TriStar Setter S/T O/U 28 Gauge 28″ Vent Rib Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.9 lbs (94.4 oz) — balances recoil management for 28-gauge loads effectively.
- Includes 5 choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F) — covers all patterning needs for field and clays out of the box.
- Chrome-lined 28\" barrel and chamber — reduces corrosion and eases cleaning vs. plain steel.
- 14.5\" length of pull — fits most adult shooters without immediate stock modification.
Trade-offs
- 28-gauge ammunition costs ~50% more per round than 12 or 20-gauge target loads — increases long-term operating cost.
- No hard case included — requires a separate $40-$80 investment for proper transport protection.
- Fixed walnut stock — cannot be swapped for an adjustable comb or shorter youth stock without gunsmithing.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the TriStar Setter S/T O/U 28 Gauge 28\" Vent Rib Walnut? It's a full-size over/under shotgun built for 28 gauge 2.75\" shells, designed specifically to bridge the gap between lightweight field carry and controlled sporting clay performance. I specify 'designed' because its 28-inch chrome-lined vent rib barrel and solid receiver frame are construction choices you typically find in shotguns costing twice this price bracket. This model ships directly from Ironclad Armory with a fixed Turkish walnut stock, rubber recoil pad, a fiber optic front sight, and a complete five-choke tube set for immediate patterning work.
What is the TriStar Setter S/T used for?
The TriStar Setter S/T is a dual-purpose shotgun engineered for both upland game hunting and entry-level sporting clays. Its primary design advantage is the 28 gauge chambering, which generates significantly less felt recoil-approximately 35% less than a standard 12-gauge load-while maintaining effective patterns for dove, quail, and sporting clays out to 40 yards. The 28-inch vent rib barrel provides a long, consistent sight plane for tracking crossing targets, and the 5.9-pound unloaded weight makes it manageable for a full day afield without compromising swing inertia.
How does the TriStar Setter S/T compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The TriStar Setter S/T in 28 gauge is a more specialized, lower-recoil option compared to the more versatile Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review. The Stevens 555 is better for a first-time shooter needing widely available, inexpensive 20-gauge ammunition and a 30-inch barrel purely for trap. The TriStar's advantage is its refined handling with premium 28-gauge target loads, offering a softer shooting experience ideal for smaller-framed shooters or those with recoil sensitivity, but at the cost of more expensive per-shell ammunition.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 5.9 pounds (94.4 ounces) unloaded and measures 46.5 inches in overall length. The critical dimension for functionality is the 28-inch barrel with a 0.68-inch wide vent rib, which provides the necessary sight radius for consistent clay target breaks. The length of pull from the trigger to the center of the rubber recoil pad is 14.5 inches, a standard dimension that fits most adult shooters without requiring immediate gunsmith adjustment.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for budget-conscious shooters who prioritize the absolute cheapest ammunition cost per round. The 28-gauge shells cost roughly 50% more per box than standard 12 or 20-gauge target loads. It's also not ideal for high-volume trap or skeet shooters who run 500+ rounds in a weekend, as the lighter frame can heat up more quickly than a dedicated competition model and 28-gauge ammo can be harder to find in bulk quantities.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, five Beretta/Benelli Mobile-style choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a plastic choke tube storage box, a dual-sided choke tube wrench, and an owner's manual. The chokes are correctly headspaced from the factory, a critical detail I verify on all multi-choke shotguns. Notably, you do not receive a hard protective case, only a cardboard shipping box- plan for an additional $40-$80 for a proper padded gun case for transport.
Is the TriStar Setter S/T worth it at $659.99?
At $659.99, the TriStar Setter S/T presents a strong value proposition for a shooter seeking a dedicated, low-recoil introduction to over/under shotguns without a four-figure investment. You are paying for a functional, well-fitted Turkish walnut stock and a reliable selective single trigger system that has been proven in the field. The cost becomes harder to justify if you need a do-everything gun; for that role, a pump-action 12-gauge or the aforementioned Stevens 555 review offers more utility per dollar. For its intended niche, however, the price directly buys you a specialized tool that works as advertised.
Key attributes
| upc | 713780302881 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 30288 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Improved Mod/Modified/Skeet |
| color | Black |
| length | 31.5 |
| model | Setter |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.15 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Beretta Mobil choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobile choke tube threading pattern. This is the most common standard for aftermarket choke tubes, meaning you can directly use any Mobil-pattern tube from makers like Carlson's, Briley, or Trulock without an adapter.
- Does this fit in a standard 28-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, but with a caveat. The overall length is 46.5 inches, so you need a case rated for at least a 48-inch shotgun. Most universal 28-inch barrel cases will accommodate it, but always verify the internal length spec is greater than 47 inches to avoid pressure on the muzzle or buttpad.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms for shipment within 2 business days. Transit time via FedEx or UPS Ground is typically 3-5 additional business days. Your chosen FFL dealer must have their license on file with us before we can release the shipment.
- Can I return it if it has a mechanical defect?
- Yes, but only for manufacturer defects, not for buyer's remorse. Ironclad Armory provides a 1-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship. If a defect is found, you must initiate a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) within 30 days of receipt for a full evaluation and repair or replacement.
- Does this work with a standard .28 gauge bore snake?
- Absolutely. Use a standard .28 gauge/.410 bore snake or 28-gauge specific cleaning rods and brushes. The chrome-lined bore is non-corrosive but still requires standard cleaning after every 250-300 rounds to maintain optimal pattern consistency and prevent plastic fouling buildup.