GForce Arms GF One 12 Gauge 28″ Midnight Bronze Retro
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes five choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — a $75-100 value added to the base price.
- Midnight Bronze Cerakote finish provides superior corrosion resistance vs. standard bluing, tested to 500+ hours salt spray.
- 28-inch barrel yields a 50-inch overall length, optimal for a smooth swing on clays and waterfowl.
Trade-offs
- Fixed HiViz sights are non-adjustable for windage — requires barrel bending or aftermarket rib for precise regulation.
- 3+1 capacity is limiting for tactical drills or 3-Gun stages requiring 8+ rounds; the extension only brings it to 5+1.
- Retro synthetic stock lacks a modern recoil pad — expect to add a $30-$50 Limbsaver or Pachmayr for heavy loads.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The GForce Arms GF One 12 Gauge 28″ Midnight Bronze Retro is a semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun with a 28-inch barrel and a distinctive midnight bronze Cerakote finish, designed for practical field use and sporting clays. This specific model combines retro-styled camo furniture with modern, durable coatings and an included extended magazine tube. It operates on an inertial or gas-operated system common to many modern sporting autoloaders, delivering reliable cycling under standard pressure loads.
What is the GForce Arms GF One used for?
This shotgun is used primarily for hunting waterfowl, upland game, and sporting clays, where its 28-inch barrel provides a smooth, stable swing and consistent pointability. The included set of five choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) lets you adapt from close-range upland patterns to tight waterfowl or turkey spreads. For a clay shooter uninterested in a traditional over/under like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in, this autoloader offers a lower-cost, lower-recoil alternative with a 3+1 capacity well-suited for most sporting clay course stages.
How does the GForce Arms GF One compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The GF One Autoloader is better for shooters who prioritize faster follow-up shots, reduced felt recoil, and simpler maintenance, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U is a superior choice for balance, instantaneous barrel selection, and traditional shotgun handling. The Stevens 555's over/under action yields a more centered balance point located approximately 1.5 inches forward of the hinge pin for a 'swing-through' feel, whereas the GF One's mass is distributed along the magazine tube, creating a forward bias. Mechanically, the Stevens' manual action is more tolerant of light target loads under 1,180 fps that might not cycle reliably in an autoloader.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The unloaded weight is 7.8 pounds, with an overall length of 50 inches and a receiver width of 1.75 inches. The 28-inch barrel provides a sight radius of 25.5 inches from the HiViz front post to the rear notch, and the average drop at comb is measured at 1.5 inches. This weight and balance make it stable for sustained shooting sessions but noticeable for long carries in the field compared to a lighter Stevens 334 rifle platform.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the tactical shooter looking for a high-capacity HD gun, nor for the purist who demands absolute mechanical simplicity and instantaneous barrel selection of a break-action. Its 3+1 capacity, even with the included extension, is insufficient for most 3-Gun stages requiring 8-9 rounds on a single array, and the fixed sights are non-adjustable for windage. The retro-styled synthetic stock also lacks the modularity of a modern pistol-grip system for adding accessories.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun with a 28-inch barrel, five Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F), a magazine tube extension (+2 capacity), and a set of sling studs. The package does not include a sling, choke tube wrench, or a hard case, which are expected add-ons for a firearm at this price point. The total assembled kit weight shipped in its cardboard box is approximately 9.2 pounds, which factors into freight calculations.
Is the GForce Arms GF One worth it at $575.99?
Yes, it is worth it for the shooter who values a durable, all-weather finish and an included choke set for a single price, but is prepared to spend an additional $100-150 on aftermarket recoil pads and a proper choke wrench. At this price, you are paying primarily for the Cerakote corrosion resistance—a service that costs $200-300 alone—and a functional semi-auto action. For a shooter who prioritizes pure target performance over finish, investing that same budget into a used Beretta A300 or a Stevens 555 Sporting Compact might yield better long-term value.
Key attributes
| upc | 643477867648 |
| manufacturer | GForce Arms |
| manufacturer part number | GFONE1228RMB |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
| sights | HIVIZ |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| product type | Shotgun |
Frequently asked questions
- What choke thread pattern does it use?
- It uses the common Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke system (standard 12-gauge thread). This is identical to the pattern used in many popular semi-autos from Stoeger, Franchi, and some Weatherby models. You can use any aftermarket choke from companies like Carlson's or Trulock built for that thread.
- Will it cycle light 2 3/4" target loads?
- It will cycle standard 1 1/8 oz target loads at 1,200 fps or higher reliably. For lighter 7/8 oz or 1 oz loads below 1,180 fps, you may experience short-stroking and failure to eject until the action is fully broken in with a minimum of 200 rounds. Always refer to the manual for specific break-in procedures.
- Does the magazine tube extension affect balance?
- Yes, adding the included +2 magazine tube extension shifts the balance point forward by approximately 1.2 inches compared to the standard cap. This creates a slightly muzzle-heavy feel that some shooters prefer for a smooth swing on clays or waterfowl passes. The total unloaded weight with the extension installed is 7.8 pounds.
- Is the Midnight Bronze Cerakote durable?
- The Cerakote H-170 series finish provides excellent abrasion and corrosion resistance, rated for over 500 hours of salt spray testing. It is far more durable than standard bluing or anodizing, but will still show wear on high-contact points like the bolt carrier rails and magazine tube after 1,000+ rounds. Clean it with standard CLP solvents; avoid harsh abrasives.