The Dickinson OP1228 Plantation O/U 12 Gauge 28″ 3″ Chamber bridges old-world craftsmanship with modern trigger tech — a field gun that shoots as sharp as it looks. The color case-hardened receiver and hand-engraved English scroll set it apart at the club, while the precision trigger plate mechanism delivers consistent breaks round after round.
| Manufacturer | Dickinson Arms |
|---|---|
| Model | OP1228 Plantation |
| Material | Steel receiver, premium Turkish walnut stock, vent rib barrel (per manufacturer specs) |
| Compatibility | 12 Gauge 2¾” or 3″ shells |
| Finish | Color case-hardened receiver, blued barrel |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs (approx., per manufacturer specs) |
| Condition | New |
Key Features
- Color Case-Hardened Receiver with Hand-Engraved Scroll — WHY IT MATTERS: This isn’t a dipped finish; the case-hardening process creates a durable, one-of-a-kind pattern that resists wear, and the hand engraving gives you a conversation piece at the range or in the field.
- Precision Trigger Plate Mechanism — WHY IT MATTERS: The trigger assembly is housed in a removable plate, making sear engagement crisp and consistent while simplifying maintenance — no need to send the whole gun to a smith for a trigger job.
- 28″ Vent Rib Barrel with 3″ Chamber — WHY IT MATTERS: That 28-inch length balances swing speed with sight radius for upland birds and sporting clays, and the 3-inch chamber lets you run heavy magnum loads if you’re chasing waterfowl or larger patterns.
- Premium Turkish Walnut Pistol Grip Stock — WHY IT MATTERS: Turkish walnut is dense and oil-finished for a warm, ergonomic feel that dampens recoil better than synthetic stocks, and the pistol grip gives you a more vertical hand position for faster target acquisition.
- Included Choke Set — WHY IT MATTERS: You get multiple chokes (typically IC, M, F) so you can dial in your pattern for everything from close-flushing quail to long-range steel targets without buying extra tubes.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is built for the shooter who wants classic looks but demands modern reliability — think upland hunters who walk miles with the gun in hand, sporting clays competitors who shoot 200+ rounds a weekend, and collectors who appreciate hand-engraved steel on a functional firearm. If you’ve been eyeing a high-end Italian O/U but balk at the $3,000+ price tag, the Plantation hits that sweet spot of aesthetic and performance at nearly half the cost.
Pros/Cons
- Pros: Hand-engraved receiver and case-hardening at this price point are rare; trigger plate system makes trigger adjustments and cleaning straightforward; included choke set adds immediate versatility; Turkish walnut stock is visually striking and comfortable.
- Cons: The break-action can feel stiff out of the box — expect a break-in period of 200-300 rounds before the lever and barrel release smooth out. Also, the 28-inch barrel may feel slightly muzzle-heavy for shooters used to 26-inch field guns.
Comparison
| Feature | Dickinson OP1228 Plantation | CZ-USA Drake All-Terrain | Weatherby Orion I |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receiver Finish | Color case-hardened + hand engraving | Black nitride | Silver nitride |
| Trigger Mechanism | Precision trigger plate (removable) | Standard boxlock | Mechanical trigger |
| Stock Wood | Premium Turkish walnut | Turkish walnut (grade II) | Turkish walnut (grade I) |
| Chokes Included | IC, M, F (3) | IC, M, F (3) | IC, M, F (3) |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs | 6.9 lbs | 7.2 lbs |
| Price | $1,900.87 | $1,399 | $1,799 |
| Hand Engraving | Yes (English scroll) | No | No |
FAQ
Can the Dickinson OP1228 Plantation handle steel shot?
Yes — the 3-inch chamber and modern steel receiver are steel-shot rated. Use steel shot for waterfowl and non-toxic loads for clays. Just avoid steel in the barrel’s forcing cone if you’re using extra-tight chokes; the included modified and improved cylinder chokes are fine for steel.
How does the trigger plate mechanism affect maintenance?
The trigger plate drops out after removing the stock — no special tools needed. This gives you direct access to the sear and hammer for cleaning or adjustment. It’s a big upgrade over traditional boxlocks where you’d need a gunsmith to even inspect the trigger group.
Is the 28-inch barrel good for both field and range?
Absolutely. The 28-inch length is the sweet spot: long enough for a smooth swing on crossing targets, short enough for walking through brush. It’s the most versatile barrel length for an O/U 12 gauge, and the vent rib helps with heat dissipation during long clay sessions.
What chokes are included with the Dickinson OP1228 Plantation?
The set typically includes Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full chokes — all flush-fit. Check the box when you receive it; some runs ship with an extra skeet choke. If you need tighter patterns for long-range waterfowl, you can swap in aftermarket extended chokes.
Does the color case-hardening require special care?
Not really. The case-hardening is a surface treatment that resists rust better than bare steel. Wipe it down with a silicone cloth after use, and avoid abrasive solvents on the receiver. The hand-engraving will patina nicely over time if you keep it lightly oiled.
Trust Block
- ✅ Nationwide delivery (all 50 states)
- ✅ Ships 1-2 business days
- ✅ 30-day returns
- ✅ Secure checkout
Browse more over-under shotguns or check out our upland shotguns and sporting clays shotguns for similar builds.
According to National Shooting Sports Foundation data, O/U shotguns account for 22% of all shotgun sales in the U.S. — and the Plantation brings hand-engraved, case-hardened options to that growing market. Last updated: April 2026.
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