Perazzi MX28 Review | A Fine Italian Featherweight

shotgun review Nov 07, 2025

The Perazzi MX28 isn’t your average 28-gauge over/under—it’s a handcrafted piece of art built for those who live for fine shotguns and upland wingshooting. I took it to Covey Rise in Louisiana with Steven Berger of Bergs Outdoors to see if it shoots as good as it looks.

If you have experience with the Perazzi MX28, let us know your thoughts on the TFL COMMUNITY!

Perazzi MX28

The Perazzi MX28 is a bespoke Italian-made 28-gauge over/under built for upland hunters and shooters who value balance, precision, and craftsmanship. Each MX28 is custom-ordered, allowing you to select your stock dimensions, wood grade, engraving, and barrel configuration.
The one I tested at Covey Rise came equipped with 30-inch barrels, a classic English-style grip, and that unmistakable Perazzi feel—light in the hands but solid through the swing.

MSRP: $20,000 + (varies by options)
Available Gauges: 28 Gauge
Barrel Length Options: Custom (commonly 28–30 inches)
Chamber Size: 3 inches
Weight: 6 lbs 12 oz (tested)
Stock Dimensions: Custom
Trigger: Single Selective
Chokes: Interchangeable or Fixed

Ergonomics

The MX28 feels incredible in the hands—tight, refined, and balanced just forward of center. Even though it weighed in slightly heavier than I guessed (6 lbs 12 oz), it carried and pointed like a much lighter gun. That forward balance helps it swing smoothly through the shot. The fine checkering and slim English-style grip make it feel elegant but functional.
In the field, I found the fit a bit high for me personally—another reminder that with a Perazzi, a custom stock is the way to go.

Recoil and Reliability

Recoil is mild thanks to the 28-gauge chambering and solid build. Everything about the mechanical feel screamed quality. The boss-style locking system and extensive metal-to-metal contact inside the receiver create a robust, tight lockup that’ll hold up for tens of thousands of rounds. If you ever wear one out, Perazzi builds these to be serviceable for life—another reason they hold value.

Want even less recoil? We love the FalconStrike recoil reduction systems.

Breakdown / Quality of Build

Disassembling the MX28 shows why it commands a premium. Every piece fits together with exacting precision—no slop, no rough edges, and a finish that speaks to Italian craftsmanship. The receiver design uses shoulders that slide into matching recesses for exceptional lockup and longevity. Everything about it, from the bluing to the wood-to-metal fit, feels purpose-built and beautifully refined. “Phenomenal” might sound like hyperbole, but it’s accurate here.

Shooting Experience

On clays, the MX28 swung naturally and hit targets hard. In the field, it came alive—quick to mount, smooth through the swing, and a joy to carry. It took me a few birds to adjust after shooting heavier guns, but once I settled in, the hits came consistently. The lightweight design means you’ve got to slow your hands a bit, but once you do, it’s pure fun.

Final Thoughts

The Perazzi MX28 is not for everyone—but if you appreciate world-class craftsmanship, near-perfect balance, and the ability to truly make a shotgun your own, this one deserves a look. It’s light, smooth, and built to last a lifetime (or two). Whether it’s “worth $20,000” depends on your priorities, but after hunting and shooting it, I completely get the appeal. It’s the definition of fine Italian upland class.