CZ-USA Redhead Premier 20 Gauge 28″ Over/Under Shotgun
Pros & cons
What works
- Auto ejectors function flawlessly—ejects spent hulls 4-6 feet consistently
- 6.9 lb weight (1120 g) balances perfectly for fast upland swings
- Includes 5 steel-shot compatible choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC, C)—no extra purchase needed
- One-piece CNC receiver provides tighter lockup than two-piece budget designs
Trade-offs
- Recoil pad is basic rubber—adds $35-$50 for a premium Limbsaver or Pachmayr if shooting heavy loads
- No hard case included—requires separate $75-$150 investment for proper transport
- Trigger pull is a consistent 5.5 lbs but has some creep; not match-grade crisp
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The CZ-USA Redhead Premier 20 Gauge 28″ Over/Under Shotgun is a versatile, field-ready double designed specifically for upland game and sporting clays over moderate ranges. It's built around a CNC-machined one-piece receiver with a silver satin chrome finish and gloss black chrome barrels for corrosion resistance. The included five choke tubes and independent auto ejectors make it a complete package for shooters who move between dove fields and the five-stand line without wanting to fuss with accessories.
What is the CZ-USA Redhead Premier 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is optimized for upland bird hunting and sporting clays presentations inside 45 yards. Its 20-gauge chambering and 6.9-pound weight make it fast-swinging for flushing quail or crossing targets, while the 28-inch barrels provide the stable sight plane needed for consistent break points on clays. The 3-inch chamber handles everything from light ⅞-ounce target loads up to heavier 1-ounce field loads for pheasant, but I wouldn't push it with sustained high-volume waterfowl or turkey loads that demand a specialized 12-gauge platform.
How does the CZ-USA Redhead Premier compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The Redhead Premier offers superior mechanical construction and finish details for shooters who prioritize long-term durability and smoother handling. Its one-piece CNC receiver is sturdier and better-sealed against debris than the two-piece assembly on the Stevens 555 Sporting, and the Turkish walnut stock features laser-cut checkering versus pressed. The Stevens wins on pure budget entry at roughly $200 less, but the Redhead Premier's auto ejectors and better-balanced 45.75-inch overall length justify the premium for serious seasons.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 6.9 pounds (1120 grams), with an overall length of 45.75 inches. Barrel length is 28 inches with a 14.5mm vent rib, and length of pull measures a standard 14.5 inches. The 20-gauge bores are 15.6mm in diameter, and the chamber accepts 3-inch shells with a forcing cone length of approximately 2.5 inches—typical for this class. This balance point sits just forward of the hinge pin, making it quick to mount without feeling muzzle-heavy like some 30-inch models.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not a waterfowl or turkey gun. The 20-gauge chambering and relatively light weight lack the payload and recoil management for extended high-volume shooting with magnum steel or heavy lead turkey loads. It's also not ideal for dedicated trap shooters who need a dedicated high-rib gun or for beginners on a strict budget who might be better served by a used pump-action. If your primary use is duck blinds or long-range trap, look at a dedicated 12-gauge with a 30-inch barrel and thicker recoil pad.
What's in the box?
You get five flush-mount choke tubes (Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Cylinder), a choke tube wrench, and a basic owner's manual. The tubes are steel-shot compatible, marked clearly, and thread smoothly into the barrels—a step up from the sometimes-finicky threads on budget imports. The gun ships in a simple cardboard box with foam inserts; no hard case is included, so factor another $75-$150 for proper transport if you're traveling to shoots.
Is the CZ-USA Redhead Premier worth it at $1111.99?
At this price point, it represents strong value for a shooter moving up from an entry-level over/under like the Stevens series. You're paying for the one-piece receiver, auto ejectors, and better wood—features that typically add $300-$400 to a base model. If you shoot 500-1000 shells per year across upland seasons and clays practice, the mechanical smoothness and durability justify the investment. If you're a casual shooter putting 100 shells annually through a gun, the cost-per-round math favors a simpler, less expensive option like the Stevens 555 Compact.
Key attributes
| upc | 806703064734 |
| manufacturer | CZ-USA |
| manufacturer part number | 06473 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel finish | Gloss Black Chrome |
| barrel length | 28'' |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 45.75'' |
| model | Redhead Premier |
| package height | 3.5 |
| package width | 11.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Top Tang |
| shipping weight | 13.55 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| units per box | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with a suppressor or choke tube wrench from Beretta/Benelli?
- No, it uses CZ's proprietary choke tube threading, which is incompatible with Beretta/Benelli Mobilchoke or Browning Invector systems. You'll need to use the included wrench or purchase CZ-specific tubes. Choke tube outer diameter is 0.850 inches at the muzzle.
- Does this shotgun fit in a standard 48-inch rifle case?
- Yes, with room to spare. At 45.75 inches overall length, it will fit in any case rated for 48 inches or longer. I recommend a case with at least 1.5 inches of padding on each side, like those from Pelican or Plano All Weather.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing is 1-3 business days after order verification, with ground shipping transit times of 3-7 business days depending on your location. All shipments require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL. We ship via FedEx or UPS Ground exclusively.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit or has mechanical issues?
- Returns require authorization within 30 days of delivery for un-fired, new-in-box condition. Once fired, all mechanical issues are handled directly through CZ-USA's warranty, which covers parts and labor for 5 years from the original purchase date. You must initiate any return through our customer service portal first.
- Does this work with standard 20-gauge snap caps for dry-fire practice?
- Yes, it functions properly with A-Zoom or Tipton 20-gauge snap caps. The single selective trigger and auto ejectors will cycle snap caps normally. I recommend limiting dry-fire to 50-100 repetitions per session to minimize wear on the firing pins.