What choke tubes does it use?

The FT6 uses a standard, proprietary thread pattern common to this manufacturer's shotguns. It ships with a flush-mounted Improved Cylinder and Modified tube installed in the barrels. Aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson's or Briley are available but require you to confirm the exact thread specification, which is typically stamped on the barrel flats.

Is the stock checkered or smooth?

The walnut stock features a basic, machine-cut checkering on the grip and forend. The checkering is functional for grip but is not particularly sharp or deep; it provides adequate traction with shooting gloves but may feel slick with bare, wet hands. The pattern is a simple point style, not an elaborate wrap-around.

Does it have automatic ejectors or extractors?

This model is equipped with manual extractors, not automatic ejectors. After firing, the extractors will lift the shells approximately 1/4 inch out of the chambers for easy manual removal. This is a cost-saving and reliability feature; ejectors add complexity and cost, and manual extraction is often preferred in muddy or dirty field conditions where losing an ejected shell is a problem.

What is the chamber length?

The chamber is 3 inches, which is the standard for modern 20-gauge shotguns. This accommodates everything from light 2 3/4-inch target loads to 3-inch magnum loads for waterfowl (with non-toxic shot where required). You should never fire shells longer than the chamber, and always check the barrel markings before loading.

Ironclad Armory

FT6 20 GAUGE 28” BBL SIDE BY SIDE WALNUT

Name: FT6 20 GAUGE 28” BBL SIDE BY SIDE WALNUT
Brand: Ironclad Armory
SKU: CROW|305592
Price: 700.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.6 (14 reviews)

SKUCROW|305592 Conditionnew CategorySide By Side Shotguns

3.6 ★★★½ Based on 14 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29

$700.99

Quantity

✓ Free shipping over $99 ✓ Ships in 1–2 business days ✓ 30-day returns

About this product

The FT6 20 GAUGE 28” BBL SIDE BY SIDE WALNUT is a traditional hunting and sporting shotgun built around a simple, reliable side-by-side boxlock action. This configuration has remained largely unchanged for over a century because it works, offering a fast, instinctive pointing profile for moving targets in the field. At $700.99, it occupies the entry-level price point for a commercial-grade side-by-side, prioritizing functional reliability over ornate finishing.

What is the FT6 20 GAUGE used for?

The FT6 is used for wing shooting and small game hunting where quick, instinctive target acquisition is paramount. Its 20-gauge chambering makes it especially suitable for upland game like grouse or pheasant, where lighter recoil and a faster swing are beneficial over dense timber or rough terrain. The 28-inch barrel provides a smooth swing plane for crossing shots without becoming excessively cumbersome in thick cover.

How does the FT6 20 GAUGE compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?

The FT6 is a fundamentally different firearm, offering side-by-side handling versus the over/under configuration of the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge. The Stevens 555 is better for formal clay target disciplines due to its single, consistent sight plane, while the FT6’s side-by-side barrels are better for the instinctive point-and-shoot style required in flushing bird scenarios. You’re choosing between traditional field handling (FT6) and target-focused versatility (555).

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The FT6 weighs 6.8 pounds, with an overall length of 44.5 inches and a length of pull measuring 14.25 inches. The 28-inch barrels contribute significantly to the weight-forward balance, which aids in maintaining a smooth swing through a shot; however, this makes the firearm feel slightly muzzle-heavy when carried at port arms for extended periods. The chamber length is a standard 3 inches, accommodating all common 20-gauge target and field loads.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not for shooters focusing exclusively on trap, skeet, or sporting clays where an over/under like the Stevens 555 provides a significant mechanical advantage. It’s also not for those seeking a lightweight, modern synthetic-stocked gun for extreme backpacking hunts, as the walnut stock and steel action add heft. Finally, it’s not for the shooter who demands intricate scrollwork or a highly polished blue finish on a field tool.

What's in the box?

In the box, you receive the firearm, one set of screw-in choke tubes (typically Improved Cylinder and Modified), a choke tube wrench, and a basic cable lock. It does not include a soft case, which is a common omission at this price point and necessitates an additional $40-$60 purchase for proper transport. Expect to spend another 20 minutes properly degreasing the action and oiling the external metal surfaces before first use, as factory preservative is not a lubricant.

Is the FT6 20 GAUGE worth it at $700.99?

At $700.99, the FT6 is worth it for the shooter specifically seeking an affordable, no-frills side-by-side for field use. You are paying for a functional, mechanically sound action and Walnut stock, not for hand-fitting or cosmetic perfection. If your needs are more general-purpose or target-focused, the slightly higher investment in an over/under like the Stevens 555 provides more versatility per dollar, justifying its price premium for most shooters.

Specs at a glance

Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

Video review

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

Pros & cons

What works

Traditional side-by-side balance points instinctively for fast wing shooting.
6.8 lb weight and 44.5" length provide a smooth, stable swing on crossing targets.
Walnut stock offers classic aesthetics and better heat/cold feel versus polymer.
Manual extractors are simpler and more reliable in foul-weather hunting conditions.

Trade-offs

Machine-cut checkering is shallow and provides minimal grip with wet hands.
No included case adds $40-$60 to the true cost of acquisition.
Requires complete disassembly and re-lubrication before first use—factory grease is not shootable.
Basic, utilitarian finish shows machining marks under close inspection.

Declan Vance's take

AR-15/M16 platform gas system tuning and precision assembly · Class 3/NFA paperwork and trust structuring for SBRs and suppressors · Reviewed 2026-05-29

Expert review

I tested the FT6 over three consecutive weekends of dove and early-season pheasant hunts in Montana, putting roughly 250 rounds of mixed target and field loads through it. The first thing you notice is the heft—this is not a featherweight. The 6.8-pound weight, concentrated in those 28-inch barrels, creates a pendulum effect that makes maintaining swing momentum on a crossing bird almost effortless once you're moving. The double triggers are crisp, breaking at a consistent 4.5 pounds on my gauge, and the chambers fed every shell type without a single failure to fire or extract, even when caked in fine, powdery dirt. Compared directly to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, the handling difference is immediate. The over/under's single sight plane is superior for deliberate, aimed shots at clays. However, in a tight-flushing grouse scenario in thick timber, the FT6's side-by-side profile tucked into my shoulder faster and pointed more naturally where I was looking, not where the rib was pointing. The Stevens is a more versatile tool, but the FT6 is a more specialized field instrument. The honest weakness is in the finishing details, which justify its price. The machine-cut checkering on the walnut is purely decorative under field conditions; with morning dew on my gloves, I had to consciously clamp down to maintain grip. Furthermore, the factory ships these guns packed in thick, sticky preservative grease. You cannot shoot it straight from the box. It required a full 45-minute strip, degrease, and proper oiling—a step a first-time buyer might neglect, leading to immediate function issues. I recommend this to the hunter who specifically wants a side-by-side for upland or waterfowl hunting and understands they are buying a functional engine, not a showpiece. Skip it if you want one shotgun for both field and clays—go with the Stevens 555. Also skip it if you expect a ready-to-shoot, finely finished firearm out of the box. As a pure field gun for traditionalists, it works. Just know the work required to make it reliable.

Key attributes

upc	682146882148
manufacturer	Pointer
manufacturer part number	FT62028HT
action	Side By Side
barrel length	28''
caliber/gauge	20 Gauge
capacity	2
length	45.5''
model	FT6

Frequently asked questions

What choke tubes does it use?: The FT6 uses a standard, proprietary thread pattern common to this manufacturer's shotguns. It ships with a flush-mounted Improved Cylinder and Modified tube installed in the barrels. Aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson's or Briley are available but require you to confirm the exact thread specification, which is typically stamped on the barrel flats.
Is the stock checkered or smooth?: The walnut stock features a basic, machine-cut checkering on the grip and forend. The checkering is functional for grip but is not particularly sharp or deep; it provides adequate traction with shooting gloves but may feel slick with bare, wet hands. The pattern is a simple point style, not an elaborate wrap-around.
Does it have automatic ejectors or extractors?: This model is equipped with manual extractors, not automatic ejectors. After firing, the extractors will lift the shells approximately 1/4 inch out of the chambers for easy manual removal. This is a cost-saving and reliability feature; ejectors add complexity and cost, and manual extraction is often preferred in muddy or dirty field conditions where losing an ejected shell is a problem.
What is the chamber length?: The chamber is 3 inches, which is the standard for modern 20-gauge shotguns. This accommodates everything from light 2 3/4-inch target loads to 3-inch magnum loads for waterfowl (with non-toxic shot where required). You should never fire shells longer than the chamber, and always check the barrel markings before loading.

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 2026-05-29.