TriStar Viper G2 Turkey 12 Gauge 24″ 3″ Chamber
Pros & cons
What works
- Weight of 6.8 lbs (108.9 oz) – manageable for all-day carry in turkey woods
- 36.38" overall length – 6.5 inches shorter than a typical 30" field gun for blind maneuverability
- Midnight Bronze Cerakote finish – provides superior corrosion resistance over standard bluing
- Integrated Picatinny rail – saves $80-120 versus buying and fitting an aftermarket mount
Trade-offs
- Fixed 5+1 capacity – cannot be expanded for other uses like 3-gun competition stages
- Synthetic pistol-grip stock only – no option for a traditional field stock without significant gunsmithing
- Vent-rib barrel – adds approximately 3.5 oz versus a plain barrel, which some purists find unnecessary
- Online Only availability – requires an FFL transfer, adding $25-50 and eliminating immediate in-store inspection
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
The TriStar Viper G2 Turkey 12 Gauge 24" 3" Chamber is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun built specifically for turkey hunting, balancing a 6.8 lb weight and a 36.38" overall length for maneuverability in blinds and tight brush. It features a 24-inch vent-rib barrel with a fixed synthetic pistol-grip stock in Mossy Oak Bottomland camouflage and a midnight bronze Cerakote receiver. This configuration prioritizes a quick, stable sight picture with its fiber optic front sight and an integrated Picatinny rail for mounting optics.
What is the TriStar Viper G2 Turkey used for?
This shotgun is engineered for turkey hunting, where its 24-inch barrel is a significant advantage over the typical 18.5-inch model, providing a 5.5-inch longer sight plane for improved shot patterning at the 35-45 yard distances common in the field. The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo and dark Cerakote finish minimize light reflection, and the gas-operated action reliably cycles lighter 2 3/4-inch target loads through heavier 3-inch magnum turkey loads, making it a dedicated tool for a single, specific pursuit rather than a general-purpose field gun.
How does the TriStar Viper G2 Turkey compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The TriStar Viper G2 is better for the active, mobile turkey hunter who needs a fast follow-up shot, while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in is superior for consistent, precise patterning in sustained fire at a range. The Viper G2’s semi-automatic action offers a practical advantage when a second shot is needed on a moving bird, whereas the 555’s over-under design with 30-inch barrels provides dual chokes and a more stable swing for competitive sporting clays or dove hunting, as seen on our Stevens 555 product page.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Weighing 6.8 lbs (108.9 oz) and measuring 36.38 inches in overall length, this shotgun achieves a balance that favors fast, one-handed manipulation when setting up in a blind. With a barrel length of 24 inches and a 3-inch chamber, its dimensions are specifically dialed to prevent snagging on brushy terrain while still allowing a full-length sight plane for accurate shot placement, a critical consideration when the target is a turkey's vital neck and head area at 40 yards.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for the shooter seeking a versatile upland or waterfowl gun, as the pistol-grip stock, fixed synthetic camo, and tactical rail make it suboptimal for wing-shooting or traditional field aesthetics. It’s also a poor choice as a budget home defense platform; at $786.99, you're paying for specialized hunting features like camo and a longer barrel, not the durability or accessory ecosystem of a dedicated defensive firearm like the Stevens 334 in .308 Win.
What's in the box?
The Viper G2 Turkey ships with the shotgun, three standard choke tubes (Modified, Improved Cylinder, Full), a chamber flag, a basic cleaning rod, and the owner's manual, confirming it's a complete out-of-the-box hunting tool. You’ll spend your first 45-60 minutes degreasing the gas piston system, as advised in the manual, to ensure reliable cycling from the first magazine to the 500th, which is a standard but necessary break-in step for any new gas-operated platform.
Is the TriStar Viper G2 Turkey worth it at $786.99?
At $786.99, the Viper G2 Turkey is worth it for the dedicated turkey hunter who values the specific combination of a reliable gas system, a durable Cerakote finish, and integrated rail mounting, avoiding the $150+ cost and fitting hassle of adding an aftermarket mount later. However, if your needs include casual sporting clays or multi-season hunting, the investment is better directed toward a more traditional over-under or pump-action with interchangeable barrels, where the specialized features of the Viper G2 become liabilities, not assets.
Key attributes
| upc | 713780241517 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 24151 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified/Ext Turkey |
| length | 37.0500 |
| package height | 3.25 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.9 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| state restriction (il) | NO SALE TO ILLINOIS PICA |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket magazine extensions?
- No, the Viper G2 Turkey's magazine tube is not designed for common +2 or +3 extensions from brands like Nordic Components or Choate. The 5+1 capacity is fixed, as the tube is integral to the forend and gas system design, prioritizing reliability over modularity for its intended hunting role.
- Does it fit in a standard 28-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, with room to spare. The 36.38-inch overall length fits easily into any case rated for a 28-inch barrel, leaving approximately 6 inches of additional space for chokes and a small cleaning kit, which is a practical detail for transport to and from the blind.
- How long does shipping take for an FFL transfer?
- Ironclad Armory processes most in-stock firearms like the Viper G2 within 1-2 business days. Once shipped, delivery to your selected FFL dealer typically takes 3-5 additional business days via FedEx or UPS, contingent on your dealer's processing speed for the 4473 form.
- Can I return it if the camo pattern is damaged?
- Ironclad Armory only accepts returns for un-fired firearms with zero signs of use, as verified by their inspection team within 30 days. Cosmetic wear or scratches on the Mossy Oak Bottomland finish from routine handling in the field would not qualify for a return, as this is considered normal hunting wear.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Longbeard XR choke tube?
- Yes, the Viper G2 uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke threads, which are directly compatible with aftermarket choke tubes from Carlson's, Patternmaster, and other major manufacturers. I recommend the Longbeard XR in .665 constriction for tight patterns with Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS #9 shot.