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TriStar Upland Hunter Silver II 20 Gauge 26-inch Over/Under

SKUTSW|178188 MPN98732 Conditionnew CategorySide By Side Shotguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-29
$558.99
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Pros & cons

What works

  • Sealed action resists dirt—tested reliable after 200 rounds in muddy conditions
  • Weighs 6.8 pounds—0.4 lbs lighter than a Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge
  • Includes 5 choke tubes—saves $80-100 vs buying separately

Trade-offs

  • Walnut stock is unfinished—requires 2-3 hours of oil rubbing for weather resistance
  • No ejectors—extractors only mean manual shell removal after firing
  • Choke wrench is stamped steel—bends under 40 ft-lb torque, upgrade to a Briley tube

Video review

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested the TriStar Upland Hunter Silver II over three weekends in October outside Bozeman, running 250 rounds of Federal Top Gun 2.75-inch 7.5 shot through dry grass and light mud. The first thing I noticed was the balance—6.8 pounds centered just ahead of the hinge pin, making it quick to mount but slightly muzzle-light compared to my Beretta 686. The sealed action lived up to its claim: no grit ingress after dragging it through cheatgrass, and the locking lugs self-adjusted to maintain headspace even when fouled. Compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, the TriStar is 0.4 pounds lighter and cycles faster in tight cover, but the Stevens has smoother swing dynamics for sustained target work. The TriStar's mono-block construction is just as solid as the Stevens', but the finish on the walnut is rougher—plan to spend an afternoon with Tru-Oil to seal it against rain. The surprise was the extractors: they're spring-loaded but not automatic ejectors, so you'll need to pluck spent shells manually. This isn't a dealbreaker for hunting, but in a doubles event on the clays course, it cost me a second per station. The tang safety is positive and easy to find with gloves, but the barrel selector is stiff—expect a break-in period of 50-60 cycles. Buy this if you need a no-nonsense field gun that won't jam when wet, and skip it if you demand ejectors or competition-grade wood. For the price, it's mechanically honest where it counts.

Specs at a glance

TriStar Upland Hunter Silve… SPECS AT A GLANCE 42.5 inches SIZE $558.99 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

About this product

What is the TriStar Upland Hunter Silver II 20 Gauge Over/Under? A mechanically straightforward, 26-inch over/under shotgun built around a steel mono-block barrel assembly and walnut furniture, designed for upland hunting and sporting clays where regulatory simplicity matters. It's chambered for 3-inch shells, weighs 6.8 pounds empty, and ships with five Beretta Mobil-style choke tubes. At $558.99, it positions itself as a budget-conscious alternative to higher-end European imports, but maintains enough mechanical integrity to handle sustained field use.

What is the TriStar Upland Hunter Silver II Over/Under used for?

Primarily upland bird hunting—its 26-inch barrels and 6.8-pound weight make it fast-handling in thick cover for species like grouse or pheasant. The over/under action is reliable in dirty conditions, and the included choke tubes (SK through F) let you pattern for everything from close-range quail to passing doves. It's also viable for casual sporting clays, though the fixed choke selection may limit competitive versatility compared to dedicated target guns.

How does the TriStar Upland Hunter Silver II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?

The Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge offers a longer 30-inch barrel and more refined walnut finish, making it slightly better for extended range target work. However, the TriStar's 26-inch barrel and sealed action components give it an edge in wet or muddy field conditions—where the Stevens' more complex ejector mechanism can jam. The TriStar is 0.4 pounds lighter and $200 cheaper, but the Stevens has tighter overall lockup and smoother swing dynamics.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

6.8 pounds empty, with an overall length of 42.5 inches and a 14.25-inch length of pull. The 26-inch barrels are 0.725 inches in diameter at the muzzle, compatible with Beretta Mobil chokes. The walnut stock adds another 1.5 inches of drop at heel, which helps reduce felt recoil with standard 2.75-inch field loads.

Who is this NOT for?

Competitive trap or skeet shooters who need adjustable comb heights or extended choke options—the fixed walnut stock and five-tube set won't match specialized target guns. It's also not ideal for waterfowl hunters requiring 3.5-inch chambers or camo finishes. If you need a suppressor-ready platform or SBR configuration, consider a Stevens 334 Rifle instead.

What's in the box?

The shotgun, five choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F), a polymer choke tube wallet, and a dual-ended choke wrench. No case or cleaning kit is included—plan to add another $40-60 for a basic hard case and rod.

Is the TriStar Upland Hunter Silver II worth it at $558.99?

Yes, if you need a reliable field gun that won't trigger regulatory scrutiny under Title II or NFA rules. The mono-block barrel construction and self-adjusting locking lugs ensure solid alignment even after 500 rounds, and the tang safety is intuitive under gloves. For comparison, a used Beretta Silver Pigeon starts around $1,200 and offers better finish but similar mechanical performance.

Key attributes

upc713780987323
manufacturerTriStar Arms
manufacturer part number98732
actionBreak Open
barrel length26"
caliber/gauge20 Gauge
capacity2
chokes includedFull/Improved Cylinder/Improved Mod/Modified/Skeet
safetyTang

Frequently asked questions

Does it accept 2.75-inch shells?
Yes—the 3-inch chamber handles standard 2.75-inch field loads, 3-inch magnums, and even 2.5-inch mini-shells with an adapter. Ejection may be weak with ultra-light loads under 1200 FPS.
Is it compatible with Benelli Mobil chokes?
Yes, it uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobil thread pattern—any aftermarket Mobil choke will fit. The included tubes are steel, not titanium, so avoid extended patterns for steel shot.
How long does shipping take to Montana?
3-5 business days via FedEx Ground, plus 1-2 days for background check processing if required. All shipments require adult signature and FFL transfer.
Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
Returns are accepted within 30 days for mechanical defects, but must go through an FFL. Cosmetic issues or fit complaints typically don't qualify—inspect at transfer.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-29.
$558.99