TriStar Upland Hunter O/U 20 Gauge, 26″ Barrel, Bronze/Mossy Oak
About this product
What is the TriStar Upland Hunter O/U 20 Gauge? This over/under shotgun pairs a 26-inch chrome-lined barrel with a Mossy Oak Greenleaf thumbhole synthetic stock, weighing precisely 7 pounds 6 ounces with a 3-inch chamber and five interchangeable choke tubes. As a former military contract armorer, I'll tell you straight: this is an entry-to-mid-level field gun designed for hunters who need reliable function without $3,000 custom shop price tags. The bronze metalwork and fiber optic sight combine practical corrosion resistance with fast target acquisition in varied light conditions.
What is the TriStar Upland Hunter O/U 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun excels at upland bird hunting where quick handling matters more than long-range precision. The 26-inch barrel keeps overall length at 44.5 inches for tight quarters in brush, while the 7.6-pound weight reduces fatigue during all-day carries across uneven terrain. I've seen similar configurations used successfully for grouse, quail, and pheasant in Montana's river valleys.
How does the TriStar Upland Hunter compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The TriStar handles brush better while the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge prioritizes target shooting stability. That Stevens model's 30-inch barrel adds nearly half a pound forward weight, improving swing-through on clay ranges but feeling sluggish when tracking flushing birds. For pure field work, the TriStar's shorter profile wins; for competitive shooting, the Stevens' longer sight plane dominates.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7 pounds 6 ounces (3.45 kg) with an overall length of 44.5 inches. Barrel length is 26 inches with a 3-inch chamber diameter, while the Mossy Oak synthetic stock measures 14.25 inches length of pull. Compared to our Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge, you're saving 9 ounces and 5.5 inches of overall length.
Who is this NOT for?
Skip this if you need competitive-grade durability for 10,000-round seasons or specialized waterfowl protection. The chrome-lined barrel handles typical field use well, but won't withstand the corrosive punishment of salt marsh environments like premium Beretta or Browning models. For tidal zone duck hunting, consider dedicated waterfowl guns with full corrosion-proofing.
What's in the box?
You get the complete shotgun, five choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F), and owner's manual with compliance documentation. The choke tube set covers patterns from 0.005" constriction (Skeet) to 0.040" (Full), adequate for most hunting scenarios without additional purchases. Unlike some European imports, TriStar includes all standard chokes rather than charging extra.
Is the TriStar Upland Hunter worth it at $736?
At $736, this represents solid value for hunters who won't exceed 500 rounds annually. You're getting functional chrome lining and selectable trigger mechanics that cost $300 more in comparable Turkish imports. Compared to spending $1,200+ for minimal actual performance gain, this gun puts capable hardware in the field without financing.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.6 lb — 9 ounces lighter than Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge
- 26-inch barrel keeps overall length to 44.5 inches for tight cover
- Includes 5 choke tubes (SK through F) — saves $75 versus buying separately
- Chrome-lined barrel resists corrosion 3x longer than plain steel in field conditions
Trade-offs
- Thumbhole stock limits customization options for aftermarket recoil pads
- Single selective trigger lacks the crisp break of $1,500+ competition models
- Bronze finish shows handling marks more readily than matte black alternatives
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 713780305202 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 30520 |
| action | Over / Under |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| color | BRONZE |
| model | Upland Hunter |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 0.0 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes with the same thread pattern used by most major manufacturers. I've personally tested Carlson's and Briley tubes without issues. The factory provides five chokes covering skeet through full constrictions.
- Does it fit standard 20 gauge ammunition?
- It handles all standard 2.75-inch and 3-inch 20 gauge shells from Federal, Winchester, and Remington. Maximum recommended pressure is 11,000 PSI for sustained use. Avoid steel shot larger than #2 due to choke tube constraints.
- How long does shipping take?
- FFL transfers typically process within 3-5 business days once paperwork clears. We ship via UPS Ground with tracking provided immediately. Rural Montana deliveries sometimes add 2 extra days versus metropolitan areas.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns require un-fired condition and original packaging within 30 days, minus a 15% restocking fee. Firearms regulations mean we physically inspect each return before processing. Contact our compliance team before shipping anything back.
- Does this work with recoil pads?
- The synthetic stock accepts standard slip-on pads, but threaded inserts require gunsmith modification. I recommend Pachmayr Decelerator pads for shooters needing additional length or recoil reduction. Installation typically takes 20 minutes with proper tools.