Rizzini Round Body EM 20 Gauge 29-inch Vent Rib
About this product
The Rizzini Round Body EM is a purpose-built, over-under 20-gauge shotgun featuring a 29-inch chrome-lined barrel with a vent rib, designed for consistent performance in sporting clays and upland hunting. This Italian-made shotgun brings a specific European mechanical philosophy to the American field shooter, prioritizing precise, repeatable operation over flashy features. With its single selective trigger, automatic ejectors, and included five-choke system, it's engineered for straightforward, dependable use where second shots matter.
What is the Rizzini Round Body EM 20-gauge shotgun used for?
The Rizzini EM is engineered primarily for sporting clays and upland bird hunting where fast, balanced handling is critical. Its 29-inch barrel length (737mm) provides a smooth, deliberate swing plane ideal for breaking consistent targets at 35 to 50 yards. The vent rib and bead sight offer a clean, traditional sight picture under changing field light, making it excellent for pheasant or grouse over a point.
How does the Rizzini Round Body EM compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Rizzini EM is fundamentally a more mechanically refined and precisely finished firearm than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge. Where the Stevens offers functional reliability at an approachable price point, the Rizzini's low-profile, coin-anodized silver receiver, hand-fitted walnut, and chrome-lined barrel represent a significant step up in material quality and fitment. The Rizzini is better for the shooter who values a tuned, smooth-breaking action and superior pointability as non-negotiable performance factors.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs approximately 7 pounds 4 ounces (3.3kg), contributing to its stable swing without being wrist-fatiguing over a long day afield. Its overall length from butt to muzzle is 47.5 inches (1207mm), with a 29-inch (737mm) barrel. The 14.5-inch length of pull and Prince of Wales grip profile create a classic, controlled hold that works well with both field coats and shooting vests.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a gun for budget-conscious recreational shooters or those needing high-volume waterfowl capacity. Its two-round over-under capacity, combined with a $5,595 price tag, places it squarely in the dedicated upland hunter or serious sporting clays shooter's rack. If you need a tactical defensive shotgun, a 3½-inch chamber for turkey, or are new to shotguns altogether, my advice is to start with a platform like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact for foundational skill building.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, five flush-fit nickel-plated Briley-style chokes (including Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), and a fitted ABS hard case. That's a solid kit—zeroing a new shotgun typically takes 25 to 30 rounds of patterning to verify point of impact with your chosen loads and choke. The chokes are professionally sealed against gas cutting, which extends service life significantly under repeated heavy target loads.
Is the Rizzini Round Body EM worth it at $5,595?
For the shooter who understands mechanical advantage, absolutely. You are paying for a hand-fitted action with minimal bolt-spring shims, a truly concentric chrome-lined barrel, and Turkish walnut that's been properly seasoned and oil-finished, not dipped in plastic. This gun will deliver reliable, sub-2.5lb trigger pulls and consistent ejector timing for years without needing service. If you view a shotgun as a precision tool rather than a commodity, the investment is justified in its operational lifespan and predictable performance.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Chrome-lined 29-inch barrel adds significant bore life—expect 75,000+ rounds before noticeable erosion vs. 25,000 in plain steel
- Supplied with 5 flush Briley-style chokes (IC, LM, M, IM, F), providing immediate pattern versatility for clays or field
- Single selective trigger breaks at a consistent 2.4 pounds, with mechanical selector requiring under 1lb of force to switch barrels
- Hand-fitted Turkish walnut stock with Prince of Wales grip offers a classic 14.5-inch LOP for controlled, repeatable mounting
Trade-offs
- Proprietary Briley choke system limits aftermarket compatibility—replacement tubes cost $45-$65 each versus $30 for common Invector
- No factory provision for sling swivels—requires drilling and professional installation for field carry, adding $120-$150 in gunsmithing
- Fixed 2-round capacity is a functional limitation for any high-volume driven-bird or three-gun scenario requiring quick reloads
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 853418330203 |
| manufacturer | Rizzini |
| manufacturer part number | 41012029 |
| action | Break Action |
| barrel length | 29" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| sights | Bead Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is this shotgun compatible with standard 20-gauge ammunition?
- Yes. It handles standard 2¾-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells interchangeably, from light 7/8-ounce target loads to 1¼-ounce field loads. The minimum recommended break-in is 100 rounds of standard-pressure ammunition to fully seat the locking lugs and ejectors.
- Does the included hard case fit with all five chokes installed?
- Yes. The ABS case has dedicated foam cutouts for the shotgun and five installed chokes. Final shipping dimensions for the case are 50.2 inches long by 13 inches wide for ground transport via carriers like UPS or FedEx.
- Can I use standard Invector-style chokes from other brands?
- No. The Rizzini EM uses a proprietary Briley-style parallel thread and shoulder system. While many aftermarket choke makers like Patternmaster or Carlson's can thread to this spec, you must specify 'Rizzini Round Body EM (Briley)' when ordering. Standard Beretta/Benelli Mobilchokes or Browning Invector tubes will not seat correctly.
- What is the typical delivery time after purchase?
- For in-stock items, processing and shipment to your local FFL via secured ground freight takes 5-7 business days. Title II transfers or interstate compliance checks can add an additional 3-5 days depending on your state's background processing system, which we coordinate directly.
- Is the fixed Prince of Wales grip replaceable for a pistol grip?
- Technically yes, but it requires a full stock replacement and fitting by a qualified gunsmith. This is a fixed, non-modular walnut stock, not a synthetic drop-in unit. Expect a stock blank and fitting service to run $600-$900 and alter the factory warranty.