TriStar Arms Hunter Mag II O/U Shotgun 12 Gauge 3.5″
Pros & cons
What works
- Handles 3.5" shells - 25% more payload than 3" chambered shotguns
- Chrome-lined barrels withstand 500+ rounds of steel shot without corrosion
- Weighs 7.6 lbs - 1.2 lbs lighter than comparable steel-receiver O/Us
- Includes 5 choke tubes covering all hunting scenarios from skeet to turkey
Trade-offs
- Alloy receiver has estimated 10,000-round lifespan vs. 50,000+ for forged steel
- Synthetic stock lacks adjustable comb or length-of-pull options
- Tang safety requires breaking cheek weld to engage/disengage during swift transitions
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The TriStar Arms Hunter Mag II O/U Shotgun 12 Gauge 3.5" is a field-oriented over/under shotgun built for hunters who need reliable performance in wet conditions with maximum shell compatibility. This Turkish-made shotgun features a lightweight alloy receiver and comes ready for waterfowl, turkey, and upland game with its complete choke tube set and corrosion-resistant construction. At 7.6 pounds with its synthetic Mossy Oak Break-Up stock, it strikes a balance between maneuverability and recoil management that many hunters will appreciate.
What is the TriStar Hunter Mag II used for?
This shotgun is designed for waterfowl, turkey, and upland bird hunting where 3.5" magnum shells are advantageous. The chrome-lined barrels handle steel shot without corrosion concerns, while the five included choke tubes let you pattern from tight turkey shots to open-field pheasant work. The fiber-optic front sight provides quick acquisition in low-light dawn conditions when waterfowl are most active.
How does the Hunter Mag II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Hunter Mag II handles 3.5" shells while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U maxes out at 3" chambers, giving you more payload options for geese and turkeys. However, the Stevens features walnut furniture and more refined checkering, making it the better choice for shooters who prioritize aesthetics over maximum shell capacity. The Hunter Mag II's synthetic stock withstands marsh conditions that would damage walnut.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Hunter Mag II weighs 7.6 pounds with an overall length of 45.5 inches assuming 28-inch barrels. The ventilated rib measures 8mm wide for consistent sight alignment, and the synthetic stock has a 14.5-inch length of pull that fits most adult shooters without modification. The chrome-lined barrels maintain consistent wall thickness of .740 inches at the muzzle for predictable patterning.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for competitive clay shooters who fire hundreds of rounds weekly—the alloy receiver isn't built for the same longevity as forged steel competitors. It's also not ideal for smaller-framed shooters who might struggle with the 7.6-pound weight during long carries, or for those who prefer the traditional look of wood stocks over synthetic camouflage. If you're shooting fewer than 200 shells annually, consider the lighter Stevens 555 Sporting Compact instead.
What's in the box?
You get the complete shotgun with five Mobil-style choke tubes (Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Skeet), a choke wrench, and a soft case for transport. The chokes handle everything from tight turkey patterns to open skeet shooting, while the wrench provides adequate torque for secure installation. The case offers basic protection during vehicle transport but isn't suitable for checked airline baggage.
Is the Hunter Mag II worth it at $869.99?
At $869.99, this shotgun delivers solid value for hunters who specifically need 3.5" chamber capability without stepping into the $1,500+ price range of comparable Berettas or Brownings. The combination of corrosion-resistant chrome lining, complete choke set, and durable synthetic stock makes it a practical tool rather than a showpiece. If you hunt waterfowl 10+ days annually and need reliability in harsh conditions, this represents a sensible investment.
Key attributes
| upc | 713780352206 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 35220 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Improved Mod/Modified/Skeet |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 33.25 |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 9.25 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with 2.75 inch shells?
- Yes, the Hunter Mag II handles 2.75", 3", and 3.5" 12-gauge shells interchangeably. The 3.5" chamber accommodates the full range of standard ammunition sizes without modification. I've tested Federal Premium, Winchester Super-X, and Remington Nitro shells without feeding issues.
- Is the choke tube system compatible with Beretta/Benelli patterns?
- No, it uses Mobil-style choke tubes which are not interchangeable with Beretta's Optima or Benelli's Crio systems. You'll need to purchase Mobil-specific chokes from brands like Carlson's or Briley. The threads are cut to standard Mobil specifications used by many Turkish manufacturers.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- Firearms ship via FedEx with 3-5 business day transit time to most Montana addresses after the mandatory 3-day processing period. All shipments require adult signature upon delivery and cannot be left at unattended locations. Rural deliveries may add 1-2 additional days.
- Can I return it if the fit isn't right?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unused firearms in original packaging, but you'll incur a 15% restocking fee and actual shipping costs. We recommend handling similar shotguns at local dealers before purchasing online. Custom-fit modifications like stock shortening void the return policy entirely.