Whether you're pursuing birds in the uplands or looking to dust some clays, the Zoli Expedition EL is a high-quality over/under designed to do both with style and precision.

If you have experience with the Zoli Expedition EL, let us know your thoughts on the TFL COMMUNITY!

ZOLI EXPEDITION EL

Made in Italy by Antonio Zoli, the Expedition EL is an upland-focused over/under shotgun that blends tradition, versatility, and craftsmanship into a smooth-swinging package. We had the chance to run it through both clays and a quail hunt in Louisiana—and let us tell you, this gun was sweet!

Specs

• • MSRP: $7,800

  • Available Gauges: 12, 20, 28, and .410

  • Barrel Lengths: 28", 30", and 32" (demo model was 32")

  • Chamber Size: 3"

  • Weight: 7 lbs 11 oz (20ga with 32" barrels)

  • Length of Pull: Approx. 14.5"

  • Trigger Type: Mechanical; dropout style with adjustable trigger shoe

  • Trigger Pull Weight: Bottom barrel - 3 lbs 4 oz; Top barrel - 3 lbs 14 oz

  • Adjustability: Adjustable comb (not standard on field version)

  • Chokes: 5 flush-mount Zoli chokes (CYL, IC, MOD, IM, FULL)

     Need more chokes? We love Carlson's Choke Tubes!

  • Extras: Mid-bead and front bead, ventilated side ribs, tapered flat rib (11mm to 7mm), titanium nitride-coated components, self-lubricating coil springs, Boss-style locking system

     

Ergonomics

Even before breaking clays, the Expedition EL impressed with its balance and handling. Though the demo model had sporting features like a longer barrel and upgraded stock, it felt well-balanced right over the hinge pin—giving it a natural swing.

Fine checkering and a right-hand palm swell made for a comfortable grip. The Prince of Wales stock (standard on field versions) would be even better suited for long upland walks. Despite the 7 lb 11 oz weight, it never felt cumbersome thanks to great balance and smooth ergonomics.

Recoil and Reliability

Shooting clays and live quail with this 20-gauge was a joy. Recoil was soft and very manageable. From trigger to lock-up, everything functioned flawlessly. The gun cycled cleanly, safety and barrel selectors worked intuitively, and the adjustable comb stayed in place throughout a full day in the field.

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

Breakdown/Quality of Build

The Expedition EL features:

• Dropout Trigger Group with titanium nitride coating for durability and corrosion resistance

• Self-lubricating Coil Springs for smooth operation

• Boss-Style Locking System with solid lug engagement for strength and longevity

• Beautiful Engraving of woodcock and quail, and high-grade wood that looks as good as it performs

Zoli delivered a premium mid-tier build here. This is a gun that could be passed down for generations.

Shooting Experience

What I Liked:

• Smooth, balanced swing

• Beautiful build with attention to detail

• Versatility for both field and clay shooting

• Light recoil, crisp mechanical trigger

• Premium reliability and finish

What Could Be Better:

• On the heavier side for an all-day field gun.

The Zoli Expedition EL is an elegant upland workhorse. If you want Italian craftsmanship, versatility, and a smooth shooter that turns heads and that will last a lifetime—this one’s worth a look.

Final Thoughts

The Zoli Expedition EL surprised me—in the best way. While it’s positioned as an upland hunting gun, this particular setup offered true crossover versatility with smooth handling and clays-ready performance. It’s not the lightest option out there, but the added weight translated into ultra-smooth swings and very manageable recoil.

If you’re looking for a refined over/under that balances beauty, build quality, and field functionality, the Expedition EL checks a lot of boxes. It’s a gun you’ll enjoy owning, shooting, and showing off. Would I personally tweak a few things for all-day upland hunts? Sure—shorter barrels and a Prince of Wales stock. But as it stands, this shotgun is a joy to shoot and built to last.

What do you think about the Zoli Expedition EL? Share your thoughts and experiences in the TFL COMMUNITY!   

Whether our targets in the field or our targets in life, we will only hit what we are focused on, so live the #targetfocusedlife