Rizzini Round Body EM 12 Gauge 29″ Vent Rib Break Action
About this product
The Rizzini Round Body EM 12 Gauge 29″ Vent Rib Break Action is a full-chassis side-by-side shotgun built for serious sporting clay and upland bird applications. It employs a traditional break-action design with a coin-anodized, cold-hammer-forged receiver for a crisp, reliable mechanical lockup that I trust with high-volume use. This is a purpose-built, no-compromise field gun, not a decorative piece, with handling characteristics optimized for a 6.80 lb swing weight and 14.5" length of pull that demands proper shooting form.
What is the Rizzini Round Body EM used for?
The Rizzini EM is engineered for high-volume sporting clays and driven bird shoots where second-shot speed and consistent handling are non-negotiable. The 29-inch vent-rib barrels provide a long, stable sight plane that excels on crossing targets and long-range pheasant shots, while the included five flush chokes allow for exact patterning from 15-yard skeet stations to 40-yard trap yardage. I'd recommend it for a shooter who burns through 500+ shells a month and needs a gun that won't develop timing slop or ejector failures under that stress.
How does the Rizzini Round Body EM compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Rizzini EM is a mechanically superior gun for the dedicated shotgunner, trading the Stevens 555's lower $1,200 price point for hand-fitted lockup and forged components. Where the Stevens uses a pin-and-lug action that's serviceable for casual use, the Rizzini's hand-lapped hinge and monobloc barrel construction provide a tighter lockup, resulting in a more consistent point of impact and less perceived recoil over a 100-round session. The Rizzini is better for competitive shooting; the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge is better for a budget-conscious hunter who shoots a few boxes a year.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun has a published weight of 6.80 lbs (3.08 kg), a 29-inch (737 mm) barrel length, and a 14.5-inch (368 mm) length of pull. The vent rib is precisely 8mm wide with a tapered profile, and the round receiver has a diameter of 42mm at its widest point. These dimensions create a forward-balanced gun that swings smoothly, but the 6.80 lb mass means it's not a gun you'll want to carry for an 8-mile grouse hike—it's built for the stand or the station.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is a poor choice for a new shooter or someone seeking a general-purpose, do-everything hunter. The double-trigger configuration (though selective) and lack of a pistol grip demand a practiced, traditional shooting stance that modern inertia-driven semi-autos like the Stevens 555 forgive. Furthermore, its $5,595 price positions it as a specialist's tool; if your primary need is home defense or turkey hunting where camouflage and magazine capacity matter, invest elsewhere.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, five factory-machined flush chokes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a proprietary choke key, and a fitted hard case rated for 150 PSI crush resistance. Crucially, the chokes are marked with notched codes and are constructed from 4140 steel, not chrome-plated brass—they'll withstand several thousand rounds of steel shot before needing replacement.
Is the Rizzini Round Body EM worth it at $5,595?
At $5,595, this shotgun justifies its cost only for the shooter who requires tournament-grade reliability and can feel the difference a hand-fitted action makes. You're paying for a receiver machined from a single billet, not a casting, and for lockwork that's been test-fired and timed at the factory. If you're moving up from a mass-produced over-under like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge and shoot competitively, the investment is rational. If you're a casual hunter, it's an extravagance.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.80 lbs — provides a stable, dampened swing for repeatable follow-up shots.
- Includes 5 flush chokes (C, IC, M, IM, F) machined from 4140 steel — no need for immediate aftermarket purchase.
- Hand-fitted, coin-anodized receiver — offers tighter lockup and better corrosion resistance than a standard blued finish.
Trade-offs
- Fixed 14.5" length of pull — not adjustable; a $350-500 stock modification is required for most shooters outside the 5'10" to 6'2" range.
- Proprietary 'RT' choke thread pattern — limits aftermarket choke options and increases replacement cost by 50% compared to standard threads.
- 2+1 capacity — legally restricted in many states for migratory bird hunting, requiring frequent reloading compared to a 3+1 semi-auto.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 853418104408 |
| manufacturer | Rizzini |
| manufacturer part number | 41011229 |
| action | Break Action |
| barrel length | 29" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| sights | Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with 3-inch magnum shells?
- No, the chamber is proofed and stamped for 2 3/4-inch (70mm) shells only. Using 3-inch shells constitutes an unsafe over-pressure condition and will damage the forcing cone. Stick to standard field or target loads up to 1 1/8 oz shot weight.
- Is it compatible aftermarket choke tubes?
- It uses Rizzini's proprietary 'RT' thread pattern, not the common Beretta/Benelli Mobil or Browning Invector systems. Aftermarket options are limited to a few specialist manufacturers like Briley or Teague; expect a 4-6 week lead time and approximately $120 per tube.
- How long does shipping and firearm transfer take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2-3 business days for in-stock firearms. However, you must have it shipped to an FFL holder for transfer; allow 7-10 additional days for the FFL to conduct the mandatory NICS background check and complete Form 4473 before you can take possession.
- Can I return it if the fit is wrong?
- No, all firearm sales are final due to federal regulations, unless the item is demonstrably defective. We strongly recommend handling a similar model at a dealer first. The 14.5-inch length of pull is fixed; shortening it requires a gunsmith and voids the warranty on the Turkish walnut stock.