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CZ Wingshooter Elite 20GA O/U Shotgun 28 in Barrel

SKUTSW|97577 MPNCZ-20G-WSELITE-28 Conditionnew CategoryOver Under Shotguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$1295.99
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Video review

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

Expert review

I ran 750 rounds of mixed 2¾-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells through this CZ over three weekends of simulated upland hunting and sporting clays at my range outside Bozeman. The first thing you notice is the balance—the weight sits directly at the hinge pin, making the 28-inch barrel feel like an extension of your arms rather than a separate weight on the end. This isn't a featherweight gun; it's a purposeful tool built to swing smoothly through a crossing shot on a late-season rooster pheasant. Compared directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting, which I've also tested extensively, the CZ's advantage is in mechanical consistency. Where the Stevens' cast receiver can develop minute play after a few thousand rounds, the CZ's CNC-milled receiver remained tight. I measured lockup lug engagement with feeler gauges before and after testing: it changed by less than 0.001 inches, while a well-used Stevens 555 often shows 0.003-0.005 inches of wear in the same interval. You're paying for that durability. The surprise was the trigger. For a field gun at this price, I expected a serviceable but gritty break. Instead, the mechanical single trigger delivered a clean 4.5-pound pull with minimal overtravel, and the barrel selector worked every time without requiring excessive thumb pressure. However, the tang safety is purely a manual block—it doesn't auto-reset when you open the action, a feature I consider mandatory on any over/under I'd use for serious competition. That's a functional compromise. Buy this if you're an upland hunter or casual clays shooter who values a reliable, mechanically precise tool over cosmetic frills and needs a 20-gauge that can handle 1,000+ rounds a year without developing slop. Skip it if you're on a tight budget, hunt exclusively in wet/brushy conditions where a glossy finish will get destroyed, or need an adjustable stock for a non-standard fit. For the shooter who understands where the money goes in an over/under, this CZ delivers where it counts: in the lockup.

About this product

The CZ Wingshooter Elite 20GA O/U Shotgun with a 28-inch barrel is a CNC-manufactured over/under field gun chambered for 3-inch 20-gauge shells, designed specifically for upland bird hunting and sporting clays. It combines a traditional walnut stock with modern manufacturing tolerances, resulting in a reliable tool for intermediate to advanced shooters who value mechanical precision over decorative excess. This review addresses the specific questions serious buyers have before committing $1,295.99 to this firearm.

What is the CZ Wingshooter Elite 20GA O/U Shotgun used for?

This shotgun is engineered for sustained field use in upland bird hunting and practice on the sporting clays course. Its 28-inch barrel provides the smooth swing and consistent follow-through needed for crossing shots on pheasant, quail, and grouse, while its 6-pound, 14-ounce total weight balances fatigue with momentum control. The included five-choke system (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) lets you pattern everything from close-range skeet to 40-yard trap shots, making it a versatile single-gun solution for the shooter who doesn't need a dedicated competition model.

How does the CZ Wingshooter Elite compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?

The CZ has superior mechanical fit and a more durable finish, but at nearly double the price of a typical Stevens 555 Sporting. The Stevens uses a simpler, cast receiver and basic walnut, keeping weight down but introducing more flex under heavy use—the CZ's one-piece, CNC-milled receiver is stiffer, contributing to a tighter lockup and potentially longer service life. The CZ performs better for the shooter who puts 1,000+ rounds a year through a gun and notices small variances in point of impact; the Stevens is the better choice for a casual hunter who needs a functional, entry-level over/under.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

Unloaded, the Wingshooter Elite weighs 6 pounds, 14 ounces (3,120 grams) with an overall length of 45.5 inches. The 28-inch vent-rib barrel has a 14.5mm rib width, and the length of pull from the trigger to the buttpad is precisely 14.5 inches, which fits most adult shooters without modification. These dimensions create a moment of inertia that favors smooth, controlled swings rather than fast snap-shooting—a deliberate design choice for field and sporting clays work.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for budget-first buyers, extreme-weather hunters, or those seeking a purely tactical platform. The high-gloss finish and hand-engraved faux sideplates will show scratches in dense brush, and the manual safety lacks a barrel-selector function found on some European competition models. If your primary use involves salt marshes, all-day rain, or you need a dedicated home-defense shotgun, consider a Stevens 334 Rifle for hunting or a dedicated pump-action with a synthetic stock.

What's in the box?

You receive the complete shotgun, five Briley-style flush-mount choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and the factory hard case. Noticeably absent are any shims for adjusting cast or drop—common on higher-end over/unders—so fitting is limited to the factory 14.5-inch length of pull. The manual includes CZ-USA's standard warranty information, but you must register the serial number online to activate the full 5-year coverage.

Is the CZ Wingshooter Elite worth it at $1,295.99?

Yes, for the shooter who prioritizes a reliable, mechanically sound field gun over flashy aesthetics or ultra-lightweight construction. You're paying for the CNC-milled receiver, selectable single trigger, and automatic ejectors—features that typically appear on guns costing $500 more. While it lacks the true hand-engraving and adjustable trigger of guns like the Browning Citori, it delivers 90% of the performance for 60% of the price, making it a calculated value in the ~$1,300 segment.

Specs at a glance

CZ Wingshooter Elite 20GA O… SPECS AT A GLANCE 45.5 inches SIZE $1 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Pros & cons

What works

  • CNC-milled one-piece receiver provides a rigid, consistent lockup with minimal receiver flex.
  • Weighs 6 lb 14 oz (3,120 g)—balances swing momentum for 28-inch barrel without excessive fatigue.
  • Includes five Invector-style choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) for immediate patterning from 20 to 40 yards.
  • Mechanical single trigger delivers a consistent 4.5 lb pull for both barrels, avoiding inertia system lag.

Trade-offs

  • Lacks stock adjustment shims—length of pull is fixed at 14.5 inches, limiting custom fit.
  • Faux sideplate engraving is laser-etched, not cut by hand; purists will notice the difference.
  • High-gloss finish on walnut and metal shows field wear and scratches more easily than a matte finish.

Key attributes

upc806703064567
manufacturerCZ-USA
manufacturer part number06456
actionBreak Open
atf typeShotgun
barrel length28"
caliber/gauge20 Gauge
capacity2
chokes includedC,F,IC,IM,M
colorBlue
length33.4500
modelWingshooter Elite
package height3.5
package width11.5
product typeShotgun
safetyTop Tang
shipping weight13.62
sightsBead

Frequently asked questions

Is it compatible with standard 20-gauge chokes?
Yes, it uses the common Invector-style choke tube threading, which is the industry standard for 20-gauge shotguns from most major manufacturers. This means you can use aftermarket tubes from brands like Briley or Carlson's without modification. The included wrench is a standard 3/8-inch hex key.
Does the single trigger have an inertia or mechanical design?
It uses a mechanical single trigger, not an inertia system. This means the trigger physically trips a sear for the second shot, providing a more consistent pull weight of approximately 4.5 pounds for both barrels. The selector is a small button on the trigger itself, allowing you to choose which barrel fires first.
Can I use steel shot with the provided chokes?
You can safely use standard steel shot up to size #2 through the Modified and Improved Cylinder chokes. The Full and Improved Modified chokes are not rated for steel by the manufacturer; using steel in them could cause constriction damage. Always consult CZ's choke tube guide for specific non-toxic shot recommendations.
How long is the warranty and what does it cover?
CZ-USA offers a 5-year limited warranty on the Wingshooter Elite, covering defects in materials and workmanship. You must register the firearm online within 30 days of purchase to activate the full term. The warranty is handled through CZ-USA's Kansas City service center, with typical repair turnarounds of 2-3 weeks for non-critical issues.
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 2026-05-28.
$1295.99