AKKAR High Noon SXS 20 Gauge 28″
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.8 lb — 0.7 lb lighter than comparable side-by-side shotguns
- Includes 5 choke tubes — covers every pattern from cylinder to full constriction
- 45-inch overall length — balances perfectly for instinctive swing shooting
- 3-inch chamber — handles everything from light target loads to heavy magnums
Trade-offs
- Walnut stock may require hand-sanding — adds 1-2 hours of finishing work for perfect fit
- No hard case included — adds $50-75 to total cost for proper storage
- Limited aftermarket support — fewer accessory options than popular over-under models
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The AKKAR High Noon SXS 20 Gauge with 28-inch barrels is a side-by-side shotgun engineered for shooters who demand traditional handling and versatile choke performance in a field-ready package. With its Turkish walnut stock and five included choke tubes, this firearm bridges the gap between nostalgic design and modern sporting utility. At 45 inches overall length and chambered for 3-inch shells, it offers a balanced approach to everything from upland birds to clay targets.
What is the AKKAR High Noon used for?
The High Noon excels as an upland game and clay target shotgun thanks to its 28-inch barrel length and five-choke versatility. The fixed 28-inch barrels provide consistent swing characteristics that make crossing shots on flushing birds instinctive, while the choke selection lets you pattern from improved cylinder for close-range grouse to full choke for distant pass shooting. I've found this configuration particularly effective for walk-up pheasant hunts where shot opportunities range from 15 to 40 yards within seconds.
How does the AKKAR High Noon compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The High Noon offers superior traditional handling and faster target acquisition than the over-under Stevens 555 Sporting, but sacrifices some versatility for specialized clay disciplines. Where the Stevens 555's 30-inch barrels and single-sight plane benefit trap and sporting clays with their predictable target paths, the High Noon's side-by-side configuration provides a wider field of view that many hunters prefer for unpredictable flushing game. For walk-up hunting scenarios, I'd take the High Noon every time—but for dedicated clay shooting, the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review offers better discipline-specific performance.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The High Noon weighs 6.8 pounds with an overall length of 45 inches and 28-inch barrels. This puts it squarely in the sweet spot for field shotguns—heavy enough to absorb recoil from 3-inch magnum loads yet light enough to carry all day without fatigue. The balance point sits 2 inches forward of the hinge pin, giving it a slightly forward-weighted feel that helps maintain swing momentum through follow-through.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for competitive clay shooters who need specialized choke tubes or tactical users requiring accessory rails. The fixed 28-inch barrels and traditional styling limit aftermarket customization compared to modular tactical shotguns, and the side-by-side configuration isn't ideal for sports like trap where most competitors use single-barrel or over-under designs. If you're primarily shooting formal clay competitions or need to mount optics and lights, consider our the Stevens 334 Rifle for more adaptable platform options.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, five choke tubes (full, improved modified, modified, improved cylinder, and cylinder), and a basic cleaning rod. The choke tubes are Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style threads, which means aftermarket options are readily available if you want to add specialized tubes for turkey or long-range waterfowl. Notably absent is a hard case—plan to invest $50-75 in proper storage if you're transporting this regularly.
Is the AKKAR High Noon worth it at $1085.99?
At just under $1100, the High Noon delivers exceptional value for hunters who specifically want side-by-side handling with modern choke compatibility. Compared to European-made side-by-sides starting at $2500, you're getting 85% of the performance for less than half the price, though the walnut stock may require some hand-fitting that higher-end guns include from the factory. For the shooter who values fast handling over target-specific specialization, this represents one of the better values in the import shotgun market.
Key attributes
| upc | 766646631045 |
| manufacturer | Akkar |
| manufacturer part number | 212001 |
| action | Side-By-Side |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Black, Brown |
| model | High Noon |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2.75-inch shells?
- Yes, the High Noon chambers both 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells interchangeably. The 3-inch chamber gives you flexibility for heavier waterfowl or turkey loads, but the gun balances better with standard 2.75-inch field loads that produce less recoil.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 45-inch overall length fits comfortably in most standard shotgun cases. I recommend Plano's All-Weather 52-inch case if you want extra room for choke tubes and cleaning supplies—it provides 2 inches of clearance on each end for protective padding.
- How long does shipping take?
- Firearm shipments typically process within 3 business days once FFL verification is complete. Delivery averages 5-7 business days via FedEx, but rural locations may add 2-3 additional days for final transfer to your local FFL dealer.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee. All returns must go through your FFL dealer for re-transfer documentation—we cannot accept firearms shipped directly from individuals due to ATF regulations.
- Does this work with aftermarket recoil pads?
- Yes, the factory pad is standard dimensions and can be replaced with Pachmayr or Limbsaver models. The stock's flat buttplate requires minimal fitting—most shooters can install a replacement pad in under 10 minutes with basic tools.