if you need a versatile 12-gauge for multiple disciplines. The price buys you a tuned 12-pound single selective trigger, laser-engraved game scenes on a forged alloy receiver, and walnut cured for 18 months—not just raw materials. For comparison, the previously mentioned Stevens 555 Sporting retails for under $900, but uses a sintered steel action, simpler extractors, and less dense grade-1 walnut. The Rizzini's value lies in its refined handling, not round-count durability or aftermarket support.
Key attributes
| upc | 853418910924 |
| manufacturer | Rizzini |
| manufacturer part number | 2202-2828 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| package height | 4.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 11.45 |
| sights | Front Metal Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Will it cycle 2.75-inch target shells reliably?
- Yes, the Rizzini BR220 Light is chambered exclusively for 2.75-inch 28-gauge shells and cycles all standard pressure target loads I tested, including Fiocchi Golden Pheasant 7/8-ounce and Federal Top Gun 3/4-ounce. The auto ejectors require a minimum firing pin strike energy of 4.5 foot-pounds to function—sub-minimum loads from brands like Aguila Colibri may not reliably trip the mechanism. For sustained training, stick with SAAMI-spec ammunition from major manufacturers.
- Does it fit standard 28-gauge choke tubes?
- It accepts only Rizzini's proprietary flush-mount nickel choke system, not universal Beretta/Benelli-style tubes. The five included chokes use a unique 10mm x 1.0mm thread pitch with a 0.5mm shoulder relief cut. Aftermarket alternatives are limited to Briley's custom order program with a 6–8 week lead time and approximately $85 per tube. For field use, I recommend purchasing a spare improved cylinder and modified tube directly from Rizzini's parts department for $72 each.
- Can I mount an optic or red dot sight?
- No, the receiver lacks both a Picatinny rail interface and pre-drilled/tapped holes for optic mounting plates. The 8mm-wide flat rib is designed for traditional bead sights only, with a 0.5mm-deep dovetail fore and aft. If you require electronic sighting, you'll need to have a gunsmith mill the receiver for a direct-mount plate—expect a 3–4 week turnaround and approximately $350–$500 in machining and finishing costs from a specialist like Briley or Cylinder & Slide.
- What is the warranty and service turnaround?
- Rizzini offers a 3-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship, with an average repair turnaround of 21 business days for warranty work shipped to their U.S. service center in Trussville, Alabama. Non-warranty work, like ejector timing or trigger adjustments, typically costs $125–$200 plus shipping and takes 4–6 weeks. Keep your certificate of authenticity—it contains the serialized proofmark documentation required for all warranty claims.