TriStar Bristol Silver SxS 12 Gauge 28″ Walnut/Nickel Receiver
About this product
The TriStar Bristol Silver SxS 12 Gauge with a 28" barrel and walnut/nickel receiver is a production-grade side-by-side shotgun built on a true steel frame with traditional mechanics and modern choke compatibility. It bridges the gap between ornate presentation and field-ready function, using materials and features typically found in shotguns costing twice as much. For the shooter who understands the value of a mechanical firing lock and standardized choke threads, it presents a specific proposition.
What is the TriStar Bristol Silver used for?
The Bristol Silver is designed for upland hunting, sporting clays, and live pigeon shooting where a fast, instinct-pointing shotgun is preferred. Its 28-inch barrels and 6.7-pound weight provide a smooth, deliberate swing for flushing game like pheasant or quail across open fields. The five included Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes let you pattern from improved cylinder for close-range shots to full constriction for longer passing targets, all within a platform that’s simpler to maintain in dusty conditions than an over/under.
How does the TriStar Bristol Silver compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Bristol Silver is a better choice for traditionalists seeking a faster second shot and a wider sighting plane than an over/under like the Stevens 555 Sporting. Mechanically, the side-by-side action is more straightforward, with fewer internal levers and pivots than a stacked-barrel O/U, offering easier cleaning and a wider, rib-less sight picture that many hunters prefer for moving targets. However, the Stevens 555 is superior for formal trap or skeet shooting due to its single-plane sighting rib, which promotes more consistent vertical alignment for stationary clay targets.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.7 pounds (1089 grams) and has an overall length of 45.5 inches, with a 28-inch barrel and a 14.25-inch length of pull. This length of pull is standard for adult shooters, but the fixed stock means it cannot be adjusted without aftermarket modification. The balance point sits approximately 4 inches forward of the hinge pin, making the gun feel slightly muzzle-heavy compared to lighter field guns, which aids in maintaining swing momentum but can feel sluggish on quick snap shots.
Who is this NOT for?
The Bristol Silver is not for high-volume competitive shooters, modern tactical application, or anyone requiring a fitted stock. The fixed Turkish walnut stock with its 14.25-inch length of pull is a one-size-fits-most proposition that won't work for shooters outside a specific arm length range, risking fitment issues that directly affect recoil management and sight alignment. Furthermore, the side-by-side configuration is inefficient for 3-gun or home defense, where magazine capacity and rail mounting options are non-negotiable; for that application, a pump-action or semi-auto is mechanically superior.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, five Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F), a set of choke wrenches, and a basic plastic carrying case. Unlike higher-tier offerings, it does not include a hard protective case or any bore-cleaning equipment. The choke tubes are the critical inclusion; the Mobil thread pattern is a genuine advantage, being compatible with aftermarket chokes from major brands like Carlson's and Briley, saving you approximately $120 in accessory costs over proprietary systems.
Is the TriStar Bristol Silver worth it at $1,078.99?
At $1,078.99, the Bristol Silver is worth the investment for a hunter or sport shooter who values traditional side-by-side handling and appreciates the utility of the proven Mobil choke system over pure cosmetic appeal. You are paying for a true steel frame, mechanical auto-ejectors, and functional engraving, not fancy wood or hand-fitted tolerances. Compared to the similarly priced but simpler Stevens 555 Sporting, you're choosing between the classic two-dimensional sight picture of a side-by-side and the modern, single-plane rib of an over/under—a decision rooted entirely in shooting discipline preference.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- True steel frame construction – 30% more material mass than aluminum-alloy receivers for enhanced durability.
- Five included Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F) – provides immediate pattern versatility worth ~$120 separately.
- Auto-ejectors and single selective trigger – standard features that eject spent shells automatically for faster follow-up shots.
- Weight of 6.7 lbs (1089g) – provides stable swing momentum for smooth target tracking in the field.
Trade-offs
- Fixed 14.25" length of pull stock – cannot be adjusted for shooter fit without a $250+ aftermarket stock replacement.
- Nickel finish requires specific care – prone to showing fingerprints and requires non-ammoniated cleaners to avoid dulling.
- Right-hand configuration only – no left-hand model available, limiting suitability for southpaw shooters.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 713780381121 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 38112 |
| action | Side By Side |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Improved Mod/Modified/Skeet |
| color | Silver |
| length | 36.75 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 10.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.45 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes?
- Yes, the Bristol Silver uses the standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke thread pattern (Mobil type), which is one of the most widely supported systems in the industry. You can directly use aftermarket chokes from manufacturers like Carlson's, Briley, or Trulock without requiring an adapter, ensuring pattern consistency and easy replacement.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the shotgun's overall length of 45.5 inches fits easily into a standard 50-inch hard or soft case with room to spare for accessories. For optimal protection during transport, I recommend a case with at least 2 inches of internal padding on all sides to prevent the nickel finish from being marred by contact with zippers or hard edges.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Shipping from Ironclad Armory's warehouse to your designated FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days, depending on your location and carrier selection. All firearms are shipped via FedEx or UPS with adult signature required and full tracking provided within 24 hours of the order processing.
- Can I return it if the fit isn't right?
- You can initiate a return within 30 days of delivery if the firearm is unfired and in original, salable condition, subject to a 15% restocking fee and the cost of return shipping to our facility. Due to federal regulations, you must coordinate the return through your receiving FFL dealer, who will handle the shipment back to our licensed premises.
- Does this work with a standard 12-gauge bore snake?
- Yes, the chrome-lined 12-gauge bores are compatible with standard .75-inch diameter bore snakes and 12-gauge cleaning rods. I recommend a snake at least 36 inches long to properly pass through the 28-inch barrels, and using a solvent designed for chrome-lined steel to avoid damaging the protective finish.