28 Gauge
The connoisseur's bore — silly-light guns, mild recoil, and surprising killing patterns, at ammo prices that reflect its boutique status.
Family
Shotshell
Introduced
1900
Origin
Parker Brothers era, USA
History
The 28 gauge appeared around the turn of the 20th century and earned an outsized reputation among upland gunners for patterning beautifully relative to its small payload. Its permanent slot in skeet's four-gauge competition kept it in production through lean years. Recent years brought a genuine boom in premium 28 gauge guns and loads.
What it's used for
Iconic platforms
Beretta 686 and A400 in 28, Benelli SBE3 28, Franchi 48 AL, and fine doubles from every maker.
Common load types
Lead birdshot and target loads, with a growing bismuth and TSS selection.
Reference only — not loading data, not ballistics advice, and KitID links to no ammunition sellers. Know your local law before you buy anything that goes bang.