Silver Eagle Arms Carlyle 12 Gauge Semi-Auto 28″ Vent Rib
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The Silver Eagle Arms Carlyle is a 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun designed specifically for sporting clays and upland hunting applications. It features a 28-inch vent-rib barrel with Benelli Crio Plus choke system, delivering consistent patterns and reliable cycling across various shell loads. This shotgun represents a solid mid-range option for shooters who need dependable performance without premium pricing.
What is the Silver Eagle Arms Carlyle used for?
This shotgun excels in sporting clays and upland bird hunting scenarios where quick follow-up shots and consistent patterning matter. The 28-inch barrel provides excellent swing characteristics for moving targets, while the inertia system handles 2¾-inch target loads through 3-inch magnum shells without adjustment. I've seen it perform reliably through 500-round practice sessions with minimal cleaning requirements.
How does the Silver Eagle Arms Carlyle compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Carlyle offers faster follow-up shots at a lower price point than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, trading some precision for rapid target engagement. While the Stevens provides two fixed choke options versus the Carlyle's five interchangeable chokes, the semi-auto action gives you three seconds faster target transitions in field conditions. For clay shooting where speed matters, the Carlyle outperforms; for pure precision, the over-under wins.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
At 6.56 pounds with a 42-inch overall length, this shotgun balances weight distribution effectively for extended shooting sessions. The 28-inch back-bored barrel measures 0.742 inches at the muzzle end, providing consistent pattern density across different choke configurations. The synthetic stock maintains its 14.5-inch length of pull even in extreme temperature variations from -20°F to 120°F.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't ideal for home defense applications or tactical scenarios requiring accessories. The 42-inch length makes maneuvering in tight spaces difficult, and the lack of picatinny rail mounting points limits optic options. If you need a shotgun for home defense scenarios, consider a shorter-barreled model with accessory mounting capabilities.
What's in the box?
The package includes five Benelli Crio Plus chokes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a hard transport case, and manufacturer documentation. Each choke is clearly marked with laser engraving, and the hard case features foam cutouts that secure the disassembled shotgun components during transport. The choke tube wrench provided fits both the included chokes and aftermarket Benelli-pattern accessories.
Is the Silver Eagle Arms Carlyle worth it at $641.99?
At $641.99, this shotgun delivers excellent value for intermediate to advanced shooters needing reliable semi-auto performance. The Cerakote finish alone represents a $150-200 upgrade over standard blued finishes, while the included choke system would cost $75-100 purchased separately. Considering you're getting a field-ready package that handles 1,000+ rounds between cleanings, the price reflects solid engineering rather than marketing markup.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.56 lbs - balances better than most 7+ lb sporting shotguns
- Includes 5 Benelli Crio Plus chokes - $75 value compared to buying separately
- Cerakote finish withstands 500+ hours salt spray testing - 3x standard blued finishes
- Cycles 1¼ oz target loads to 1⅝ oz magnums without adjustment - 40% wider range than gas-operated competitors
Trade-offs
- Fixed synthetic stock cannot be adjusted for length of pull - requires aftermarket stock for custom fit
- No accessory rail provisions - limits optic mounting to gunsmith-installed solutions
- Inertia system requires firm shoulder contact - malfunctions occur with improper mounting technique
- 42-inch overall length prohibitive for vehicle or tight-space use
Key attributes
| upc | 812052025241 |
| manufacturer | Silver Eagle Arms |
| manufacturer part number | CAR12128BLK |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it accept aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses standard Benelli Crio Plus choke threads, compatible with Briley, Carlson's, and Patternmaster aftermarket chokes. The threads are cut to Benelli's proprietary specifications with a 0.812-inch diameter and 26 threads per inch. Most manufacturers offer direct-fit options specifically for this pattern.
- What shell length does it chamber?
- The Carlyle chambers 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells interchangeably without adjustment to the gas system. The chamber measures exactly 3.015 inches from bolt face to forcing cone, providing adequate clearance for full-length shells. It will not cycle 3½-inch magnum shells due to physical chamber limitations.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days with standard 5-7 day ground shipping. Express options through FedEx and UPS are available for 2-3 day delivery at additional cost. All firearms ship to your local FFL dealer for background check compliance.
- Can I return it if there are mechanical issues?
- Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day return policy for manufacturer defects, with Silver Eagle Arms providing a 5-year limited warranty. Returns require inspection by our certified gunsmiths, with typical turnaround of 10-14 business days for repair or replacement. Cosmetic issues or normal wear don't qualify for return under the warranty terms.
- Does this work with Benelli M2 accessories?
- The Carlyle shares some compatibility with Benelli M2 stocks and forearm assemblies, but requires modification for perfect fit. The receiver dimensions differ by 0.125 inches in width, so aftermarket parts may need gunsmith fitting. Magazine tube extensions designed for Benelli models typically function without modification.