GForce Arms GF One 12 Gauge, 28″ Barrel, Retro Grip
About this product
What is the GForce Arms GF One 12 Gauge, 28″ Barrel, Retro Grip?
The GForce Arms GF One 12 Gauge with a 28-inch barrel and retro grip is a budget-friendly, field-ready semi-automatic shotgun designed for practical hunting and target use. It combines a traditional handling profile with modern manufacturing to deliver a functional, no-frills platform. This model distinguishes itself from dedicated sporting guns through its 50-inch overall length, fixed HiViz sights, and a Crio choke system, making it a generalist rather than a specialist.
What is the GForce Arms GF One used for?
This shotgun is used for upland bird hunting, informal clay sports, and as a general-purpose field gun. The 28-inch barrel length provides good swing dynamics for moving targets without becoming cumbersome in brush, while the semi-automatic action soaks up recoil for extended training sessions. Its 3-inch chamber accepts the vast majority of target and field loads, but I wouldn't trust the action system to cycle low-recoil 7/8 oz loads reliably for sustained skeet shooting.
How does the GForce Arms GF One compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The GF One outperforms the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in capacity, offering a 3+1 semi-automatic layout versus the break-action's two-shot limit. For follow-up shots in scenarios like turkey hunting or quick trap doubles, the extra ammunition is a distinct mechanical advantage. However, the Stevens 555's over/under design is fundamentally more reliable with zero cycling issues, and its dual barrels often pattern more consistently between shots, making it the superior choice for disciplined, precision-driven clays.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the GF One weighs approximately 7.2 pounds (116.2 oz), has an overall length of 50 inches, and a barrel length of 28 inches. That weight puts it about 0.8 lb heavier than many synthetic-stocked pumps like the Mossberg 500, with much of that mass in the receiver to aid in action cycling. The balance point is just forward of the receiver with an empty magazine tube, shifting rearward by approximately 1.4 inches when fully loaded with four rounds of standard 2.75-inch shells.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for the competitive 3-Gun or tactical shotgunner who needs a high-capacity, quick-access platform. The tube-fed 3+1 capacity is a significant bottleneck compared to modern box-fed or extended-tube semi-autos, and the smooth retro grip lacks the aggressive texturing needed for positive weapon retention in high-speed drills. It's also a poor choice for those seeking pure collector-grade aesthetics; the applied black finish is functional but shows machining marks clearly under direct light.
What's in the box?
The package includes the GF One shotgun, a set of five Crio chokes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), two standard sling studs, one magazine tube extension kit, and a basic owner's manual. Notably absent is a hard case; it ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts, so plan for separate protective storage costing an additional $30-60. The magazine tube extension kit consists of a spring, follower, and tube piece that increases capacity if installed in compliance with local game regulations.
Is the GForce Arms GF One worth it at $563.99?
At its current $563.99 price point, the GF One offers fair value as an entry-level, all-purpose semi-auto for the shooter who prioritizes function over finish. You're paying for a working action and barrel assembly at the direct expense of refined fit and polished reliability, a compromise common in this price bracket. For comparison, spending $200-300 more gets you into a Beretta A300 Outlander, a gun with demonstrably better gas piston engineering. For the budget-conscious hunter who doesn't mind performing a detailed cleaning every 200 rounds, it's a viable tool.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes a comprehensive 5-choke Crio set (C, IC, M, IM, F) – covers all hunting and target needs out of the box.
- 28-inch barrel maintains velocity and pattern density; approximately 1350 fps with standard 1 oz target loads.
- Fixed HiViz sights provide a clear, snag-free sight picture under 4 seconds in moderate light.
Trade-offs
- Applied black finish is thin and shows visible machining marks under inspection, requiring touch-up paint after 2-3 years of field use.
- Action requires a 200-round break-in period with full-power loads before reliable cycling with lighter target loads is achieved.
- Retro grip lacks texturing, leading to slippage with wet or sweaty hands compared to stippled or overmolded options.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 643477867662 |
| manufacturer | GForce Arms |
| manufacturer part number | GFONE1228RB |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
| sights | HIVIZ |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| product type | Shotgun |
| capacity | 3 + 1 |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| barrel length | 28" |
| action | Semi-Auto |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2 3/4-inch target loads?
- Yes, the GF One's 3-inch chamber is fully compatible with standard 2 3/4-inch target loads. However, consistent cycling often requires ammunition with a minimum muzzle energy of around 3 dram equivalent; I've found that many 1 oz loads under 1200 fps lead to occasional failures to eject. Test with a few boxes of your preferred target load to confirm reliability before committing to a case purchase.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the GF One fits easily in most standard 52-inch shotgun cases. Its overall length is 50 inches, leaving 2 inches of clearance for foam or padding. I recommend a hard case with internal straps like those from Plano or Flambeau to prevent the firearm from shifting during transport, as the applied finish can be susceptible to scratching from unprotected surfaces.
- How long does shipping take?
- Direct-to-FFL shipping from Ironclad Armory typically takes 5-7 business days, assuming FFL paperwork is processed promptly. The shipping itself is usually 2-3 days via FedEx or UPS, with the remaining time consumed by the mandatory internal compliance check and transfer processing at your chosen dealer. We advise confirming your FFL's hours and transfer fee availability before ordering.
- Can this accept a standard AR-style pistol grip?
- No, the GF One's receiver and trigger group are designed around its retro/pistol grip configuration and are not compatible with standard AR-style grips. The interface lacks the required buffer tube threading and mounting points for a separate grip module. This is a fixed, integral part of the firearm's design and cannot be changed without significant gunsmithing and potential NFA classification issues.