TriStar Viper G2 Compact Sport Shotgun 20 Gauge 26in Red/Black
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The TriStar Viper G2 Compact is a 20-gauge semi-automatic sporting shotgun designed specifically for compact handling, youth shooters, or smaller-framed adults who require a lighter, shorter firearm for upland hunting or introductory target sports. It achieves this with a 26-inch vent-rib barrel, a soft-touch synthetic stock, and an overall weight of 6.2 pounds, making it significantly more maneuverable than many full-size 12-gauge models. This isn't just a scaled-down adult gun; it's built around its 20-gauge chambering and 44-inch overall length to provide a functional, accessible platform that accepts standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil-choke tubes for versatile patterning.
What is the TriStar Viper G2 Compact used for?
The TriStar Viper G2 Compact is used primarily for upland bird hunting, introductory clay target shooting like skeet or sporting clays, and as a youth-friendly training firearm. Its 26-inch barrel and 6.2-pound weight make it exceptionally quick to shoulder in dense cover for flushing game like grouse or pheasant. The included choke tube set (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full) allows shooters to adapt the pattern spread from 20 yards to 40 yards, accommodating everything from close-range woodcock to crossing shots on doves. The 5+1 capacity provides ample shots for most hunting scenarios without the bulk of a high-capacity tactical model.
How does the TriStar Viper G2 Compact compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact O/U?
The TriStar Viper G2 Compact compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26" O/U Shotgun offers a semi-automatic action versus an over-under, which results in significantly less perceived recoil for the shooter. The gas-operated semi-auto action of the Viper G2 absorbs more energy, making follow-up shots faster and the shooting session more comfortable for newer or smaller-stature shooters. The Stevens 555, by contrast, provides the instant barrel selection and open-sight picture of a break-action, but transmits the full recoil impulse of each 20-gauge shell directly into the shooter's shoulder.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The TriStar Viper G2 Compact weighs 6.2 pounds (approximately 2812 grams) and measures 44 inches (1118 mm) in overall length. Its 26-inch (660 mm) vent-rib barrel contributes to this compact profile, with a length of pull specifically designed for youth or compact-adult dimensions. For perspective, this is 1.8 pounds lighter and 3.5 inches shorter overall than most standard 12-gauge semi-autos, a difference that becomes very noticeable after carrying it through a full day in the field or holding it at port arms for extended periods on a skeet field.
Who is this NOT for?
The TriStar Viper G2 Compact is not for serious competitive trap shooters, waterfowl hunters needing 3.5-inch chamber capacity for steel shot, or anyone seeking a dedicated home-defense firearm. The 20-gauge chamber and shorter barrel lack the downrange energy and dense shot patterns required for consistent 40-yard trap breaks or effective waterfowl pass shooting. For those disciplines, a dedicated 12-gauge with a 28-inch or 30-inch barrel and a specific choke constriction is a better choice, like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in for trap.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the assembled shotgun, three Beretta/Benelli Mobil-thread choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and the factory owner's manual with warranty information. The choke tubes are a critical inclusion, as they allow you to adapt the shotgun's pattern from a wide cylinder spread for close-range hunting to a tight full choke for longer shots, without requiring any additional purchase. Notably absent is a hard case; the gun ships in a cardboard box with protective foam, so plan for an aftermarket soft or hard case for transport.
Is the TriStar Viper G2 Compact worth it at $678.99?
At $678.99, the TriStar Viper G2 Compact is worth the cost if your specific need is a lightweight, low-recoil, semi-automatic 20-gauge for hunting or introductory clays. It provides a functional, self-regulating gas system and versatile choke compatibility that many budget semi-autos lack, at a price point well below many name-brand competitors. You are paying for a reliable tool designed for a niche purpose, not for prestigious fit and finish. If you need a single-do-it-all shotgun, this is not it, but for its intended role, it delivers specific value that justifies its price.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) — 1.8 lbs lighter than many standard 12-gauge semi-autos for all-day carry.
- Gas-operated action reduces felt recoil by approximately 30% compared to a break-action of the same gauge.
- Includes 3 Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes (IC, M, F) — a $60-80 value included.
- 44-inch overall length offers a 10-inch shorter swing arc than a 30-inch barrel O/U for fast handling.
Trade-offs
- Synthetic stock has a fixed length of pull (13.5 inches) — not adjustable for growing youth shooters without aftermarket pads.
- Red anodized receiver is a cosmetic feature that shows handling wear and scratches more readily than a matte finish.
- No accessory rail or threaded barrel — cannot mount optics or a choke-style suppressor without significant gunsmithing.
Key attributes
| upc | 713780241616 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 24161 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Ext Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 37.25 |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.35 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| youth shotgun | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli choke tubes?
- Yes, the TriStar Viper G2 Compact uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobil thread pattern for its choke tubes. This is a standardized thread used by many manufacturers, so aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson's, Trulock, or Briley that specify 'Mobil' or 'Benelli' thread will fit directly. The gun ships with three factory tubes: Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch gun case?
- Yes, the TriStar Viper G2 Compact, with its 44-inch overall length, will fit securely in any standard 48-inch shotgun case with room to spare for choke wrenches or cleaning gear. I recommend a case with at least 46 inches of internal length. Most universal soft cases and standard hard rifle cases in the 46-48 inch range will accommodate it without issue.
- How long does shipping take to a Montana FFL?
- When ordering from Ironclad Armory, standard ground shipping to a Montana-based FFL dealer typically takes 5-7 business days from the time the order is processed and shipped. Our fulfillment center is in Utah, so transit time is generally 3 business days, plus 1-2 days for processing and FFL verification. Expedited 2-day air shipping is available at checkout for an additional fee.
- Can I return it if I have a mechanical issue?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory offers a 30-day return policy for mechanical defects, handled directly through TriStar's warranty service. If you experience a failure to feed, eject, or fire within the first 30 days, contact us for a prepaid shipping label to send the firearm to TriStar's service center in Kansas. Most repairs are completed and the firearm returned within 10-14 business days.
- Does this work with standard 2.75-inch target loads?
- Yes, the TriStar Viper G2 Compact's 3-inch chamber is designed to cycle both standard 2.75-inch (low brass) target loads and high brass 2.75-inch or 3-inch hunting loads. The gas-operated system is self-regulating, but for reliable cycling with the lightest target loads (typically 7/8 oz or 24-gram loads), I recommend starting with the Improved Cylinder choke tube installed to minimize backpressure variability.