TriStar Viper G2 Pro Silver 20ga 26in 3″ Chamber Walnut
Pros & cons
What works
- Gas-operated action reduces felt recoil by an estimated 30-40% compared to fixed-breech designs.
- Weighs 6.8 lbs (108.8 oz) — 1.2 lbs lighter than the comparable Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 20-gauge.
- Includes 3 Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style chokes (IC, M, F) with a dedicated wrench and case.
- Chrome-lined 26-inch barrel and 3-inch chamber handle a wide range of 20-gauge loads for versatility.
Trade-offs
- Stock lacks pre-installed sling swivel studs — requires aftermarket installation adding $25-40.
- 3-inch chamber cannot accept 3.5-inch magnum shells, limiting its use for certain waterfowl applications.
- Silver/stainless receiver finish can reflect light, making it less ideal for concealed hunting blinds.
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the TriStar Viper G2 Pro Silver? The TriStar Viper G2 Pro Silver is a gas-operated, semi-automatic 20-gauge shotgun configured as a versatile field gun with traditional aesthetics and modern reliability. Built around a chrome-lined 3-inch chamber and a 26-inch vent-rib barrel, it uses a Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke system and wears a fixed stock of figured Turkish walnut. It’s a purpose-built tool for the shooter who needs a dependable, field-ready semi-auto for upland birds and sporting clays without the premium price tag of an Italian-made gun.
What is the TriStar Viper G2 Pro used for?
This shotgun is primarily used for upland bird hunting and casual sporting clays. The 20-gauge chambering offers lighter recoil than a 12-gauge, and the 6.8 lb unloaded weight and 47-inch overall length create a fast-swinging, carry-friendly platform ideal for walking fields all day. The gas system effectively cycles a wide range of target and field loads from 7/8 oz to 1-1/8 oz, making it a forgiving choice for newer shooters or a low-fatigue option for seasoned hunters. Compared to a break-action like our Stevens 555 Sporting, the semi-auto action provides fast follow-up shots for flushing coveys.
How does the TriStar Viper G2 Pro compare to a Stevens 555 Sporting?
The Viper G2 Pro is better for recoil management and rapid target reacquisition, while the Stevens 555 is superior for simplicity and pointability. The key mechanical difference is action type: the Viper’s gas-operated semi-auto system measurably reduces felt recoil by approximately 30-40% compared to a fixed-breech over/under like the Stevens 555, a significant advantage during extended firing sessions or for shooters with shoulder concerns. However, the Stevens 555’s over/under design offers immediate access to two different chokes for varied target presentations at the cost of being 1.2 pounds heavier and requiring manual cycling.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the shotgun weighs 6.8 pounds (108.8 oz). The barrel is precisely 26 inches long with a vent rib, and the chrome-lined bore diameter is .615 inches. From the buttpad to the muzzle, the overall length is 47 inches, with a length of pull measuring approximately 14.25 inches—a standard dimension that fits most adult shooters without modification. This creates a balance point roughly 5.5 inches forward of the receiver hinge pin, yielding a neutral swing characteristic for a gas gun.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for tactical users or those needing a dedicated waterfowl gun. The silver/stainless finish, while corrosion-resistant, lacks the non-reflective matte coatings preferred for blind concealment. More critically, the 3-inch-only chamber cannot accept the 3.5-inch magnum shells often used for pass-shooting geese or turkeys at extreme range. If your primary use involves high-volume waterfowling with heavy loads, or home defense requiring accessory rails, you’d be better served by a dedicated 12-gauge magnum model or a purpose-built tactical shotgun.
What’s in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, three Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and a plastic choke tube case. The chokes are precisely threaded and hand-tighten to a torque spec of around 15 ft-lbs. Conspicuously absent is a hard case or a sling—common accessories you’ll need to purchase separately, adding roughly $50-$100 to your initial outlay for proper transport and carry in the field.
Is the TriStar Viper G2 Pro worth it at $837.99?
At $837.99, it represents strong value for a gas-operated semi-auto with walnut furniture and a proven choke system, effectively splitting the difference between budget Turkish imports and premium Italian autoloaders. You’re paying for reliable, modern gas operation and traditional aesthetics at a point where many competitors force you to choose between polymer stocks or a significant price jump. For the hunter or recreational shooter who wants a soft-shooting, traditional-looking 20-gauge that works straight from the box, this is a rational buy. For the budget-focused shooter considering a Stevens 334 Rifle in a complementary caliber, this shotgun fills a similar role as a no-frills, ready-to-hunt tool.
Key attributes
| upc | 713780242613 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 24261 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified/Skeet |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 37.2000 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.2 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style chokes?
- Yes, it uses the standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style thread pattern. The included chokes (IC, M, F) are interchangeable with those from brands like Carlson's or Briley. The thread pitch is 0.800"-24TPI, a common industry standard for many modern semi-autos.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, with room to spare. The overall length is 47 inches, so it will fit comfortably in a standard 48-inch hard or soft case. Ensure the case has at least 2.5 inches of internal width at the receiver to accommodate the gas system and walnut stock.
- Can I use 2.75-inch target loads in the 3-inch chamber?
- Absolutely. The 3-inch chamber is designed to fire standard 2.75-inch (2-3/4") shells without issue. The gas system is tuned to cycle light 7/8 oz target loads reliably, though like most gas guns, it may prefer loads generating at least 1200 FPS for optimal cycling during break-in.
- Does this work with a standard shotgun sling?
- Only with added swivels. The walnut stock is not pre-drilled or fitted with sling swivel studs. You will need to purchase and install a set of aftermarket swivels, a 10-minute job requiring a 1/4" drill bit and a wrench, adding approximately $25-40 in parts and labor.
- How long does shipping take for an 'Online Only' item?
- Standard shipping for firearms to your local FFL dealer typically takes 5-10 business days from order processing. Once the dealer receives it, you must complete the mandatory NICS background check, which itself can take from minutes to 3 business days depending on state and system volume.