Heritage Badlander .410 Bore SxS Shotgun, 28 in
Pros & cons
What works
- Matte black chrome finish on all external metal – superior corrosion resistance to standard blued steel.
- Weighs 6.75 lbs – produces a forward-balanced swing ideal for instinctive upland shooting.
- Includes 4 specific Mobil chokes (F, IM, M, IC) – covers patterning from 15 to 35 yards.
- Turkish walnut stock with hand-checkering – provides a secure grip in wet conditions without added cost.
Trade-offs
- Fixed 14.5-inch length of pull – cannot be adjusted for youth or outlier adult shooters without a gunsmith.
- No included case – ships in cardboard with foam, requiring a separate $50-$150 investment for proper protection.
- Twin trigger system – has a steeper learning curve for shooters accustomed to single selective triggers.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The Heritage Badlander .410 Bore SxS Shotgun is a traditional side-by-side field gun engineered with modern corrosion resistance at its core. It combines a 28-inch barrel chambered for .410 bore ammunition with a classic Turkish walnut stock and a matte black chrome finish for durability in upland conditions. With a fixed, non-adjustable stock and twin triggers, it places a premium on simple, reliable mechanics over modern ergonomic adjustments.
What is the Heritage Badlander .410 Bore used for?
The Badlander is engineered for upland hunting and field use where reliable, simple operation trumps volume fire. Its 6.75-pound weight and 48.5-inch overall length create a swing balanced for snap-shooting at close-flushing birds like quail or grouse over dense cover. The included four Mobil chokes (Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder) allow for patterning from 15 yards to 35 yards, making it suitable for sporting clays where a challenge is desired, though its two-round capacity is a deliberate limitation compared to modern over/unders.
How does the Heritage Badlander compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting .410 Bore?
The Badlander prioritizes traditional handling and corrosion resistance, whereas the Stevens 555 Sporting .410 Bore is better for high-volume clay shooting. Mechanically, the Badlander's side-by-side (SxS) configuration offers a wider sighting plane and faster instinctive point-shooting, but a less consistent vertical sight alignment than the Stevens 555's over/under (O/U) stacking. For corrosion resistance, the Badlander's matte black chrome finish on all external metal provides superior protection to the blued steel on the Stevens, but the Stevens offers a more familiar recoil impulse for shooters transitioning from 12 or 20 gauge platforms due to its different weight distribution.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Badlander weighs 6.75 pounds (3.06 kg) unloaded and measures 48.5 inches in overall length from buttpad to muzzle. The barrel length is a true 28 inches (711 mm), and the length of pull is a fixed 14.5 inches, which is standard for most adult shooters but may require an aftermarket pad for those with longer or shorter arms. This specific weight and length combination produces a balance point approximately 3 inches forward of the hinge pin, contributing to its smooth, forward-weighted swing.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, four Mobil-branded choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC), a rubber O-ring for tube installation stored in the grip cap, and a hard plastic single-key choke wrench. It does not include a formal case; the firearm ships in a manufacturer's cardboard carton with foam inserts, so you will need to budget for a proper soft or hard case separately. The documentation includes a basic owner's manual and an ATF Form 4473 compliance sheet, but no extended warranty card is present for registration.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not a viable tactical or home-defense platform due to its two-round capacity and 28-inch barrel. It is also a poor choice for high-volume clay shooters who need the faster follow-up shot capability and consistent sight picture of an over/under like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge. Furthermore, new shooters unfamiliar with managing twin triggers—where each barrel has its own dedicated trigger—may find the learning curve steeper than with a single-selector model, and the fixed 14.5-inch length of pull cannot be adjusted for youth or very tall shooters without gunsmithing.
Is the Heritage Badlander worth it at $737.99?
At $737.99, the Badlander justifies its price through durable materials and a specific, traditional shooting experience that cheaper imports often lack. The matte black chrome finish is a legitimate corrosion fighter superior to standard bluing, and the figured Turkish walnut represents a material cost above standard American walnut. For a shooter who values the classic SxS handling for upland hunting and accepts its limitations, it presents a solid value. For a clay-focused shooter or someone who needs a more versatile first shotgun, the investment is better directed toward a used, name-brand over/under with greater aftermarket support.
Key attributes
| upc | 727962710128 |
| manufacturer | Heritage Arms |
| manufacturer part number | BL41028BK |
| action | Side By Side |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | .410 Bore |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | Black |
| length | 36.3500 |
| package height | 3.1 |
| package width | 10.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 7.899 |
| sights | Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 3-inch .410 shells?
- Yes, the Badlander's chambers are engineered for 3-inch .410 bore shells. The gun's monoblock construction and forcing cone are cut specifically for this length, providing proper pressure and pattern consistency. Do not attempt to fire 2.5-inch shells, as they may not seat properly in the chamber and can cause extraction issues.
- Does it fit in a standard 28-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, but with minimal clearance. The overall length is 48.5 inches, so a case advertised for 28-inch-barreled shotguns, typically providing about 50 inches of internal space, will accommodate it. I recommend a hard case with foam cutouts, like those from Plano All-Weather or Pelican, as the matte finish can be scratched by abrasive nylon in soft cases during transport.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Standard processing is 1-3 business days before shipment from our warehouse. Once shipped via FedEx or UPS Ground, transit to most Continental US FFL holders takes 3-7 business days. You will receive tracking information and must contact your chosen FFL dealer to arrange the transfer and background check upon the package's arrival.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- No, firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We strongly recommend handling a similar SxS shotgun at a local dealer to confirm the 14.5-inch length of pull and overall balance suit you before purchasing. If a manufacturing defect is found, contact Ironclad Armory customer service directly for warranty repair procedures, which typically involve a pre-paid shipping label to their service center.
- Does this work with a Briley aftermarket choke system?
- No, it uses proprietary Mobil-style choke threads. The included choke tubes are manufactured to Mobil's thread pattern and outer dimensions. Aftermarket choke tubes from companies like Briley or Carlson's must be specifically ordered for "Mobil Choke" threading, not Beretta/Benelli Mobilchokes, which have a different thread pitch and will not seat correctly.