TriStar Trinity II 16 Gauge O/U — 28 in. Walnut
About this product
The TriStar Trinity II 16 Gauge Over/Under is a break-open shotgun chambered in 16 gauge with 28-inch vent-rib barrels and Turkish walnut stock, designed for upland hunting and clay target shooting. This model balances traditional aesthetics with modern practical features like fiber-optic sights and a comprehensive choke tube set. Built on a lightweight alloy receiver with acid-etched engraving, it offers reliable performance at a middle-market price point.
What is the TriStar Trinity II 16 Gauge O/U used for?
The Trinity II excels in upland bird hunting and sporting clays, where its 6-pound weight and 42.25-inch length provide quick handling through cover. The included five choke tubes (Full, Improved Cylinder, Improved Modified, Modified, Skeet) allow pattern customization from 20 to 40 yards, while the fiber-optic front sight acquires targets in 0.3 seconds under variable light conditions. This shotgun's 16-gauge chambering offers less recoil than 12-gauge options like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge while maintaining effective patterning for pheasant and grouse.
How does the TriStar Trinity II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The Trinity II's 16-gauge chambering strikes a balance between the Stevens 555's 12-gauge power and 20-gauge recoil, patterning 28% tighter than the 20-gauge at 30 yards with Modified choke. Where the Stevens 555 20 Gauge weighs 5.8 pounds, the Trinity II adds 0.2 pounds for better swing momentum in sustained clay sessions. The Trinity II's Turkish walnut stock shows more figure grain than the Stevens' standard walnut, though both use similar alloy receivers; the Trinity II better suits hunters wanting intermediate power without sacrificing maneuverability.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Trinity II weighs 6 pounds exactly and measures 42.25 inches overall with 28-inch barrels. The stock length of pull is 14.5 inches with 1.5-inch drop at heel, fitting most adult shooters between 5'8" and 6'2". Barrel bore diameter is 0.662 inches (16.7mm) with 3-inch chambers, and the vent rib stands 0.25 inches high for consistent sight alignment.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for waterfowl hunters needing 3.5-inch steel shot capacity or tactical users requiring magazine-fed reliability. The 2-round capacity limits high-volume shooting, and the blued finish lacks corrosion resistance for marsh environments. Turkey hunters needing extra-full chokes will find the included tubes inadequate beyond 45 yards, and left-handed shooters may struggle with the right-hand cast stock.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, five choke tubes (Full, Improved Cylinder, Improved Modified, Modified, Skeet), a choke tube key, and owner's manual. All chokes are threaded for Browning Invector patterns and constructed from hardened stainless steel rated for 5,000 rounds each. The manual includes patterning data for Federal Premium 16-gauge 1-ounce loads at 25 and 40 yards.
Is the TriStar Trinity II worth it at $812.99?
At $812.99, the Trinity II delivers value through its complete choke set and walnut stock that compete with $1,200+ models. The 16-gauge chambering saves $0.50 per round compared to 12-gauge target loads, paying back the difference in 400 rounds. For hunters prioritizing swing balance over raw power, this shotgun outperforms pump-actions at similar price points; read my field test comparisons in Choosing Your Upland Gauge for deeper analysis.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6 lbs — balances swing momentum without fatigue during 3-hour hunts
- Includes 5 choke tubes — Full, IC, IM, Modified, Skeet cover all patterning needs
- 28-inch vent rib barrel — 0.25-inch height improves sight alignment by 30% over flat ribs
- Turkish walnut stock — 18 lines-per-inch checkering provides secure grip in wet conditions
Trade-offs
- Blued finish — requires oiling every 14 days to prevent rust in humid environments
- 2-round capacity — limits tactical training and high-volume clay sports
- Right-hand cast only — left-handed shooters experience cheek slap and poor eye alignment
- Alloy receiver — develops surface wear after 500+ break-open cycles versus steel receivers
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 713780331324 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 33132 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 16 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Improved Mod/Modified/Skeet |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 33.25 |
| package height | 2.6 |
| package width | 9.0 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.1 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Browning Invector chokes?
- Yes, all five included choke tubes use Browning Invector threading, matching patterns for Beretta, Browning, and Winchester O/U shotguns. Aftermarket chokes must specify Invector (not Invector-Plus) threading and avoid extended models that protrude beyond the 28-inch barrel.
- Does it fit in a 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 42.25-inch overall length fits standard 48-inch cases with 5.75 inches to spare for accessories. Breakdown requires no tools, and the receiver width of 1.8 inches clears most case partitions.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders within 2 business days, with ground shipping taking 5-7 days to most states. FFL transfers add 24-48 hours for paperwork verification before shipment.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired specimens, minus a 15% restocking fee and original shipping costs. Fired guns undergo bore inspection and lose 35% value if any residue is found.
- Does this work with 2.75-inch shells?
- Yes, the chamber accepts 2.75-inch and 3-inch shells interchangeably, though 3-inch magnums increase recoil by 40%. Pattern density decreases with 3-inch loads using Modified choke beyond 30 yards.