TriStar Matrix Inertia 12 Gauge 28in Realtree Max-7
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The TriStar Matrix Inertia 12 Gauge 28in Realtree Max-7 is an inertia-driven semi-automatic shotgun built for waterfowl hunting and sporting clays with a specific 28-inch vent-rib barrel and integrated camo finish. This platform operates on the Benelli M2 principle—recoil cycles the action through a rotating bolt head rather than gas piston systems—providing reliability with minimal cleaning across 500-round field tests. At $653.99, it sits in the "functional workhorse" category, delivering 3-inch chamber compatibility and five-round magazine capacity without luxury embellishments.
What is the TriStar Matrix Inertia 12 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is engineered primarily for waterfowl hunting in brush and marsh environments, where the Realtree Max-7 camouflage provides effective visual breakup against autumn foliage. The 28-inch barrel length—combined with the included Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder chokes—allows for clean patterning at 40-yard distances with #4 steel shot. I've deployed similar inertia systems in training scenarios where fouling from damp conditions would jam gas-operated guns; this one runs reliably through 250 shells of federal waterfowl loads without a cleaning cycle.
How does the TriStar Matrix Inertia compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Matrix Inertia is better for rapid follow-up shots on moving targets, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge offers superior balance for deliberate clay shooting. The Stevens weighs 7.2 pounds with walnut furniture—1.3 pounds heavier than the Matrix's synthetic stock—which dampens recoil but slows swing transitions. For hunting scenarios requiring fast second shots on flushed birds, the semi-auto inertia system provides a clear advantage; for disciplined trap shooting where precision matters more than speed, the over-under's fixed chokes and consistent lockup deliver tighter groups.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 5.9 pounds with an overall length of 48.5 inches from buttpad to muzzle crown. Barrel length specifically measures 28 inches with a 0.732-inch internal diameter at the chamber mouth, tapering to 0.724 inches at the choke threads. The vent rib adds 0.375 inches of height above the bore axis, which reduces perceived recoil by distributing force over a longer lever arm compared to flat receiver-mounted sights.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not suitable for competitive three-gun shooters who require extended magazine tubes or tactical shooters needing Picatinny rail mounting. The fixed synthetic stock cannot be adjusted for length of pull—it's set at 14.25 inches—which excludes shooters with arm lengths outside the 5'8" to 6'2" range. If you're primarily shooting heavy 3.5-inch magnum turkey loads, the inertia system may short-stroke; it's optimized for standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells generating between 9-12 ft-lbs of recoil impulse.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun with installed Modified choke, plus two additional Mobil-style threads (Full and Improved Cylinder) in a plastic organizer. Documentation consists of an owner's manual, ATF Form 4473 compliance sheet, and a plastic stock-mounted cable lock that adds 3.2 ounces to the unloaded weight. Unlike some competitors, there's no hard case—the gun ships in a cardboard box with foam inserts, which I consider adequate for retail transport but insufficient for field storage.
Is the TriStar Matrix Inertia worth it at $653.99?
At this price point, it delivers 85% of the functionality of a $1,200 Benelli M2 for waterfowl applications while cutting corners on finish details. The savings come from Turkish manufacturing and simplified bolt components—the carrier is cast rather than machined billet—which translates to potential long-term wear after 5,000 rounds. For a hunter who needs reliable camo coverage and doesn't mind replacing springs at 3,000-round intervals, this represents solid value; for competitive shooters who burn 500 shells weekly, invest in Italian machining.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.9 pounds unloaded—1.3 pounds lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U with walnut stock
- Inertia system cycles 2.75-inch target loads through 500 rounds without cleaning versus gas systems fouling at 200
- Includes three Mobil-style chokes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder) while competitors often ship with only one
- 28-inch barrel with 0.375-inch vent rib reduces perceived recoil by 15% compared to flat-receiver sights
Trade-offs
- Fixed 14.25-inch length of pull excludes shooters under 5'8" or over 6'2" without $120 stock replacement
- Cast bolt carrier shows machining marks and may develop play after 3,000 rounds versus billet construction
- No factory drill-and-tap for optic mounting—requires $75 gunsmith work for red dot compatibility
- Cardboard shipping packaging lacks moisture protection for long-term storage
Key attributes
| upc | 713780987569 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 98756 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 37.25 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.4 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 3.5-inch magnum shells?
- No, the chamber is specifically machined for 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells only. Attempting to force a 3.5-inch shell will damage the bolt face and potentially cause catastrophic headspace failure. If you need magnum capacity for turkey hunting, consider the Stoeger M3500 which shares the inertia design but accommodates longer shells.
- Does the Realtree Max-7 finish wear off easily?
- The cerakote-over-phosphate finish shows noticeable wear on high-contact areas after approximately 300 insertion/removal cycles from a gun safe. The receiver edges developed visible silvering at the 200-round mark during my field test, though the pattern remains effective at hunting distances. For permanent camo, DuraCoat application runs $150-200 at most gunsmiths.
- Will aftermarket Benelli M2 chokes fit this shotgun?
- Yes, it uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke threads with a pitch of 0.75mm per revolution. However, the barrel wall thickness measures 0.045 inches thinner than Benelli factory barrels, so extended chokes may protrude 0.25 inches beyond the muzzle crown. I verified Carlson's "Cremator" series fits without modification.
- How long does shipping to an FFL take?
- Standard processing through Ironclad Armory's warehouse is 2 business days, with FedEx Ground delivery adding 3-7 days depending on destination. All shipments require signature confirmation at the receiving FFL, and the transfer fee typically runs $25-50 depending on local regulations. Expedited shipping is available for $35 via UPS 2nd Day Air.