Why do the 28 bore shotguns enjoy such a cult following? While 20 bores are often unfairly denigrated as being inferior to 12 bores, and most shots couldn’t hit a barn door with a .410, many shotgun shooters harbour a soft-spot for the little 28 bore.
The debates over whether they deliver less recoil, or pattern better, will rage on forever. There are so many variables to consider it would be more constructive to compare apples with oranges. Or passionfruit.
The 28 bore is adorable because it’s light and has nimble, quick-as-a-flash handling. Too flighty for some, but for the rest of us, a good 28 bore is an unbridled joy. So if you’re gassing for a new gun, here are our eight favourite 28s.
KOFS SCEPTRE SXE 28GA
RRP £500
Since its introduction into the UK a couple of years ago, this Turkish gun has been selling like hot Revani. The level of quality you get for the price is astonishing. It has decent timber and a single selective trigger with automatic ejectors. The alloy action help keeps weight down to around 6.5lb and has proved robustly reliable. It’s also available in a Junior version, featuring 28" barrels and a 13" stock. Fantastic value for money.
Barrel lengths: 26", 28", 30", 32". Weight from 6.5lb