Rizzini BR240 20 Gauge Sporting Shotgun 30″
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the Rizzini BR240 20 Gauge Sporting Shotgun 30″? It is an over-under shotgun engineered specifically for competition-clay sports like Sporting Clays and Skeet, featuring a 30-inch barrel and nickel-chrome steel receiver. This configuration provides the sustained swing momentum and precise pointability required for reliable target breaks at 35-50 yard ranges, all while managing 20-gauge recoil effectively. The design prioritizes mechanical reliability and consistent patterning over cost-cutting measures, making it a tool for serious recreational and entry-level competitive shooters.
What is the Rizzini BR240 used for?
The Rizzini BR240 is used for breaking clay targets in organized shooting sports, specifically Sporting Clays and Skeet. Its 30-inch barrel length and 7.5-pound weight are optimized for the sustained, smooth swing arcs needed to consistently lead and break crossing targets at distances between 30 and 50 yards. The included five-choke set allows immediate adaptation to station-specific target presentations without requiring an additional purchase, which is critical during a 100-target Sporting Clays course.
How does the Rizzini BR240 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The Rizzini BR240 offers superior mechanical precision and fit-and-finish compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge. Where the Stevens 555 utilizes a more economical boxlock action with a single locking lug, the Rizzini employs a scaled, hand-fitted monobloc barrel assembly that provides a tighter barrel-to-receiver lockup, resulting in more consistent point of impact over thousands of rounds. The direct trade-off is cost: the Rizzini commands a $2,000+ premium, making it a better choice for shooters prioritizing long-term durability and shot-to-shot consistency over initial budget.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Rizzini BR240 weighs 7.5 pounds (120 ounces) unloaded, with an overall length of 46.75 inches and a length of pull measuring 14.5 inches. The 30-inch barrels have a 3-inch chamber, and the shotgun's balance point is located 5.25 inches forward of the hinge pin, contributing directly to its stable, forward-heavy swing characteristic. This forward weight bias is approximately 8 ounces more than on some lighter field models, a deliberate choice to reduce perceived muzzle flip and fatigue during long shooting sessions with up to 250 shells.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for waterfowl hunters seeking a lightweight, corrosion-resistant tool for marsh environments, nor for a new shooter whose primary goal is casual plinking at stationary targets. The 7.5-pound weight and 46.75-inch length make it cumbersome for navigating dense brush or duck blinds, and its investment-level price is excessive for infrequent use. A shooter focused purely on upland bird hunting over pointing dogs would be better served by a 26-inch barrel, sub-7-pound Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga.
What's in the box?
Inside the box, you receive the shotgun, five Briley Spectrum Series choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Light Modified, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and a hard plastic carrying case. The chokes are keyed specifically to the shotgun's forcing cones and are critical for dialing in pattern density; using non-proprietary tubes can negatively affect shot dispersion. The case provides basic scuff protection for transport but is not a substitute for a dedicated, foam-lined hard case like a Pelican 1700 for airline travel.
Is the Rizzini BR240 worth it at $4,637.99?
The Rizzini BR240 is worth its $4,637.99 price for the shooter committed to 1,000+ rounds per year in formal clay sports, where mechanical consistency directly translates to score. The investment buys a hand-fitted action, proven reliable extraction geometry, and materials (nickel-chrome steel) that resist wear far better than the parkerized finishes on guns in the $1,500 range. For the casual shooter firing a few boxes of shells per season, the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge at nearly one-third the cost represents a far more rational allocation of funds.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Monobloc barrel assembly and hand-fitted lockup for consistent point of impact — deviation less than 2 inches at 40 yards.
- Comes with 5 proprietary Briley chokes (IC, LM, M, IM, F) — a $175 value if purchased separately.
- Nickel-chrome steel receiver resists corrosion and wear significantly better than standard blued steel.
- Forward balance point (5.25" ahead of hinge) reduces muzzle flip, aiding in faster second-shot recovery.
Trade-offs
- Non-adjustable stock — professional fitting adds $150-$300 for most shooters.
- At 7.5 lbs, it's 1.2 lbs heavier than some field-oriented 20-gauges, noticeable during all-day carries.
- Manufacturer warranty is only 1 year and non-transferable, less coverage than Beretta's or Browning's policies.
Key attributes
| upc | 853418911297 |
| manufacturer | Rizzini |
| manufacturer part number | 3602-2030AC |
| barrel length | 30" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| chokes included | 5 |
| sights | White Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with standard 20-gauge target loads?
- Yes, it works flawlessly with standard 2.75-inch 20-gauge target loads from all major manufacturers like Federal, Winchester, and Fiocchi. The 3-inch chamber allows it to cycle heavier 1-ounce hunting loads as well, but for consistent Sporting Clays performance, I recommend staying with 7/8-ounce to 1-ounce loads at 1,200-1,300 feet per second velocity. The single-stage trigger breaks cleanly at a consistent 4.5-pound pull weight regardless of load.
- Can the stock be shortened or adjusted?
- Yes, the wood stock can be professionally shortened by a qualified gunsmith; expect to spend $150-$300 for the cut, refinish, and recoil pad reinstallation. The gun does not come with a factory-adjustable comb or length-of-pull system. For shooters requiring significant ergonomic adjustment out of the box, you would need to look at models from Beretta or Browning that offer shim kits, adding $200-$400 to the base price.
- How many rounds can it fire before needing servicing?
- With proper cleaning and lubrication, you can expect 5,000-7,000 rounds of target loads before the action may benefit from a professional inspection and spring replacement. The chrome-lined barrels resist plastic fouling, but I recommend a basic field strip and clean every 500 rounds. Critical wear components like the hinge pin and locking lugs are made of hardened steel and are designed for a service life exceeding 50,000 rounds.
- Does it come with a transferable warranty?
- No, the Rizzini warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original purchaser for a period of one year from the date of retail purchase. Claims must be initiated through the authorized dealer where the firearm was purchased, not directly with the importer. Always inspect the firearm thoroughly upon transfer from your FFL; any cosmetic defects or functional issues must be reported within the dealer's specified return window, typically 3-7 days.