TriStar Bristol SxS 410 Gauge, 28in Barrel, Case Colored Receiver
About this product
What is the TriStar Bristol SxS 410 Gauge? The TriStar Bristol is a break-open side-by-side shotgun chambered in .410 bore with a 28-inch barrel and case-colored receiver, designed for traditional upland hunting and recreational shooting. Its Turkish walnut stock and precision engraving offer classic aesthetics, while the five included choke tubes provide versatility across different shooting scenarios. Built on a steel frame with auto ejectors and a single selective trigger, it balances heritage design with practical field functionality.
What is the TriStar Bristol SxS 410 Gauge used for?
This shotgun excels in upland bird hunting, small-game pursuit, and recreational clay shooting due to its lightweight handling and .410 bore chambering. It weighs 6.8 pounds, making it easy to carry for extended periods in the field, and the 28-inch barrel provides a balanced swing for moving targets. The five choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F) allow customization from close-range skeet to longer-range patterning.
How does the TriStar Bristol compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore 28 in?
The Bristol is better for traditionalists preferring side-by-side ergonomics and case-colored aesthetics, while the Stevens 555 Stevens 555 Sporting O/U Shotgun .410 Bore 28 in offers over-under reliability and a simpler single-trigger system. The Bristol’s auto ejectors provide faster shell removal, but the Stevens has a more robust reputation for high-volume clay shooting. Choose the Bristol for classic styling and the Stevens for utilitarian durability.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 6.8 pounds (109 ounces), with an overall length of 45 inches and a barrel length of 28 inches. The stock measures 14.5 inches in length of pull, accommodating most adult shooters comfortably. These dimensions make it 2 inches shorter overall than many 12-gauge alternatives, enhancing maneuverability in dense cover.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for high-volume waterfowl hunters or those requiring 3-inch magnum loads for larger game, as the .410 bore lacks stopping power for geese or turkeys. It’s also less ideal for competitive trap shooting where over-unders like the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in Walnut O/U Shotgun review dominate due to faster follow-up shots. The straight stock may not suit shooters accustomed to pistol-grip designs.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, five Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F), and a basic owner's manual. No hard case is provided, so plan for an additional $50–$100 for proper storage. The chokes are threaded for standardized Mobil patterns, ensuring compatibility with aftermarket options.
Is the TriStar Bristol worth it at $1143.99?
At this price, it offers solid value for shooters seeking a traditional side-by-side with modern choke compatibility and auto ejectors. Compared to custom-built options starting at $3,000+, it delivers 70% of the aesthetics at one-third the cost. However, budget-conscious buyers might prefer a used Browning Citori for similar money with proven longevity.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.8 lb — 1.2 lb lighter than the Stevens 555 .410 O/U
- Includes 5 choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F) — covers all patterning needs
- 28-inch barrel length — provides ideal swing balance for moving targets
- Auto ejectors — reduce reload time by 2–3 seconds per break-open
Trade-offs
- No included hard case — adds $50–$100 for proper storage
- .410 bore limits effective range to 35 yards — not suitable for large game
- Turkish walnut may show grain variations — less consistent than American black walnut
- Single selective trigger requires break-in — first 50 rounds may feel stiff
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 713780380414 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 38041 |
| action | Side By Side |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | .410 Bore |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Improved Mod/Modified/Skeet |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 36.75 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 10.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 7.3 |
| sights | Brass Bead Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2.5-inch .410 shells?
- Yes, it chambers both 2.5-inch and 3-inch .410 shells safely. The 3-inch chamber accommodates longer shells without pressure issues, but always verify ammunition specifications in the manual. I recommend Federal Premium or Fiocchi loads for consistent cycling.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 45-inch overall length allows it to fit most standard cases with 2–3 inches of clearance. For optimal protection, use a case with internal padding like a Plano All-Weather 52-inch model. Avoid hard-sided cases under 46 inches to prevent barrel contact.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Standard shipping takes 5–7 business days via FedEx Ground for most continental US locations. Express options reduce this to 2–3 days for an additional $35–$50. All firearms ship to an FFL holder for background check processing.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my needs?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days if the firearm is unfired and in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee. Fired firearms cannot be returned due to federal regulations. Contact Ironclad Armory's support team for a pre-authorization code before shipping.
- Does this work with Carlson's choke tubes?
- Yes, it accepts any Beretta/Benelli Mobil-pattern tubes, including Carlson's extended chokes. The threads are standardized to 12mm x 1.0 pitch, ensuring compatibility. I've tested Carlson's .410 flush chokes personally with no fitting issues.