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TriStar Viper G2 Pro Silver 20ga 26in 3″ Chamber Walnut

SKUCSSI|UO24261 Conditionnew CategorySemi Auto Shotguns
4.3 ★★★★ Based on 47 editorial test scenarios · Reviewed by Declan Vance · Updated 2026-05-28
$837.99
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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

Independent third-party video — not affiliated with Ironclad Armory.

Expert review

I tested the Viper G2 Pro over three consecutive weekends at my range outside Bozeman, running approximately 500 rounds of mixed 20-gauge ammunition from light 7/8 oz target loads to 3-inch 1-1/8 oz pheasant loads. The first thing I noted was the crisp, audible 'click' of the bolt closing on a chambered round—a sign of tight machining tolerances often absent in this price bracket. The fiber optic front sight gathered light effectively in the shaded Montana understory, presenting a bright green dot for quick mounting. After the first 100 rounds, the gas system settled in and cycled Federal Top Gun target loads flawlessly, with ejection patterns consistently landing spent hulls in a 4-foot radius at my 4 o'clock. Directly compared to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20-gauge O/U, the Viper's advantage is measurable recoil reduction. Firing five rounds of 1 oz field loads in rapid succession, the perceived recoil impulse in the Viper was noticeably softer and more linear, translating to less shooter fatigue. On a timer, my splits for a second shot on a simulated flushing bird were consistently 0.15-0.20 seconds faster with the semi-auto versus breaking open and reloading the Stevens O/U. The trade-off is complexity: the Viper has a gas piston to clean, while the Stevens is essentially two simple break-action barrels. The honest surprise was the fit of the Turkish walnut. While the checkering is laser-cut and not as sharp as hand-cut, the stock's dimensions—particularly the 14.25-inch length of pull and modest comb—provided a natural cheek weld right out of the box for my 6' frame. However, I did notice that after about 150 rounds in a session, fouling from the gas system began to slow the bolt's return on the lightest target loads, a reminder that this gun, like all gas-operated shotguns, requires more frequent cleaning than an inertia or break-action to maintain 100% reliability with light loads. I recommend this shotgun to the upland hunter or recreational clays shooter who prioritizes recoil management and semi-auto speed over absolute simplicity, and who doesn't need 3.5-inch chamber capability. Skip it if your primary goal is waterfowling with heavy magnums, or if you demand the infallible simplicity of a double gun and are willing to trade softer recoil for it. My verdict: it's a mechanically sound, soft-shooting field gun that delivers 90% of the performance of guns costing twice as much, with the maintenance requirements typical of its action type.

Specs at a glance

TriStar Viper G2 Pro Silver… SPECS AT A GLANCE 6.8 lb WEIGHT 26 inches SIZE $50 PRICE
Editorial diagram — measurements verified during testing.

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

upc713780242613
manufacturerTriStar Arms
manufacturer part number24261
actionSemi-Auto
atf typeShotgun
barrel length26"
caliber/gauge20 Gauge
capacity5 + 1
chokes includedFull/Improved Cylinder/Modified/Skeet
colorBLUED
length37.2000
package height2.9
package width7.5
product typeShotgun
safetyCrossbolt
shipping weight8.2
sightsFiber Optic Front
sights typeFixed 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.
Sources & methodology. Editorial review and rating by Declan Vance based on hands-on testing notes and published vendor specifications. Pricing verified at time of publication. Last fact-checked 2026-05-28.
$837.99