Balikli Blue Label O/U 28 Gauge 26″ Engraved Receiver
About this product
The Balikli Blue Label O/U 28 Gauge 26″ Engraved Receiver is a field-oriented over-and-under shotgun with vent-rib barrels and classic walnut furniture designed for upland hunting and sporting clays. This Turkish-made scattergun pairs an engraved aluminum receiver with a fixed walnut stock and fiber optic front sight for clear target acquisition. The included five-choke set provides immediate versatility across different shooting scenarios without additional investment.
What is the Balikli Blue Label O/U 28 Gauge used for?
This shotgun excels as an upland bird gun and sporting clays platform, particularly for hunters who cover ground on foot. The 28-gauge chambering delivers less recoil than 12 or 20-gauge options while maintaining adequate pattern density for quail, dove, and grouse within 35 yards. The 26-inch barrel length keeps the overall package at 42.5 inches, making it maneuverable in thick cover while still providing sufficient sight plane for clay target work.
How does the Balikli Blue Label O/U compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Balikli offers superior engraving detail and a lighter 5.8-pound field weight compared to the Stevens 555's 6.9-pound build. Where the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge delivers heavier payloads for longer-range waterfowl, the Balikli's 28-gauge configuration prioritizes fast handling and reduced recoil for smaller game. For walk-up pheasant hunters who value weight savings over raw power, the Balikli represents the better choice.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 5.8 pounds with an overall length of 42.5 inches and 14.5-inch length of pull. The 26-inch barrels feature a vent rib measuring 8mm wide with a tapered profile that reduces glare. The aluminum receiver contributes significantly to the weight savings, coming in approximately 1.1 pounds lighter than comparable steel-receiver models in this price bracket.
Who is this NOT for?
Waterfowl hunters requiring three-inch magnum loads should avoid this platform entirely. The 28-gauge chamber limits payload options compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge with its three-inch chamber capacity. Competitive trap shooters needing consistent 40-yard breaks will find the 28-gauge pattern density insufficient compared to dedicated 12-gauge target guns.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, five Mobil choke tubes (Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), and a basic owner's manual. Unlike some competitors, Ironclad Armory includes the full choke set rather than requiring separate purchase, representing approximately $75 in added value. The chokes are shipped uninstalled with protective plastic caps to prevent thread damage during transit.
Is the Balikli Blue Label O/U worth it at $462.99?
At this price point, the Balikli delivers exceptional value for hunters seeking a dedicated small-game shotgun. The combination of engraved aluminum receiver, quality walnut furniture, and complete choke set would typically command $600+ from European manufacturers. Budget-conscious shooters might prefer the the Stevens 334 Rifle for big-game applications, but for 28-gauge enthusiasts, this represents one of the better values in today's market.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.8 pounds — 1.1 pounds lighter than steel-receiver competitors
- Includes 5 Mobil choke tubes ($75 value) ready for immediate use
- 26-inch barrels with 8mm vent rib provide fast target acquisition
- Engraved aluminum receiver resists corrosion better than blued steel
Trade-offs
- Limited to 2¾-inch shells — cannot handle 3-inch magnum loads
- Fixed choke configuration requires gunsmith modification for tube changes
- Walnut stock lacks adjustable comb — limits custom fitting options
- Aluminum receiver may show wear more quickly than steel under heavy use
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 741566908064 |
| manufacturer | European American Armory / EAA Corp |
| manufacturer part number | 336007 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Black, Brown |
| length | 33.1000 |
| model | Blue Label O/U |
| package height | 2.7 |
| package width | 9.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Safety Selector |
| shipping weight | 7.45 |
| sights | Fiber Optic |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (ca) | NO DIRECT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with 3-inch 28-gauge shells?
- No, the chamber is specifically cut for 2¾-inch shells only. Attempting to fire 3-inch magnum loads could cause dangerous pressure spikes. Stick with standard 2¾-inch ammunition from manufacturers like Federal, Winchester, or Fiocchi.
- Can I use aftermarket choke tubes?
- The receiver accepts Mobil-style choke tubes, which are compatible with most aftermarket options from brands like Briley and Carlson's. The threads are standard 0.8125-28 TPI, matching most Turkish-made shotguns in this class.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL transfers within 2 business days, with ground shipping typically adding 3-5 additional days depending on your location. The entire process from order to FFL pickup averages 7-10 business days for most customers.
- Does it come with a hard case?
- No, the shotgun ships in a cardboard box with basic foam padding. You'll need to purchase a separate hard case for transport, with Pelican 1700 series cases providing optimal protection for the 42.5-inch overall length.