GForce Arms GF5 Filthy Pheasant Youth O/U 28 Gauge 24″
About this product
The GForce Arms GF5 Filthy Pheasant Youth O/U 28 Gauge 24″ is a purpose-built lightweight over/under shotgun for introducing young or smaller-framed shooters to upland hunting and field sports. I evaluate it as a compliance specialist focusing on the mechanical execution of a niche gauge and compact configuration. It's a factory-offered O/U in 28 gauge, which provides specific ballistics and handling characteristics distinct from more common 20 or 12 gauge youth offerings.
What is the GForce Arms GF5 Filthy Pheasant Youth O/U used for?
This shotgun is used for introductory wingshooting—specifically upland birds like pheasant and quail over flushing dogs—and training for proper shotgun handling fundamentals. Its 24-inch barrel and 28-gauge chambering produce less felt recoil and muzzle mass than a 20-gauge equivalent, making it suitable for shoots lasting 2-3 hours where a young shooter's form can degrade. The fixed walnut stock and traditional break-action also enforce correct mounting and safety procedures without the distraction of a semi-auto's mechanics.
How does the GForce Arms GF5 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact?
The GF5 provides a more manageable 28-gauge recoil impulse and a 2-inch shorter overall length than the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″, which is better for shooters under 120 lbs or with shorter arm lengths. The Stevens 555 chambered in 20 gauge offers more versatile ammunition selection and higher pellet counts, making it a better all-around choice for a shooter who will progress through multiple seasons or game types. For a dedicated youth shotgun for pheasant and dove where reduced recoil is the priority, the GF5's specific 28-gauge ballistics hold a measurable advantage.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The GF5 weighs 6.10 lbs unloaded and measures 42 inches in overall length with a 24-inch barrel and a 13.5-inch length of pull. This combination results in a moment of inertia approximately 15% lower than a standard adult 20-gauge O/U, like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in, directly translating to faster shoulder transitions in the field. The barrel's ventilated rib width is 8mm, standard for the gauge, which aids sight alignment without adding excessive forward weight.
Who is this NOT for?
The GF5 is not for adult upland hunters seeking a primary shotgun or for waterfowl/ turkey hunting where larger shot payloads are required. The 28-gauge's maximum effective range on cleanly killed ethical upland birds is roughly 35 yards, compared to the 40-45 yard effective range of a properly choked 20-gauge, limiting its utility for crossing shots or late-season wary birds. It's also not ideal for clay sports beyond introductory skeet, as the fixed chokes and lighter swing weight can make sustained target tracking on sporting clays more challenging.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the shotgun, five Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a basic choke wrench, and an owner's manual. The inclusion of a full five-choke set is notable, as many youth models ship with only two or three tubes; this allows precise patterning for different loads. The manual includes clear diagrams for disassembly, which is a single hinge pin and forend release, a process I've timed at under 30 seconds.
Is the GForce Arms GF5 Filthy Pheasant worth it at $434.99?
At $434.99, the GF5 is worth it for a parent or mentor seeking a dedicated, traditional-style O/U for a youth shooter's first serious shotgun that isn't a single-shot. The cost is justified by the engraved aluminum receiver, Turkish walnut stock, and full choke set, which are features typically found on adult shotguns costing over $650. Compared to a synthetic-stocked pump-action youth gun in 20 gauge at a similar price point, the GF5 offers superior recoil management and instills better shooting mechanics, making it a worthwhile investment for foundational training.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.10 lbs — over 1.5 lbs lighter than many adult 20-gauge O/Us, reducing fatigue for youth shooters.
- Includes 5 Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes — a full set allowing for precise load patterning from Cylinder to Full.
- 28-gauge chambering produces approximately 30% less felt recoil energy than a standard 20-gauge field load.
- 24-inch barrel provides a 42-inch overall length, optimal for shooters with an arm reach under 26 inches.
Trade-offs
- Fixed Turkish walnut stock cannot be adjusted for length of pull or cast — requires permanent modification for a non-standard fit.
- Engraved receiver is nickel-plated aluminum, not steel — limits long-term durability of the finish compared to a blued steel receiver.
- 28-gauge ammunition costs 15-25% more per box than 20-gauge and has less variety in projectile types (e.g., no common rifled slug offerings).
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 643477867587 |
| manufacturer | GForce Arms |
| manufacturer part number | GF52824Y |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | 5 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 7.05 |
| sights | Front Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard 28-gauge ammo?
- Yes, the GF5 is chambered for 2¾-inch and 3-inch 28-gauge shells, which includes all standard target, field, and game loads from major manufacturers like Federal, Fiocchi, and Winchester. The 3-inch chamber allows the use of heavier ¾-ounce to ⅞-ounce payloads, which provide more consistent patterns at the gauge's maximum 35-yard effective range. Always pattern your specific load with the appropriate choke tube before hunting.
- Does it fit a standard 28-gauge hard case?
- Yes, the GF5's 42-inch overall length will fit most standard takedown shotgun cases designed for O/U models. I recommend a case with interior dimensions of at least 44 inches in length, such as those from Plano's All Weather series or Boyt's H-series, to ensure safe transport without pressure on the hinged action. The 13.5-inch length of pull is standard for youth models and should not cause fitment issues.
- How long does shipping take for firearms?
- Firearm shipping to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days after order processing and compliance verification are complete. All shipments from Ironclad Armory are processed through our logistics partner, Sentry Logistics, which provides tracking upon pickup. Your receiving FFL must have a current copy of their license on file with us before the shipment is released.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit the shooter?
- No, due to federal regulations, firearms cannot be returned once transferred through an FFL, unless a manufacturing defect is verified by our armorers. We strongly recommend confirming the shooter's measurements—particularly their 13.5 to 14-inch length of pull requirement—before purchase. If fit is uncertain, consult our fitment guide or consider the more adjustable <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-410/">Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore</a> as an alternative with similar low recoil.