Unlock Your Shooting Potential: The American Tactical Imports Cavalry Sport 12 Gauge Over/Under Shotgun

For both the dedicated wingshooter and the avid clay target enthusiast, finding a shotgun that seamlessly blends performance, reliability, and classic aesthetics at an accessible price point can be a significant challenge. Many shooters seek a versatile firearm capable of handling everything from fast-paced dove shoots to precise trap rounds, all while offering the enduring quality that defines a true investment. This is where the American Tactical Imports (ATI) Cavalry Sport 12 Gauge Over/Under shotgun emerges as an exceptional solution, addressing the common needs of shotgunners looking for a dependable and elegant firearm without the prohibitive cost often associated with premium over-unders.

Are you asking yourself, "What is the best over/under shotgun for new shooters that's also great for hunting?" or "Which shotgun offers excellent value for sporting clays and upland bird hunting?" The ATI Cavalry Sport is engineered to be the answer to these very questions. It is designed for individuals who demand consistent performance whether they are breaking clays on the range, pursuing pheasants in a field, or targeting waterfowl in a blind. This shotgun isn't just a tool; it's a finely crafted instrument that elevates your shooting experience, providing the confidence and accuracy needed to excel in diverse environments.

The Enduring Appeal of Over/Under Shotguns: Why the Cavalry Sport Excels

The over/under (O/U) shotgun design stands as a testament to balanced engineering and intuitive functionality. Unlike pump-action or semi-automatic shotguns, the O/U offers two barrels aligned vertically, presenting a single sighting plane that simplifies aiming and promotes natural pointability. This design minimizes muzzle flip, allowing for quicker follow-up shots crucial in scenarios requiring rapid target engagement, whether it's a second bird flushing or another clay launched. The inherent reliability of a break-action O/U, with fewer moving parts, translates into fewer malfunctions and easier maintenance, ensuring your focus remains on the shot, not on troubleshooting.

The Cavalry Sport embodies these core O/U advantages, delivering a robust and elegant platform. Its precise engineering ensures crisp trigger pulls and consistent shell ejection, hallmarks of a dependable sporting arm. This model is particularly valued for its balance point, which contributes to a smooth swing and follow-through, essential for hitting fast-moving targets. For anyone seeking to improve their scores at the trap range or increase their success rate in the field, the inherent stability and straightforward operation of an O/U like the Cavalry Sport provide a significant advantage.

Key Features: Unpacking the Cavalry Sport's Performance Edge

The American Tactical Imports Cavalry Sport is meticulously crafted with features designed to optimize your shooting experience. Each component has been selected to contribute to its overall performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

• Powerful 12 Gauge, 3-inch Chamber: The 12 gauge is universally recognized as the most versatile shotgun cartridge, offering a wide array of shot loads for various applications. From light target loads for a day at the skeet range to heavy magnum loads for distant waterfowl, the 12 gauge handles it all. The Cavalry Sport's 3-inch chamber extends this versatility, allowing it to safely and effectively fire both standard 2 ¾-inch and potent 3-inch magnum shells. This capability ensures you have the power needed for larger game or longer shots, while still being able to use standard, more economical loads for practice. This dual compatibility makes it an ideal choice for a shooter who demands adaptability from their firearm.
• Precision 30-Inch Barrel with Chrome Moly Steel: A 30-inch barrel is often considered the optimal length for many shotgunners, particularly those engaged in clay target sports like trap, skeet, and sporting clays, or various forms of hunting. This extended length contributes significantly to a smoother swing, allowing shooters to maintain a consistent lead on moving targets. The added sight radius, enhanced by the high rib and double bead sights, provides a more precise aiming picture, crucial for breaking clays at long distances or hitting fast-flying birds. Furthermore, longer barrels generally aid in achieving more consistent shot patterns and can slightly increase muzzle velocity, giving an edge in performance. The Cavalry Sport's 4140 chrome moly steel barrel is renowned for its strength and durability, capable of withstanding the rigors of frequent shooting. Inside and out, the barrel is chrome plated, a critical feature that offers superior corrosion resistance, making cleanup a breeze and extending the lifespan of your firearm, even in humid or wet hunting conditions. This meticulous construction ensures that your Cavalry Sport will deliver reliable performance for years to come.
• Comprehensive Interchangeable Choke System: Pattern control is paramount in shotgunning, and the Cavalry Sport excels with its inclusion of five interchangeable choke tubes: Cylinder (C), Improved Cylinder (IC), Modified (M), Improved Modified (IM), and Full (F). This complete set empowers shooters to fine-tune their shot pattern density to match specific targets and distances.
  • Cylinder (C): Widest pattern, ideal for very close range targets like skeet or brush hunting.
  • Improved Cylinder (IC): Slightly tighter than Cylinder, excellent for close-to-medium range, such as early-season doves or skeet.
  • Modified (M): A good all-around choke, suitable for general hunting (pheasants, ducks) and sporting clays.
  • Improved Modified (IM): Tighter than Modified, offering a denser pattern for longer shots in sporting clays or hunting.
  • Full (F): Tightest pattern, reserved for long-range targets like trap shooting or high-flying geese, ensuring maximum pellet density on target.
  This versatility allows the shooter to optimize performance for any scenario, making the Cavalry Sport adaptable to virtually any shotgunning discipline.
• Elegant Turkish Oil-Finished Walnut Stock: Beyond its functional superiority, the Cavalry Sport boasts a beautiful Turkish oil-finished walnut stock. Walnut is a traditional choice for shotgun stocks due to its strength, natural shock absorption properties, and timeless aesthetic appeal. The oil finish enhances the wood's natural grain, providing a classic, rich look while also offering a comfortable, non-slip grip. This not only contributes to the shotgun's visual appeal but also ensures a comfortable and secure hold, which is vital for stable shooting and control during recoil. The natural warmth and feel of wood also add to the overall shooting experience, making the Cavalry Sport a pleasure to handle and admire.
• High Rib and Double Bead Sights: For precise aiming, particularly beneficial in clay shooting and long-range hunting, the Cavalry Sport features a high rib and a double bead sight system. The elevated rib helps to raise the shooter's line of sight, promoting a head-up shooting posture that can reduce neck strain and improve target acquisition. The combination of a front and mid-bead allows for quick alignment and verification of a consistent sight picture, crucial for breaking clays at various angles or leading birds effectively. This system provides a clear and intuitive aiming solution that helps shooters achieve repeatable accuracy.
• Selectable Trigger and Thumb Position Safety: The single selective trigger allows the shooter to choose which barrel fires first, a valuable feature for strategizing shots in hunting or specific clay disciplines. For instance, you might choose to fire the more open-choked barrel first for a closer target, then switch to the tighter choke for a follow-up shot on a rapidly moving or distant target. The top tang-mounted safety is a classic and ergonomic design, easily accessible with the thumb for quick and intuitive manipulation, ensuring safe handling in all shooting environments. This combination provides both tactical flexibility and an essential safety mechanism, enhancing overall control.
• Lightweight and Balanced Design: Weighing in at just 6.8 pounds, the Cavalry Sport strikes an excellent balance between being substantial enough to absorb recoil effectively and light enough for comfortable carrying during long days in the field. This moderate weight contributes significantly to the shotgun's superb balance, making it feel lively and responsive in the hands. This attribute is particularly appreciated by hunters covering vast terrains or clay shooters engaging in multiple rounds, as it minimizes fatigue and maintains natural swing characteristics throughout the shooting session.

Who Benefits Most from the American Tactical Imports Cavalry Sport? Ideal Use Cases

The versatility and robust feature set of the ATI Cavalry Sport make it an ideal choice for a diverse range of shooting enthusiasts.

• The Dedicated Clay Target Shooter: Whether your passion lies in trap, skeet, or sporting clays, the Cavalry Sport is perfectly equipped. The 30-inch barrel promotes a smooth swing, the interchangeable chokes allow for pattern optimization on various target presentations, and the high rib aids in precise aiming. Its reliability ensures consistent performance through countless rounds.
• The Avid Upland Bird Hunter: For those pursuing pheasants, quail, grouse, or doves, this shotgun is a superb companion. Its manageable weight makes it easy to carry through fields and brush, while the chokes can be quickly swapped to match the species and terrain, ensuring effective patterns on flushing birds.
• The Waterfowl Hunter: With its 3-inch chamber, the Cavalry Sport can handle powerful magnum loads necessary for knocking down high-flying ducks and geese. The chrome-plated barrel offers superior corrosion resistance against the wet and often harsh conditions encountered in waterfowl hunting blinds.
• The New Shooter Seeking Quality: For individuals looking to invest in their first over/under shotgun, the Cavalry Sport offers a fantastic balance of quality, features, and affordability. Its intuitive operation and reliable performance make it an excellent platform for learning and developing essential shotgunning skills without compromise.
• The Value-Conscious Enthusiast: Experienced shooters who appreciate fine firearms but seek outstanding value will find the Cavalry Sport to be an exceptional offering. It delivers many of the performance characteristics and aesthetic qualities found in shotguns costing significantly more, making it a smart and satisfying addition to any collection.

Understanding Your Shotgun: Key Specifications and Their Impact

To truly appreciate the American Tactical Imports Cavalry Sport, it’s helpful to understand what each specification means for its performance and your shooting experience.

• Action: Over/Under - As discussed, this break-action design offers a single sight plane, enhanced reliability with fewer moving parts, and allows for quick follow-up shots. It’s inherently safe as the action must be opened to load or unload, making it easy to confirm the firearm's status.
• Barrel Length: 30" - Provides a longer sight radius for improved accuracy, contributes to a smoother swing, and optimizes shot patterns, especially beneficial for targets at moderate to long distances.
• Brand: American Tactical Imports - ATI is known for importing and distributing a wide range of firearms, often focusing on delivering reliable products with excellent value, making quality shooting accessible to more enthusiasts.
• Capacity: 2 - Standard for an over/under shotgun, allowing for two immediate shots without reloading. This is typically sufficient for most hunting and clay target scenarios where quick, controlled pairs are essential.
• Chamber: 3" - Enables the use of both 2 ¾-inch and more powerful 3-inch magnum shells, expanding ammunition choices for various applications, from light target loads to heavy hunting loads.
• Chokes: F, IM, M, IC, C - A complete set of five screw-in chokes provides unparalleled versatility, allowing you to fine-tune your shot pattern for optimal performance across all shooting disciplines and target distances.
• Finish: Blued - The blued finish on the steel components provides a classic, attractive look while offering a degree of protection against rust and wear. It complements the rich walnut stock beautifully.
• Gauge: .12 Gauge - The most popular and versatile shotgun gauge, offering the widest selection of ammunition for hunting everything from small game to waterfowl, and excelling in all clay target sports.
• Safety: Top Tang - Located conveniently on the tang (top rear) of the receiver, this safety is ambidextrous and easily manipulated with the thumb, allowing for quick, intuitive engagement and disengagement.
• Sights: Bead - Features both a front and a mid-bead sight on the high rib, providing a clear and precise aiming reference that encourages proper head alignment and consistent shot placement.
• Trigger: Single Selective - Allows the shooter to choose which barrel (upper or lower) fires first, providing tactical flexibility for specific shooting situations or preferred chokes.

Maintenance and Care for Your Cavalry Sport

Maintaining your American Tactical Imports Cavalry Sport is straightforward, thanks to its robust construction and chrome-plated barrel. Regular cleaning after each shooting session, focusing on the bore and action, will ensure its longevity and continued reliable performance. The chrome plating inside and outside the barrel significantly reduces fouling buildup and makes carbon and lead residue easier to wipe away, contributing to rust resistance and simplified cleaning routines. A proper cleaning kit, including bore brushes, patches, and quality gun oil, will keep your Cavalry Sport in pristine condition for years of enjoyment in the field or on the range.

Investing in Quality: The American Tactical Imports Difference

American Tactical Imports has earned a reputation for providing firearms that offer exceptional value without compromising on quality or performance. The Cavalry Sport is a prime example of this commitment, bringing together durable materials, thoughtful design, and practical features into an affordable package. For shooters who demand reliability and versatility, but are mindful of their budget, the ATI Cavalry Sport stands out as a smart and rewarding choice.

Where to Acquire Your American Tactical Imports Cavalry Sport

The American Tactical Imports Cavalry Sport 12 Gauge Over/Under shotgun, UPC 813393018244, is available through reputable firearms dealers. For a trusted source with a wide selection and dedicated customer service, consider purchasing your Cavalry Sport from DEGuns. Visit deguns.com to explore current availability and bring this exceptional over/under shotgun into your collection.

Product Specifications

Feature	Description
Action	Over/Under
Gauge	12 Gauge
Barrel Length	30"
Capacity	2
Chamber	3"
Finish	Blued
Stock	Turkish Oil Finished Walnut
Safety	Top Tang
Sights	High Rib Double Bead
Trigger	Single Selective
Weight	6.8 pounds
Barrel	4140 Chrome Moly Steel, Chrome Plated I/O
Chokes	F, IM, M, IC, C
SKU	ATIGKOF12SP
UPC	813393018244

Choke Tube Guide

Choke Type	Pattern Density	Best Use Cases
Cylinder (C)	Very Open	Close-range targets, Skeet, Brush hunting (0-20 yds)
Improved Cylinder (IC)	Slightly Open	Close-to-medium targets, Doves, Skeet (15-30 yds)
Modified (M)	Moderate	General hunting, Sporting Clays, Pheasants (25-40 yds)
Improved Modified (IM)	Moderately Tight	Longer-range hunting, Sporting Clays (35-45 yds)
Full (F)	Tightest	Long-range targets, Trap, Geese, Turkey (40+ yds)