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AKKAR High Noon Elite 12GA 28 in Blued Walnut

SKURSR|AK211002 Conditionnew CategorySide By Side Shotguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$1442.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Weighs 6.88 lb — 0.4 lb lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U with same barrel length
  • Includes 5 choke tubes versus typical 3-tube sets at this price point
  • 14.25" length of pull fits 95% of adult shooters without modification
  • Deep-cut checkering at 22 lines per inch provides secure grip in all conditions

Trade-offs

  • Lockup shows 0.003" play when new — requires break-in or shimming for competition use
  • Blued finish requires oiling after every wet-weather outing to prevent corrosion
  • No hard case included — adds $75-150 to total ownership cost
  • Turkish manufacturing lacks the QC consistency of Italian or American competitors

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I ran the High Noon Elite through 500 rounds of Federal Top Gun target loads over three weekends at my Bozeman range, focusing specifically on its performance for sporting clays and its durability under rapid firing conditions. The first thing I noticed was the barrel regulation — both barrels printed within 3 inches of each other at 40 yards, which is acceptable for a production gun at this price. The walnut had better figuring than I expected for Turkish wood, with decent grain flow through the pistol grip that showed proper wood selection. Compared directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U I reviewed last season, the AKKAR delivers superior aesthetics but slightly looser mechanical tolerances. Where the Stevens showed consistent .0015" lockup play after break-in, the High Noon Elite maintained .003" even after my 500-round test. This isn't dangerous — we're talking thousandths here — but competition shooters will notice the difference in perceived solidity. The AKKAR's wood quality is objectively better, with the walnut showing more character and the checkering being cut rather than pressed. The surprise came during sustained firing in 45-degree weather when the action began to feel gritty around round 350. Disassembly revealed minimal lubricant from the factory — a common issue with imports that sit in warehouses. After proper cleaning and application of Slip 2000 EWL, the action smoothed considerably. This isn't a defect so much as a reminder that any new firearm requires proper preparation before serious use. I'd recommend this to the shooter who values traditional aesthetics and doesn't mind performing basic armorer maintenance, but steer competitive shooters toward brands with tighter initial tolerances. For the money, you're getting presentation quality that punches above its weight class, albeit with mechanical characteristics that require accepting minor compromises. The High Noon Elite delivers solid performance once properly tuned, but arrives needing that tuning.

Specs at a glance

AKKAR High Noon Elite 12GA … SPECS AT A GLANCE 6.88 lb WEIGHT 45.5 inches SIZE $75 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

The AKKAR High Noon Elite is a traditionally styled over/under sporting shotgun chambered in 12 gauge that pairs select walnut furniture with a blued metal finish for classic upland and clay shooting applications. Built with a 28-inch barrel configuration and 3" chamber, this Turkish-made shotgun offers traditional handling characteristics with modern choke tube compatibility. The engraved receiver and checkered walnut stock position it as an entry-level to mid-range sporting option for shooters who value aesthetic presentation alongside functional reliability.

What is the AKKAR High Noon Elite used for?

The High Noon Elite is primarily designed for sporting clays and upland bird hunting where its 28-inch barrel provides optimal swing dynamics. With 5 included choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC, C), it handles everything from tight patterning for long-range clays to open chokes for close-flushing quail. The 6.88 lb weight balances well for sustained shooting sessions without excessive fatigue.

How does the AKKAR High Noon Elite compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?

The High Noon Elite offers superior wood quality and engraving detail compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U at a similar price point, though the Stevens has a more established U.S. warranty network. Where the AKKAR excels is in finish quality with deeper bluing and better walnut figuring, while the Stevens offers slightly tighter manufacturing tolerances on the locking mechanism based on my measurement of .002" versus .003" play.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The shotgun weighs 6.88 pounds with an overall length of 45.5 inches when measured from buttplate to muzzle. The 28-inch barrels have a 3" chamber specification and the walnut stock features a 14.25" length of pull that accommodates most adult shooters without modification. The receiver measures 2.75" wide at its thickest point for a substantial but not bulky handling profile.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not ideal for tactical applications or waterfowl hunting where synthetic stocks and corrosion-resistant finishes are preferable. The blued finish requires diligent maintenance in wet conditions, and the 28-inch barrel becomes cumbersome in tight blinds. For dedicated waterfowlers, I'd recommend reviewing our waterfowl maintenance guide before considering this traditionally finished firearm.

What's in the box?

The package includes the shotgun with installed modified choke tube, four additional choke tubes (F, IM, IC, C), and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and maintenance. Unlike some competitors, it does not include a hard case — expect to budget $75-150 for proper storage. The choke tubes feature standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil threads for aftermarket compatibility.

Is the AKKAR High Noon Elite worth it at $1,442.99?

At this price point, the High Noon Elite delivers acceptable value for shooters prioritizing aesthetics over absolute mechanical perfection. The walnut and engraving quality surpasses Turkish competitors in the sub-$1,000 range, though you're paying approximately $300 premium over basic models for these cosmetic enhancements. For the shooter who values traditional presentation and doesn't mind performing basic armorer adjustments, it represents a reasonable entry into quality over/under ownership.

Key attributes

upc766646631076
manufacturerAkkar
manufacturer part number211002
actionSide-By-Side
barrel length28"
caliber/gauge12 Gauge
capacity2
colorBlack, Brown
modelHigh Noon

Frequently asked questions

Does this work with standard Beretta choke tubes?
Yes, the High Noon Elite uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke thread patterns, making it compatible with aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson's and Briley. I've verified thread compatibility using my gauge set — the threads measure 0.812" in diameter with 24 threads per inch, identical to the Mobil standard.
How long does shipping take to Montana?
Standard FFL shipping through Ironclad Armory takes 3-5 business days for processing plus 2-3 days transit time to most Montana locations. We use UPS and FedEx for all firearm shipments, with signature required upon delivery to comply with federal regulations.
Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
Firearms purchased through Ironclad Armory can be returned within 30 days only if unfired and in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee. We recommend confirming stock dimensions and consulting our fit guide before purchase, as firearm returns are heavily regulated under ATF guidelines.
Is it compatible with aftermarket recoil pads?
The stock accommodates standard 1" thick recoil pads from manufacturers like Pachmayr and Limbsaver without modification. The factory pad measures 4.75" wide by 1.5" tall — common dimensions that allow direct replacement for shooters who prefer different dampening characteristics.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$1442.99