Silver Eagle Arms Carlyle CAR1228BRNZ 12 Gauge Semi-Auto 28″
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes five Benelli Crio Plus choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F) — a $90-$120 value if purchased separately.
- Unloaded weight of 6.56 lbs balances swing for clays without being muzzle-heavy.
- Two-piece receiver design allows full bolt removal for cleaning in under 10 minutes.
- Back-bored 0.742-inch barrel reduces felt recoil and improves pattern consistency.
Trade-offs
- Ejection port is right-side only; ejected hulls will mar the bronze receiver finish over time.
- Fixed 4+1 capacity; no provision for magazine tube extensions due to inertia system design.
- Walnut stock is finished but not hand-checkered; grip is functional but slick compared to laser-cut options.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the Silver Eagle Arms Carlyle CAR1228BRNZ 12 Gauge Semi-Auto? It's a Turkish-made, inertia-driven sporting shotgun that delivers reliable function and thoughtful features at a sub-$800 price point, positioned for the clay shooter or upland hunter who understands mechanical systems but isn't interested in paying Italian boutique premiums. This gun leverages a proven Benelli-style action housed in a two-piece receiver that simplifies cleaning, paired with a back-bored, chrome-lined barrel and a full suite of included choke tubes for immediate field readiness.
What is the Silver Eagle Arms Carlyle CAR1228BRNZ used for?
The Carlyle is designed for sporting clays and upland hunting over decoys. Its 28-inch barrel and 6.56-pound unloaded weight provide a smooth, balanced swing for crossing targets and flushing birds, while the included five Benelli Crio Plus chokes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full) let you tune for everything from close-range skeet to 40-yard trap shots without additional investment. The inertia system reliably cycles 2¾-inch target loads up to 3-inch magnums, making it a true one-gun solution for a weekend that might include a morning duck blind and an afternoon at the clay range.
How does the Carlyle compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Carlyle is a better value for high-volume shooters who prioritize simple maintenance and recoil management. Where the over-under Stevens 555 Sporting offers instant barrel selection, the Carlyle's semi-auto action soaks up felt recoil by about 30%, a tangible difference after 100 rounds. The Stevens may have more traditional handling for the purist, but the Carlyle includes five choke tubes versus the Stevens's two, and its two-piece receiver allows deeper cleaning in under ten minutes without specialized tools.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
At the scale, the unloaded weight is 6.56 lbs (2.97 kg), with an overall length of 48.5 inches from buttplate to muzzle. The barrel itself is 28 inches long with a back-bored internal diameter of 0.742 inches, which reduces perceived recoil and improves patterns with modern, plastic-wadded ammunition. The length of pull is adjustable from approximately 14.25 inches to 14.75 inches via included shims, accommodating most adult shooters between 5'8" and 6'2".
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the tactical/home defense shooter or anyone requiring magazine tube extensions. Its 4+1 capacity is fixed due to the design of the inertia system and magazine tube, and the 28-inch barrel is cumbersome for indoor use. It's also a poor choice for left-handed shooters, as the ejection port is rigidly right-side only, and the bronze-finished receiver shows brass marks from ejected hulls more clearly than a matte black finish would. For a compact, multi-role option, consider a shorter-barreled pump-action.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, five Benelli Crio Plus choke tubes (C, IC, M, IM, F), a choke tube wrench, a set of three comb height shims, the owner's manual, and a basic padded soft case. Notably absent is a dedicated cleaning rod or bore snake; you’ll need to supply your own 12-gauge cleaning kit and lubricant. All choke tubes are hand-tightened only — never use a wrench to over-torque them into the barrel threads.
Is the Silver Eagle Arms Carlyle worth it at $718.99?
Yes, for the shooter who needs one reliable, versatile semi-auto for clay games and feathered game. At this price, you’re getting a chrome-lined barrel, a complete choke set, and an adjustable stock — features that often add $200-$300 to the base price of competitors. The trade-off is accepting a Turkish manufacturing origin and a finish that will show wear at the high-contact points, but the mechanical heart of the gun, the inertia system, is a licensed and proven design. It’s a calculated buy for performance over prestige.
Key attributes
| upc | 812052025227 |
| manufacturer | Silver Eagle Arms |
| manufacturer part number | CAR1228BRNZ |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | C,F,IC,IM,M |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli Mobilchoke tubes?
- No, it uses the proprietary Benelli Crio Plus choke system only. While the threading is similar to some Mobilchoke patterns, the cone and seal design is different; using a non-Crio Plus tube can damage the barrel threads and void the warranty. You must source replacement tubes specifically marked 'Crio Plus' from brands like Carlson's or Trulock.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, with room to spare. The overall length is 48.5 inches, allowing it to fit comfortably in a standard 50-inch hard or soft case with padding. For a more tailored fit, a 49-inch case from brands like Savior Equipment or Plano's All-Weather series is ideal.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Processing and shipping typically take 3-5 business days from order verification. Transit time via FedEx or UPS Ground adds another 2-6 business days depending on your location relative to our warehouse. Always contact your chosen FFL holder for their specific receiving hours before placing your order.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Extended choke tube?
- Yes, provided you purchase the Carlson's Extended Choke Tube specifically machined for the Benelli Crio Plus system. The extended portion will protrude approximately 1.5 inches beyond the muzzle, which can aid in quicker choke changes but may slightly alter the gun's balance.