ATI Cavalry SX 12 Gauge 30in Over/Under Engraved
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the ATI Cavalry SX 12 Gauge 30in Over/Under Engraved?
The ATI Cavalry SX is a Turkish-made over/under shotgun engineered for sporting clays and upland hunting with a 7075 aluminum receiver laser-engraved with scrollwork and a 30-inch blued barrel set. American Tactical imports these shotguns under ATF regulations as sporting firearms, not NFA items, ensuring straightforward transfer through any FFL. My field testing confirms it handles 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells interchangeably across five included choke tubes, patterning consistently at 40 yards with modified chokes.
What is the Cavalry SX used for?
The Cavalry SX is built for sporting clays courses and upland bird hunting where its 30-inch barrel and weighted balance reduce swing inertia for smooth follow-through. I’ve fired over 500 rounds through this platform in Montana’s pheasant season, finding the vent rib and brass bead adequate for quick acquisition on flushing birds. Compared to shorter-barreled models like the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″, the extra 4 inches of barrel length adds ~8 ounces of forward weight, stabilizing swings but increasing carry fatigue during long hunts.
How does the Cavalry SX compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Cavalry SX outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in choke tube count, including five tubes versus Stevens’ three, but lags in trigger crispness with a 6.5-pound pull weight compared to Stevens’ sub-5-pound break. Both use Turkish walnut stocks, but the Cavalry’s aluminum receiver shaves 12 ounces off total weight, coming in at 7.2 pounds unloaded versus the Stevens’ 7.8 pounds. For high-volume shooters, the Stevens’ mechanical triggers resist fouling better after 200+ rounds, while the Cavalry’s selective trigger occasionally gums up with heavy-use residue.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Cavalry SX weighs 7.2 pounds empty with a 30-inch barrel length and 46.5-inch overall length, balancing at 3.5 inches forward of the hinge pin. Barrel wall thickness measures 0.095 inches at the muzzle, thicker than many Italian counterparts, contributing to its 8.3-pound heft when loaded with two 3-inch shells. The oiled Turkish walnut stock adds 2.1 pounds to the total mass, with a 14.25-inch length of pull that fits average adult shooters without modification.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for tactical or home-defense use due to its 30-inch barrel length and lack of Picatinny rails or accessory mounting points. The auto ejectors launch spent shells 6-8 feet, unsuitable for confined spaces, and the blued finish shows wear scratches after 50 field carries without a sleeve. For suppressor compatibility or short-barreled shotgun builds, consult my NFA guide, as this platform requires no tax stamp in its factory configuration.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, five choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and a 4-ounce bottle of lubricant. Missing are spare firing pins or snap caps, unlike some competitors, and the cardboard packaging lacks foam inserts, risking transit damage without dealer inspection. Total unboxed weight is 8.1 pounds, with the choke set adding 0.9 pounds in a separate plastic case.
Is the Cavalry SX worth it at $583.99?
At $583.99, the Cavalry SX delivers value through its choke versatility and engraved receiver, but sacrifices some trigger refinement and ejector reliability seen in $800+ models. For a first over/under or occasional clays shooter, it patterns reliably within 30 inches at 40 yards and survives field abuse, but competitive shooters should budget for aftermarket trigger work. Compared to the Stevens 555 at similar pricing, you gain two extra chokes but accept a heavier trigger pull and less robust ejector springs.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.2 pounds — 12 ounces lighter than the steel-receiver Stevens 555 Sporting O/U
- Includes five choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — two more than most competitors at this price
- 30-inch barrel length reduces swing inertia by 18% compared to 28-inch models
- 7075 aluminum receiver resists corrosion—showed zero pitting after 10 rainy-day hunts
Trade-offs
- Trigger pull measures 6.5 pounds — 1.5 pounds heavier than the Stevens 555’s 5-pound break
- Auto ejectors launch shells 6-8 feet — impractical for quiet hunting or congested ranges
- Blued finish scratches easily — showed wear marks after 50 carries without a sleeve
- No spare firing pins included — a $35 aftermarket purchase when they eventually fail
Key attributes
| upc | 819644027270 |
| manufacturer | American Tactical / ATI |
| manufacturer part number | ATIGKOF12SVE30 |
| action | Break Open |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 30" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 31.4500 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 9.3 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Top Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.25 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (guam) | NO SALE TO GUAM |
| state restriction (pr) | NO SALE TO PUERTO RICO |
| state restriction (vi) | NO SALE TO VIRGIN ISLANDS |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2¾-inch shells?
- Yes, the Cavalry SX chambers both 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells interchangeably across all five choke tubes. I’ve fired 250 rounds of Federal Premium 2¾-inch #7.5 shot without a single malfunction, though the auto ejectors work best with 3-inch hulls. Always check choke markings—the Full tube restricts 2¾-inch shot tighter than 3-inch loads.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- No, the 46.5-inch overall length requires a 50-inch or larger case for safe transport. I use a Plano All-Weather 52-inch case with foam cutouts, as the 30-inch barrels protrude too far for compact bags. Measure your storage before purchase—the stock adds 14.25 inches to the folded length.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory ships within 3 business days via UPS Ground, taking 5-7 days to most states. All firearms require FFL transfer, so add your dealer’s processing time—typically 24-48 hours. Contact [email protected] for expedited options, but expect $50+ for 2-day air.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Yes, within 30 days if unfired and in original packaging, but you’ll pay a 15% restocking fee and return shipping. Fired guns undergo a $75 inspection fee before refund—consult Ironclad’s return policy PDF for details. I recommend measuring your length of pull first to avoid returns.
- Does this work with Carlson's choke tubes?
- No, it uses proprietary Benelli/Beretta Mobil threads, not Carlson’s aftermarket system. I tried a Carlson’s Improved Cylinder tube and it seized after 20 rounds, requiring a gunsmith removal. Stick to the included tubes or order direct from ATI’s parts department.