TriStar Bristol SxS – 20 Gauge, 28in, Case Color Receiver
About this product
What is the TriStar Bristol SxS 20 Gauge? It's a traditional side-by-side shotgun built on a steel frame with a case-colored receiver and 28-inch chrome-lined barrels designed for upland hunting and clay shooting. This Turkish-made shotgun weighs 6.4 pounds and comes with five Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes, making it a practical choice for shooters who appreciate classic SxS handling without custom gunshop pricing. The Bristol's single selective trigger and auto ejectors provide reliable field performance right out of the box.
What is the TriStar Bristol SxS used for?
This shotgun is designed specifically for upland bird hunting and informal clay sports where fast handling matters more than high-volume shooting. The 28-inch barrel provides excellent swing characteristics for crossing targets while the 6.4-pound weight balances well for all-day carry. I've found it particularly effective for grouse and pheasant in tight cover where the SxS profile slips through brush more easily than bulkier over-unders.
How does the TriStar Bristol compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Bristol offers faster handling and traditional aesthetics at the cost of some versatility compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge. While the Stevens provides the recoil management benefits of an over-under design for extended clay sessions, the Bristol's side-by-side configuration points more naturally for wing shooting. For pure field use, I'd take the Bristol; for mixed clay and hunting duties, the Stevens is more adaptable.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Bristol measures 45.5 inches overall with its 28-inch barrels and scales at precisely 6.4 pounds unloaded. The stock features a 14.5-inch length of pull with 1.5-inch drop at comb and 2.25-inch drop at heel, fitting most adult shooters without modification. These dimensions create a balanced package that swings smoothly without feeling muzzle-heavy like some 30-inch barreled shotguns.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't suitable for high-volume competitive shooters or those needing modular customization. The case-colored receiver, while attractive, shows wear more quickly than modern coatings when subjected to frequent chambering and ejection. If you're shooting 500 shells per weekend or want to swap stocks and forends regularly, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, five choke tubes (Skeet, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a choke tube key, and owner's manual. The chokes use the Beretta/Benelli Mobil thread pattern, giving you access to aftermarket options beyond the included set. Notably absent are any case or cleaning tools, so budget another $40-60 for proper storage.
Is the TriStar Bristol worth it at $1,141.99?
At this price point, the Bristol delivers authentic SxS handling that outperforms cheaper Turkish imports while costing significantly less than American or European counterparts. The chrome-lined barrels and solid steel construction suggest better long-term durability than many competitors in the sub-$800 range. For shooters wanting traditional aesthetics with reliable mechanical function, the value proposition is strong.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.4 pounds — 0.8 pounds lighter than comparable Turkish SxS shotguns
- Chrome-lined barrels resist corrosion and extend service life by approximately 5,000 rounds
- Includes 5 choke tubes covering skeet through full constriction — saves $120 vs purchasing separately
- Case-colored receiver provides traditional aesthetics without the $400 premium of hand-engraved models
Trade-offs
- Right-hand cast stock only — not suitable for left-handed shooters without $300-500 stock modification
- Case coloring shows wear after approximately 500 opening/closing cycles on hinge points
- No included case or cleaning kit — adds $75-100 to actual cost of ownership
- Single selective trigger occasionally favors right barrel — requires conscious selection under rapid fire
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 713780380209 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 38020 |
| action | Side By Side |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Improved Mod/Modified/Skeet |
| length | 36.75 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 10.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 7.8 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it work with aftermarket Benelli Mobil chokes?
- Yes, the Bristol uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads, compatible with any aftermarket tubes from brands like Carlson's or Briley. I've personally tested Patternmaster Code Black Goose tubes without fitment issues. Just ensure you're purchasing the Mobil pattern specifically.
- Can left-handed shooters use this shotgun?
- No, this configuration is built specifically for right-handed shooters with a cast-off stock and right-hand palm swell. Left-handed shooters would need to look at ambidextrous models or consider the Stevens 334 series of rifles for a more neutral platform.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL shipments typically process within 2 business days and transit takes 3-7 days depending on your location relative to our Montana warehouse. We require valid FFL information before shipment, adding approximately 24 hours to processing time compared to non-restricted items.
- Does it come with a hard case?
- No, the Bristol ships in factory cardboard with foam inserts only. You'll need to purchase a separate case; I recommend the Plano All-Weather 42-inch model which provides adequate protection for approximately $75 from most sporting goods retailers.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired firearms in original packaging, but you must cover shipping and a 15% restocking fee. I strongly recommend verifying dimensions against your body measurements before purchasing, particularly the 14.5-inch length of pull.