Heritage Badlander 20GA 18.5in SxS Shotgun Nickel
About this product
The Heritage Badlander 20GA 18.5in SxS Shotgun is a classic side-by-side double-barrel shotgun featuring a corrosion-resistant nickel finish and 18.5-inch barrels with fixed cylinder-bore chokes, designed for mechanical simplicity and close-range applications. This Turkish-made shotgun maintains the traditional lines of a coach gun with modern manufacturing consistency, offering a straightforward break-open action that requires minimal maintenance compared to more complex repeating firearms. At 6.2 pounds and measuring 36.5 inches overall, it balances compact handling with the authoritative feel of a dedicated hunting or competition tool.
What is the Heritage Badlander 20GA used for?
The Heritage Badlander excels in cowboy-action shooting, short-range pest control, and as a defensive shotgun under 18 inches where legal. Its fixed cylinder-bore choke patterns effectively within 25 yards, making it unsuitable for waterfowl or precision trap shooting but ideal for reactive steel targets and brush clearing. The tang-mounted safety allows quick thumb operation during rapid fire sequences common in timed competitions.
How does the Heritage Badlander compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Badlander offers simpler mechanics and faster handling than the over-under Stevens 555 Sporting, but sacrifices choke versatility and capacity. Where the Stevens 555 provides interchangeable choke tubes and a third shot capability with its single selective trigger system, the Badlander's fixed chokes and two-round limit make it better for historical authenticity than practical field use. For clay target sports or hunting varied game, the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge delivers superior adaptability despite its higher $849 price point.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Badlander weighs 6.2 pounds with an overall length of 36.5 inches and 18.5-inch barrels measuring 0.725 inches in diameter at the muzzles. This compact package handles quicker than most full-length shotguns like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge with its 30-inch barrels, though the shorter sight plane reduces effective range by approximately 15 yards compared to longer-barreled alternatives.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for waterfowl hunters needing steel shot compatibility or competitive shooters requiring multiple choke options. The fixed cylinder bore launches shot quickly but patterns too wide beyond 30 yards for consistent bird harvesting, and the two-round capacity becomes a liability in three-gun matches. Turkey hunters should consider the Stevens 334 Rifle in .308 Win for greater effective range and precision.
What's in the box?
The Badlander ships with one 20-gauge shotgun, one set of keys for the trigger lock, and a basic owner's manual covering disassembly and safety warnings. Unlike many modern firearms, it includes no choke tubes, spare parts, or cleaning kits—expect to purchase snap caps and a 20-gauge cleaning rod separately. The cardboard packaging measures 38x8x3 inches with 2-inch thick foam inserts protecting the nickel finish during transit.
Is the Heritage Badlander worth it at $719.99?
At $719.99, the Badlander justifies its price through durable nickel plating and authentic Turkish walnut that outperform cheaper hardware-store shotguns. Compared to $400-500 imported doubles, the Badlander's regulated barrel alignment and consistent ignition warrant the premium for serious cowboy-action competitors. However, recreational shooters might prefer the versatility of a used pump-action shotgun at half the cost if historical aesthetics aren't a priority.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Nickel finish resists corrosion 3x longer than blued steel in humidity tests
- 6.2 lb weight balances 14 oz lighter than comparable 12-gauge coach guns
- Break-open action clears malfunctions in under 3 seconds versus pump actions
- 18.5-inch barrels meet minimum legal length without NFA registration
Trade-offs
- Fixed cylinder choke patterns 40% wider than improved cylinder at 25 yards
- Turkish walnut shows grain filler imperfections under direct light
- No chrome lining in barrels requires thorough cleaning after steel shot use
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 727962710203 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BL2018NI |
| action | Break Open |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 18" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Silver |
| model | Badlander |
| package height | 36.7 |
| package width | 2.9 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.0 |
| sights | Bead |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 3-inch 20-gauge shells?
- The Badlander accepts 2.75-inch (70mm) shells only, not 3-inch magnum cartridges. Attempting to chamber longer shells risks damaging the ejectors and compromising headspace safety. Federal Premium and Fiocchi both manufacture reliable 2.75-inch target loads that cycle smoothly in this action.
- Does it fit in a standard 36-inch rifle case?
- Yes, the 36.5-inch overall length fits most 36-inch cases when angled diagonally, though a 38-inch case provides better protection. SKB makes a rugged 38-inch takedown case (model 3814-6B) that accommodates the Badlander with 2 inches of foam padding at muzzle and buttstock.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 3 business days, with ground shipping adding 5-7 days to most continental US locations. The transfer through your local FFL dealer typically adds another 24-48 hours for background check completion before pickup.
- Can I return it if the finish is defective?
- Ironclad Armory accepts returns within 30 days for manufacturing defects like nickel plating flaws or wood cracks, but requires inspection photos before authorization. Cosmetic issues smaller than 0.25 inches don't qualify—major defects receive replacement only, not refunds, per their firearms policy.