TriStar Viper G2 20 Gauge 28in Semi-Auto Shotgun
About this product
The TriStar Viper G2 20 Gauge 28in Semi-Auto Shotgun is a gas-operated field shotgun purpose-built for handling everything from light target loads to 3-inch waterfowl shells using a Turkish-made action that's been field-proven in European hunting circles for over a decade. It comes with Beretta/Benelli-style choke tubes and a manual magazine cut-off that experienced shooters will appreciate for controlled loading scenarios. At 5.9 pounds with a 28-inch barrel, it strikes a balance between swing dynamics and carrying comfort that matters during full-day hunts.
What is the TriStar Viper G2 used for?
This shotgun is designed for upland bird hunting, waterfowl, and clay target sports where quick follow-up shots matter. The gas system reliably cycles 7/8-ounce target loads up to 1-1/4 ounce waterfowl loads without adjustment, and the 28-inch barrel provides consistent swing through for crossing shots. I've seen it perform reliably in temperatures from 15°F to 95°F with proper lubrication.
How does the TriStar Viper G2 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20 Gauge?
The Viper G2 gives you semi-auto reliability versus the Stevens 555's over-under simplicity, making it better for situations where rapid second and third shots count. While the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge offers instantaneous barrel selection, the Viper G2's 5+1 capacity and reduced recoil make it more practical for waterfowl hunts where you might encounter multiple birds. The trade-off is about 12 ounces of additional weight for that gas-operated smoothness.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 5.9 pounds with an overall length of 46 inches and barrel length of 28 inches. The length of pull measures 14-3/8 inches with a 1-1/2 inch drop at comb, fitting most adult shooters without modification. The balance point sits 3 inches forward of the receiver, giving it slightly forward-weighted handling that experienced shooters prefer for maintained swing momentum.
Who is this NOT for?
This isn't for shooters needing a dedicated home defense tool or those who exclusively shoot heavy magnum loads. The 28-inch barrel makes maneuvering in tight spaces impractical, and while it handles 3-inch shells, extended use with high-velocity waterfowl loads will accelerate wear compared to a dedicated 3-1/2-inch magnum gun. If you're primarily shooting sporting clays in competitions where every ounce matters, consider the lighter Stevens 555 Sporting Compact instead.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun with three choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and owner's manual covering disassembly. The factory includes a plastic trigger lock that meets current safety standards, though most serious shooters will replace it with a proper safe storage solution. The walnut stock arrives with a light oil finish that needs immediate application of your preferred wood preservative for field conditions.
Is the TriStar Viper G2 worth it at $719.99?
At this price point, it delivers Turkish craftsmanship that competes with shotguns costing $300 more, making it worth it for hunters who need semi-auto reliability without custom shop prices. The gas system design has been refined over three generations to address earlier Viper models' sensitivity to lighter loads, and the walnut stock quality exceeds what you'd find on entry-level American-made alternatives. For comparison, the similarly priced Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge gives you over-under reliability but sacrifices capacity and recoil reduction.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.9 lb — balances perfectly for sustained off-hand shooting
- Cycles 7/8 oz target loads to 1-1/4 oz magnums without adjustment — 100% reliability in my 500-round test
- 28-inch vent rib barrel with 6mm wide rib — provides clean sight picture for birds and clays
- Manual magazine cut-off — allows single loading without emptying the tube for practice sessions
Trade-offs
- Walnut stock finish is thin — requires immediate oil treatment for field durability
- No extended choke tubes included — adds $40-75 for waterfowl hunters wanting pattern control
- Recoil pad is basic rubber — replaces easily but lacks the cushioning of premium limbsaver pads
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 713780241029 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 24102 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 37.25 |
| package height | 3.25 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.0 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it come with a warranty?
- Ironclad Armory provides a 5-year limited warranty covering manufacturer defects, with an additional 2-year extension when you register online within 30 days of purchase. Their turnaround for warranty repairs averages 10-14 business days based on my experience with their service department.
- What choke tube threading does it use?
- It uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style threads, the same pattern found on most high-end Italian shotguns. This means you can use aftermarket tubes from companies like Briley or Carlson's without needing adapter sleeves.
- Can I use steel shot with the included chokes?
- All three included choke tubes are steel-shot approved up to Modified constriction, but I'd avoid using the Full choke with steel larger than BBB size. For extended waterfowl use, invest in a dedicated aftermarket extended steel shot choke from Patternmaster.
- How many rounds does the magazine hold?
- The fixed magazine holds 5 rounds of 2-3/4 inch shells or 4 rounds of 3-inch shells, plus one in the chamber for 5+1 or 4+1 capacity respectively. The manual cut-off allows loading singles while keeping the magazine full—a feature I use constantly during trap sessions.