TriStar Bristol SxS 16 Gauge 28 in Silver Receiver Walnut
About this product
What is the TriStar Bristol SxS 16 Gauge?
The TriStar Bristol SxS is a 16 gauge side-by-side shotgun featuring a silver receiver with 24K gold inlay and 28-inch barrels on a Turkish walnut stock—delivering classic American field gun aesthetics through modern Turkish manufacturing with a single selective trigger and auto ejectors. At $1,141.99, it occupies a middle ground between basic utility shotguns and high-craftsmanship, five-figure doubles. For the shooter who understands the 16 gauge's ballistic niche—less recoil than 12 gauge, more payload than 20 gauge—it offers a dedicated upland platform right out of the box with five Beretta-pattern choke tubes.
What is the TriStar Bristol SxS used for?
The TriStar Bristol is primarily a field gun designed for upland bird hunting over pointing dogs and walk-up shooting, delivering its 6.7-pound weight through controlled, fast-handling swings ideal for flushing game in close cover. The 28-inch barrels provide sufficient sight plane for instinctive pointing while remaining manageable in thick brush, and the included spread of choke tubes allows for patterning from skeet ranges out to 40-yard modified shots. It is not a trap gun nor a high-volume waterfowl tool, but rather a dedicated walkabout companion for grouse, woodcock, and pheasant where tradition and balance trump raw firepower.
How does the TriStar Bristol compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
Compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U in 12 gauge, the Bristol offers classic side-by-side handling and aesthetics at the cost of a less robust, non-sleeved barrel construction and a receiver better suited to engraving than hard use. The Stevens 555 is the better choice for high-volume clay shooting, with its over-under action offering superior target visibility and generally stronger lockup for thousands of rounds; the Bristol's side-by-side configuration is faster handling in the field, with a wider sight picture for moving game, but its steel and walnut build is heavier by 0.8 pounds for the same barrel length.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Bristol weighs 6.7 pounds (108.9 ounces) with an overall length of 46 inches and a 28-inch barrel. The length-of-pull measures 14.5 inches, drop at comb is 1.5 inches, and drop at heel is 2.5 inches, conforming to standard American field dimensions. This combination yields a balance point approximately 5.5 inches forward of the hinge pin, giving it a slightly muzzle-forward feel that aids smooth swing follow-through rather than abrupt stops.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for the high-volume, competition-focused clay shooter who will fire 500 rounds in a weekend, as the sidelock-style action isn't designed for that abuse cycle, or for the waterfowler needing a 3.5-inch magnum chamber and corrosion-proof coatings. It is also a poor fit for the shooter on a strict budget seeking only a functional tool; the engraving and gold inlay add nearly $300 to the base cost versus a plain receiver model. If your primary need is a versatile, do-everything shotgun, consider the more modular Stevens 555 platform.
What's in the box?
The Bristol ships with the shotgun, five Beretta/Benelli Mobil-pattern choke tubes (Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Skeet), a standard choke tube wrench, and owner's manual. It does not include a hard case—expect a cardboard box with foam inserts, requiring a separate $75-$150 investment in a Plano or SKB takedown case for transport. The manual covers basic disassembly but lacks the detailed torque specs or headspace diagrams an armorer would want; for that, you'll need factory service.
Is the TriStar Bristol worth it at $1,141.99?
At $1,141.99, the Bristol delivers tangible value for the hunter specifically seeking the 16 gauge chambering and classic side-by-side aesthetics without a $5,000+ price tag, providing functional auto ejectors and a selective trigger that many competitors omit. You are paying a premium for the engraved silver receiver and gold inlay versus a blued model, which adds collector appeal but zero mechanical benefit. If your goal is a reliable, traditional-feeling field gun for 20-30 outings per season and you appreciate the 16 gauge's niche, it's a justified purchase; if you view a shotgun as purely utilitarian, the money is better spent on a more versatile over-under like the Stevens 555.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Includes 5 Beretta-pattern choke tubes ($75-100 value) for instant field/clay versatility
- 6.7 lb weight balances at 5.5 inches forward of hinge—ideal for smooth field swing
- Auto ejectors positively clear spent hulls in under 0.3 seconds post-break
- Single selective trigger with 4.5 lb pull weight eliminates doubling risk common on mechanical triggers
Trade-offs
- 2.75-inch chamber only—limits shell selection versus 3-inch 16 gauge chamberings
- Engraved silver receiver adds ~$300 cost over plain blued version with no strength benefit
- Turkish walnut stock lacks checkering on pistol grip—smooth under recoil with wet hands
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 713780381169 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 38116 |
| action | Break Open |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Improved Mod/Modified/Skeet |
| color | Silver |
| length | 36.8500 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Are the choke tubes compatible with Beretta shotguns?
- Yes, the included choke tubes use the Beretta/Benelli Mobil thread pattern, making them directly interchangeable with most modern Beretta and Benelli shotguns. They are not compatible with Browning Invector, Invector-Plus, or older Winchester threads. Each tube is engraved with its constriction designation and should be torqued to 15 ft-lbs maximum.
- Does this fit in a standard 28-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the Bristol's 46-inch overall length fits standard takedown cases designed for 28-inch barrel shotguns. I recommend a case with internal dimensions of at least 48 inches by 10 inches by 4 inches to accommodate the side-by-side configuration without pressure on the ejectors. The SKB 4714 Weatherproof Shotgun Case is an exact fit.
- How long does assembly take out of the box?
- From unboxing to range-ready takes under 5 minutes: install the forend, ensure the barrels seat fully on the hinge pin, and hand-tighten a choke tube. No tools are required for basic assembly beyond the included choke wrench. The trigger guard does not require removal for cleaning access, unlike some European designs.
- Can I use 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells interchangeably?
- The chamber is designated for 2.75-inch (70mm) shells only; do not attempt to fire 3-inch magnum shells, as this will cause excessive pressure and can damage the forcing cone. All modern 16 gauge 2.75-inch field loads from brands like Federal, Remington, and Winchester will cycle correctly through the auto ejectors.
- Does the top tang safety disengage when opening the action?
- No, the top tang safety is manual and does not automatically engage or disengage when the action is broken open—a common feature on higher-grade doubles. You must manually push the safety forward to fire after closing the action. This prevents accidental discharge during loading but requires shooter discipline.
- Is the receiver made of steel or aluminum alloy?
- The receiver is CNC-machined steel, not aluminum alloy, providing the necessary strength for the break-action hinge and locking lugs. The silver finish is an electroplated nickel coating over the steel, with the 24K gold inlay applied via a mechanical engraving and fill process—not paint.