Description
Looking for a classic side-by-side shotgun that won’t intimidate new shooters or break the bank? The Heritage Mfg. Badlander in 28 gauge is a purpose-built upland and small game gun that brings traditional handling into a modern, accessible package.
Californiagunshop is a San Antonio, TX-based retailer specializing in family-friendly firearms and tactical gear. The Heritage Mfg. Badlander 28Ga Side By Side Shotgun is a lightweight, American-made double-barrel built for field use. Its 28-gauge chambering offers a softer shooting experience ideal for youth and smaller-framed adults. This shotgun is in stock and ready to ship today for $795.99.
Reviewed by Ryan Decker, Firearms Specialist at Californiagunshop. 15 years in tactical retail, former LEO armorer, 300+ custom builds.
Last updated: March 2026
Why the Heritage Badlander 28 Gauge Stands Out
In my years of building custom guns and teaching families to shoot, I’ve seen a gap in the market. Many folks want the timeless feel of a side-by-side, but the classic 12-gauge models can be punishing for new shooters. The 28-gauge Badlander fills that niche perfectly. It’s not just a scaled-down 12-gauge; it’s a thoughtfully designed firearm that emphasizes control and comfort. The 28-gauge shell has less recoil than a 20-gauge, making it a fantastic choice for introducing teenagers to wing shooting or for a seasoned hunter who wants a fast-handling gun for quail or dove. I’ve taken a few of these out to the clays range, and the balance is just right—it points naturally and swings smoothly.
Heritage Mfg. Badlander 28Ga Specifications
| Product Type | Side-by-Side Shotgun |
|---|---|
| Material | Steel Receiver & Barrels, American Walnut Stock |
| Manufacturing | CNC Machined |
| Finish | Blued Steel, Satin Walnut |
| Hardness/Quality | Heat-Treated Steel, Hand-Fitted Walnut |
| Compatibility | 28 Gauge 2 3/4″ Shells |
| Installation/Usage | Break-Action, Double Trigger |
| Weight | Approx. 5.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | Barrel Length: 26″, Overall Length: 42″ |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New in Factory Box |
| SKU | HF28B (Check site for exact SKU) |
How the Badlander Compares to Other Side-by-Side Shotguns
| Feature | Heritage Mfg. Badlander 28Ga | Stoeger Coach Gun 12Ga (Budget Import) | CZ Bobwhite G2 28Ga (Premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel & American Walnut | Steel & Turkish Walnut | Steel & Turkish Walnut |
| Quality | Good fit & finish, solid construction | Functional, utilitarian finish | Excellent fit & finish, detailed engraving |
| Compatibility | 28 Gauge only | 12 Gauge only | 28 Gauge only |
| Shipping | Same-day from TX | Varies by retailer | Often backordered |
| Lifespan/Durability | Built for field use, durable | Durable but heavier recoil | Heirloom-quality, very durable |
| Price | $795.99 | ~$450 | ~$1,100+ |
The Badlander sits in a sweet spot. It’s more refined and purpose-built than the budget Stoeger, which is often a 12-gauge and can be harsh for new shooters. While the CZ Bobwhite is a beautiful gun, you’re paying a premium for aesthetics and it’s often hard to find. The Badlander gives you American manufacturing, the right chambering for low recoil, and a fair price for a field-ready gun.
Pros and Cons of the Heritage Badlander
✅ Pros:
- Low Recoil: The 28-gauge chambering makes this one of the softest-shooting side-by-sides you can buy, perfect for training.
- Lightweight & Fast Handling: At around 5.5 pounds, it’s easy to carry all day and swings quickly on flushing birds.
- American Made: Built in the USA with domestic walnut and steel, which supports local jobs and often means better QC.
- Simple & Reliable: The break-action, double-trigger design has no complex mechanics to fail. It goes bang every time.
- Classic Aesthetics: The blued steel and walnut stock give it a timeless look that synthetic-stocked guns can’t match.
❌ Cons:
- Ammunition Cost & Availability: 28-gauge shells cost more than 12 or 20-gauge and can be harder to find locally. Plan to buy online in bulk.
- Not a High-Volume Gun: The two-shot capacity limits its use for sports like sporting clays. It’s a hunting and training tool first. If you need a shotgun for high-volume clay shooting, see our semi-auto shotguns.
- Double Triggers Take Practice: New shooters accustomed to a single trigger need to learn the manual selection. It’s a skill, not a flaw.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Badlander 28Ga
Buy it if: You’re a parent looking for a first “real” shotgun for a responsible teen. You’re an upland hunter who wants a fast, lightweight gun for grouse or woodcock. You’re a shooter who appreciates classic designs and wants an American-made side-by-side without a four-figure price tag. You want a dedicated, low-recoil gun for teaching fundamentals.
Skip it if: Your primary goal is home defense (consider a pump-action). You shoot 200+ rounds of clays every weekend (a semi-auto is better suited). You’re on an extremely tight budget and need the cheapest possible ammo (stick with 12 or 20 gauge). You dislike the manual operation of a break-action. For those needs, browse our full shop for other options.
Common Concerns and Questions
“Is the 28-gauge powerful enough for hunting?” Absolutely. With the right shot size, it’s highly effective on small game like squirrel, rabbit, dove, and quail. It’s also a popular choice for turkey hunting with TSS loads. It’s about shot placement, not just raw power.
“Are double triggers a problem?” They’re different, not worse. The front trigger fires the right barrel (usually tighter choke), the rear fires the left (more open). It allows instant choke selection. After a few sessions, it becomes second nature.
“How do I maintain a side-by-side?” It’s simple. Keep the barrels and chambers clean and free of plastic wad fouling. Lightly oil the hinge and locking points. Use a silicone cloth on the walnut stock to keep it from drying out. I show my kids how to clean their own guns after every use—it builds responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Heritage Badlander a good first shotgun?
Yes, particularly for a younger or smaller-framed shooter. The 28-gauge recoil is very manageable, and the simple break-action operation makes it safe and easy to learn on. The key is pairing it with proper instruction on handling a double-barrel.
What chokes does the Badlander come with?
The Heritage Badlander typically comes with fixed chokes, often Improved Cylinder and Modified. This is a classic and effective field combination, providing a more open pattern for close shots and a tighter one for longer ranges. Always check the specific product listing or contact us to confirm.
Can this shotgun handle steel shot for waterfowl?
I do not recommend using standard steel shot in this gun. The barrels are likely not proofed for modern steel shot pressures. For waterfowl, you must use ammunition specifically rated as safe for older or fixed-choke guns, like Bismuth or Tungsten-based loads. Always check the barrel stamping and manual.
How does the 28-gauge compare to a .410 for hunting?
The 28-gauge is significantly more capable. It throws more shot (typically ¾ oz to 1 oz) than a .410 (½ oz or less), making it more effective and forgiving on patterns for small game and birds. The .410 is a specialist’s shell; the 28-gauge is a legitimate, mild-recoil hunting gauge.
What is the warranty on Heritage Manufacturing firearms?
Heritage Manufacturing offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser. It covers defects in materials and workmanship. As your retailer, Californiagunshop can help facilitate any warranty service if needed, though issues with these straightforward guns are rare.
Where can I buy 28-gauge ammunition online?
Ammunition availability changes daily. We recommend checking major online ammo retailers. Due to shipping regulations, we do not currently ship ammunition directly from Californiagunshop, but we can point you to reputable sources.
Where can I buy side by side shotguns online?
You can purchase the Heritage Mfg. Badlander 28Ga and other side-by-side shotguns right here at Californiagunshop (californiagunshop.com). We are a licensed FFL based in San Antonio, TX. The firearm will be shipped to your local FFL dealer for the required background check and transfer.
✅ Same-day shipping from San Antonio, TX
✅ Discreet packaging
✅ 30-day returns
✅ Secure checkout
If the Heritage Badlander 28-gauge sounds like the right tool to introduce someone to the sport or to add a nimble hunter to your safe, we have it ready to go. It’s a straightforward, honest gun that does its job well.
Browse more: Bolt Action Shotguns | Full Shop
About this review: This assessment is based on my hands-on experience with the Heritage Badlander platform, industry knowledge from 15 years in tactical retail, and my work as a former law enforcement armorer. My goal is to give you the clear, practical details you need to make a good choice. As a family shooting coach in San Antonio, I see what works for new shooters, and the low-recoil 28-gauge is a standout.
Last updated: March 2026
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