The Dickinson Hunter Lux Plantation 20 Gauge Over & Under Shotgun: A Masterpiece for the Modern Sportsman

Are you a discerning hunter or sport shooter seeking a shotgun that marries classic elegance with exceptional performance? Do you appreciate the artistry of traditional firearm craftsmanship as much as you value reliable precision in the field or on the range? If so, the Dickinson Hunter Lux Plantation 20 Gauge Over & Under shotgun, specifically the OP2028 model, is meticulously designed for individuals like you. This firearm isn't just a tool; it's an heirloom-quality investment, crafted to excel in diverse shooting disciplines while standing out with its stunning aesthetic appeal.

For those who frequently ask questions such as, "What is the best 20 gauge over & under shotgun for upland bird hunting?" or "Where can I find a beautifully engraved shotgun with a true color case hardened receiver?" or even "Which shotgun offers a superior balance of weight, handling, and classic style?", the Dickinson Hunter Lux Plantation presents a compelling answer. It's built for the enthusiast who demands both functionality and a tangible connection to the rich heritage of fine sporting arms.

Unparalleled Craftsmanship: A Feast for the Eyes and Hands

The hallmark of the Dickinson Hunter Lux Plantation series, and particularly the OP2028, is its unwavering commitment to traditional craftsmanship. This isn't mass production; it's a testament to the artistry of gunmaking.

True Bone-Charcoal Color Case Hardening

One of the most striking features that immediately sets this shotgun apart is its receiver, which boasts a true bone-charcoal color case hardened finish. Unlike modern chemical processes or applied coatings, true bone-charcoal case hardening involves a meticulous, time-honored technique where the steel receiver is packed in a crucible with bone charcoal and other organic materials, then heated to high temperatures. This process infuses carbon into the surface of the steel, hardening it and simultaneously creating a unique, iridescent mosaic of blues, purples, browns, and grays. No two receivers are ever exactly alike, making each Dickinson Plantation shotgun a unique work of art. This finish not only provides exceptional durability and corrosion resistance but also imbues the firearm with a deep, timeless character that only improves with age. It's a visual signature that resonates with collectors and shooters who appreciate traditional gunmaking techniques.

Exquisite Hand-Engraved English Scroll

Complementing the magnificent case hardening, the receiver is further adorned with intricate, hand-engraved English scrollwork. This delicate artistry extends across the cosmetic side plates and the entire receiver, creating a flowing, elegant pattern that speaks volumes about the attention to detail. The hand-engraving adds a tactile and visual dimension, transforming the firearm from a utilitarian object into a cherished piece of functional art. This level of detail is typically found on custom or much higher-priced shotguns, making the Plantation series an exceptional value for those who desire bespoke quality.

The Heart of the Shotgun: Precision Engineering

Beyond its stunning exterior, the Dickinson Hunter Lux Plantation is built for performance. Its precision trigger plate mechanism ensures crisp, reliable trigger pulls, essential for both quick follow-up shots in the field and consistent breaks on the clay target range. The over & under configuration is renowned for its inherent balance, single sighting plane, and quick target acquisition, making it a favorite among serious shooters.

Premium Turkish Walnut: A Stock That Feels as Good as It Looks

The connection between shooter and firearm is paramount, and the stock plays a crucial role. The Dickinson OP2028 features a premium grade, hand-fitted Turkish walnut stock and fore-end. Turkish walnut is highly prized in the firearm industry for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, stability, and particularly for its rich, often highly figured grain patterns.

• Aesthetic Appeal: The oil finish enhances the natural beauty of the wood, allowing its deep, swirling patterns and warm tones to shine through. This aesthetic appeal significantly contributes to the shotgun's "distinctive look and feel."
• Ergonomics and Fit: Hand-fitted, the stock ensures a precise and comfortable interface for the shooter. The fixed pistol grip design provides a secure and natural hand position, promoting consistent aim and comfortable handling during extended shooting sessions. As a right-hand configured shotgun, it's ergonomically optimized for right-handed shooters, ensuring intuitive control and reduced fatigue.
• Durability: Walnut is a robust wood, capable of withstanding the rigors of field use while developing a beautiful patina over time.

Performance in Every Detail: Barrels, Chambers, and Chokes

The performance capabilities of the Dickinson Hunter Lux Plantation are engineered to meet the demands of various shooting scenarios.

28-Inch Vent Rib Barrels

The 28-inch blued barrels are a classic choice for over & under shotguns. This length offers several key advantages:

• Optimal Balance: A 28-inch barrel provides an excellent balance point, allowing for smooth, controlled swings on fast-moving targets without feeling overly heavy or unwieldy.
• Consistent Patterning: Longer barrels generally contribute to more consistent shot patterns and improved downrange performance.
• Vent Rib Design: The vent rib reduces heat mirage during prolonged shooting and provides a clear, elevated sighting plane that aids in target acquisition. The brass bead front sight offers a precise aiming reference.

3-Inch Chamber Versatility

Chambered for 3-inch shells, this 20 gauge shotgun offers superior versatility. While standard 2 ¾-inch shells are perfect for most sporting clays and upland hunting, the ability to chamber 3-inch magnum loads expands its utility for larger game birds or situations where more knockdown power is desired, without needing to switch firearms.

Comprehensive Choke System

The Dickinson OP2028 comes equipped with a comprehensive set of choke tubes, including Cylinder (C), Full (F), Improved Cylinder (IC), Improved Modified (IM), and Modified (M). This array of chokes allows the shooter to tailor the shot pattern density to the specific target and shooting distance.

• Cylinder: Widest pattern, ideal for very close range or dense brush.
• Improved Cylinder: Slightly tighter, good for close-range birds like quail or skeet shooting.
• Modified: A versatile choice for medium-range birds and general field use.
• Improved Modified: Tighter than Modified, offering a denser pattern for longer shots.
• Full: Tightest pattern, best for long-range targets or specific applications like turkey hunting (though primarily designed for birds like pheasants).

This interchangeable choke system ensures that whether you're breaking clays on a sporting clays course, pursuing fast-flushing pheasant, or taking a shot at a high-flying duck, you have the optimal pattern for success.

20 Gauge: The Versatile Choice

Why choose a 20 gauge? The 20 gauge is increasingly popular for its balance of power and manageable recoil, especially in an over & under configuration like the Plantation.

• Reduced Recoil: Compared to a 12 gauge, the 20 gauge offers significantly less recoil, making it more comfortable for extended shooting sessions and ideal for shooters of all experience levels, including younger shooters or those sensitive to heavy recoil.
• Lighter Weight: The overall lighter weight of a 20 gauge shotgun (the Dickinson OP2028 weighs approximately 7 lbs) makes it easier to carry during long days in the field, reducing fatigue.
• Agility and Swing: The lighter weight and balance contribute to quick, fluid swings, making it incredibly effective for fast-moving upland birds like quail, grouse, or pheasants, and agile enough for dynamic clay target sports.
• Sufficient Power: Modern 20 gauge ammunition, especially 3-inch loads, provides more than enough power for virtually all upland game birds and many sporting clay presentations.

Designed for the Field and Range: Application and Safety

The Dickinson Hunter Lux Plantation is classified for "Field" application, indicating its primary design intent for hunting. However, its attributes make it equally suitable for various clay target sports.

• Upland Bird Hunting: The 20 gauge, lightweight design, and quick handling make it an exceptional choice for chasing pheasants, grouse, quail, and woodcock through varied terrain.
• Sporting Clays and Skeet: Its excellent balance, crisp trigger, and interchangeable chokes allow shooters to adapt to different presentations on a sporting clays course or excel in skeet shooting, where rapid target acquisition is key.
• Trap Shooting: While often associated with 12 gauge, a well-balanced 20 gauge can perform admirably in trap, particularly for those seeking less recoil.

For safety, the shotgun features a reliable tang safety, conveniently located on the top tang of the receiver for easy and intuitive operation by the thumb. This design is preferred by many traditional shotgun enthusiasts.

Why Choose the Dickinson Hunter Lux Plantation OP2028?

When considering an over & under shotgun, particularly one that offers both exceptional performance and stunning aesthetics, the Dickinson Hunter Lux Plantation stands out for several reasons:

1. Heirloom Quality: With its true bone-charcoal color case hardening and hand-engraving, this shotgun is built to be passed down through generations, retaining its value and beauty.
2. Superior Materials: The use of premium Turkish walnut and robust steel for the receiver and barrels ensures durability and a luxurious feel.
3. Versatile Performance: From upland hunting to various clay sports, the 20 gauge chambering, 28-inch barrels, and comprehensive choke set provide broad utility.
4. Comfortable Handling: At approximately 7 lbs, it offers a great balance between stability and ease of carry, with manageable recoil from the 20 gauge.
5. Exceptional Value: It delivers features and craftsmanship typically found in much higher-priced firearms, making it an accessible luxury.
6. Trustworthy Brand: Dickinson LLC is known for producing quality firearms that combine traditional methods with modern manufacturing standards.

If you are a discerning sportsman searching for a reliable, elegant, and high-performing shotgun that feels as good in your hands as it looks, the Dickinson Hunter Lux Plantation 20 Gauge Over & Under shotgun is an outstanding choice. These exceptional firearms are available for purchase at DEGuns.com, where you can explore the full range of features and make this magnificent piece of engineering your own.

Detailed Specifications: Dickinson Hunter Lux Plantation 20 Gauge (OP2028)

Feature	Detail
Brand	Dickinson LLC
Model	Plantation (OP2028)
Gauge	20 Gauge
Capacity	2 Rounds
Action	Break Open
Chamber	3"
Barrel Length	28"
Barrel Finish	Black (Blued)
Barrel Design	Vent Rib
Sights	Brass Bead Front
Stock Material	Turkish Walnut
Stock Finish	Oil Turkish Walnut
Stock Style	Fixed Pistol Grip
Hand	Right Hand
Receiver Material	Steel
Receiver Finish	Color Case Hardened
Safety	Tang
Weight	7 lbs
Chokes Included	C, F, IC, IM, M
Application	Field (Hunting/Sporting)
UPC	687748692706