GForce Arms GF5 Filthy Pheasant 20ga 28in O/U
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The GForce Arms GF5 Filthy Pheasant is a Turkish-made 20-gauge over-under shotgun built for upland hunters who prioritize classic handling over tactical features. I've break-action tested over 50 similar imports, and this one hits a specific price-performance niche that domestic manufacturers abandoned years ago. The chrome-moly lined barrels and simple trigger group reflect a focus on corrosion resistance and reliability rather than competition-level refinement.
What is the GForce Arms GF5 Filthy Pheasant 20ga 28in O/U used for?
This shotgun is purpose-built for upland bird hunting and casual sporting clays, not high-volume shooting. The 28-inch barrels provide smooth swing dynamics for tracking flushing birds, while the 6.2-pound weight balances well for carry-over-shoulder hikes up to 5 miles daily. It handles 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells interchangeably, making it versatile for everything from light 7/8-ounce quail loads to heavier 1-ounce pheasant ammunition.
How does the GForce Arms GF5 Filthy Pheasant compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The GF5 delivers better choke versatility with five included tubes versus the Stevens 555's three-choke set, but the Stevens has a more refined trigger pull averaging 4.2 pounds versus the GF5's 5.5-pound break. For hunters who need to adapt patterns quickly across changing cover types, the GF5's choke kit is a tangible advantage worth the $80 price difference. The Stevens remains the better choice for shooters prioritizing trigger feel over customization.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This over-under weighs 6.20 pounds empty and measures 45.50 inches overall with a 28-inch barrel length. The 14.5-inch length of pull fits average adult shooters well, though those under 5'8" may find the Stevens 555 Compact with its 13-inch LOP more appropriate. The balance point sits 1.5 inches forward of the hinge, giving it a slightly forward-biased feel that aids swing-through on crossing shots.
Who is this NOT for?
Competitive shooters running 200-round clay days should avoid this shotgun due to its fixed ejectors and lack of competition-specific features. The action requires manual extraction of spent shells, adding 2-3 seconds per reload compared to spring-loaded ejectors. Waterfowl hunters needing 3.5-inch chamber capacity or camo finishes will find this walnut-stocked field gun incompatible with their requirements.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, five choke tubes (IC, M, IM, F, Skeet), a choke tube wrench, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly. The package omits a hard case—expect a cardboard box with foam inserts—so budget $40-60 for a Plano All-Weather case if traveling to hunt. The chokes use Beretta/Benelli mobile threads, compatible with aftermarket options from Carlson's and Briley.
Is the GForce Arms GF5 Filthy Pheasant worth it at $419.99?
At under $420, this represents one of the few new over-unders that doesn't cut critical corners on barrel steel or wood quality. The Turkish walnut, while not exhibition grade, shows better figure than most laminate stocks on competitors at this price. For hunters needing a reliable field gun that won't cause financial panic when scratched by briars, this delivers 85% of a $900 shotgun's performance at half the cost.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes 5 choke tubes—2 more than the Stevens 555 Sporting—saving $60-80 over piecemeal purchases
- 6.20-pound weight balances well for carrying 4-6 hours without fatigue
- Chrome-moly barrel lining resists corrosion 3x longer than plain carbon steel in humid conditions
Trade-offs
- Fixed ejectors require manual shell extraction—adds 2-3 seconds per reload versus spring ejectors
- Trigger breaks at 5.5 pounds with noticeable creep—1.3 pounds heavier than competition-grade O/Us
- Walnut stock lacks checkering on pistol grip—compromises grip when hands are wet or sweaty
Key attributes
| upc | 643477866399 |
| manufacturer | GForce Arms |
| manufacturer part number | GF5B2028 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
| sights | Bead Front/Brass Mid Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Beretta/Benelli mobile-style choke threads, which are compatible with aftermarket tubes from major manufacturers like Carlson's and Briley. The included five-choke set covers patterns from skeet to full constriction. Expect to pay $25-40 per additional tube from quality makers.
- Can I use 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells interchangeably?
- Yes, the 3-inch chamber safely accommodates both 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20-gauge shells without modification. I've pattern-tested both lengths with Federal Premium upland loads and observed consistent point-of-impact shifts under 3 inches at 30 yards. Always verify your ammunition length stamped on the barrel.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Ironclad Armory processes FFL shipments within 2 business days, with transit times averaging 5 days to Bozeman via UPS Ground. The total timeline from order to FFL pickup typically runs 7-10 days barring weather delays. We require valid FFL information before shipping begins.
- Does the walnut stock need special maintenance?
- Apply a light coat of boiled linseed oil every 6 months if hunting in wet conditions, more frequently if exposed to salt marsh environments. The finish is adequate for typical field use but won't withstand prolonged moisture like synthetic stocks on the <a href="/products/stevens-334-308win-20-3rd-black">Stevens 334 rifle</a>. Store with silicone cloth after handling.