TriStar Viper G2 Turkey 28 Gauge 24in Bronze Camo
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.2 lb — 1.3 lb lighter than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge
- Includes 4 choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, Turkey Extended) — a $120 value if purchased separately
- 24-inch vent-rib barrel with 7mm width for consistent sight alignment
Trade-offs
- Proprietary CT-4T choke system limits aftermarket options — only 3-4 manufacturers produce compatible tubes
- No included hard case or sling — adds $80-100 for essential field accessories
- 28-gauge ammunition costs $15-20 per box — 25% higher than 12-gauge target loads
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the TriStar Viper G2 Turkey 28 Gauge 24in Bronze Camo? This is a purpose-built semi-automatic 28-gauge shotgun optimized for turkey hunting, featuring a 24-inch vent-rib barrel, Mossy Oak Bottomland camo finish, and a comprehensive CT-4T choke system. Designed for hunters who demand both concealment and reliability, it offers a balanced 6.2-pound weight and 37.4-inch overall length for maneuverability in dense cover. The Bronze/Deep Blue Cerakote receiver provides corrosion resistance, while the included choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, and Turkey Extended) allow for precise patterning at various ranges.
What is the TriStar Viper G2 Turkey used for?
The Viper G2 is designed exclusively for turkey hunting, with its 28-gauge chambering and 24-inch barrel providing a tight pattern ideal for ethical takedowns at 30-40 yards. The Mossy Oak Bottomland camo and matted sight plane minimize visual detection and glare, while the fiber-optic front sight ensures quick target acquisition in low-light conditions. This shotgun excels in wooded or brushy environments where stealth and shot placement are critical.
How does the TriStar Viper G2 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge?
The Viper G2 is superior for turkey hunting due to its semi-automatic action and specialized choke system, whereas the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge is better suited for clays or upland game with its over-under design and longer 30-inch barrel. The Viper G2’s 6.2-pound weight is 1.3 pounds lighter than the Stevens 555’s 7.5 pounds, making it more maneuverable in tight spaces, but the Stevens offers quicker follow-up shots with its dual barrels for sporting applications.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.2 pounds (99.2 ounces) and measures 37.4 inches in overall length with a 24-inch barrel. The vent-rib barrel has a 7mm width for consistent sight alignment, and the pistol grip circumference is 4.5 inches, accommodating most hand sizes comfortably. These dimensions contribute to a balanced carry during extended hunts and easy handling in blinds or thick cover.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for waterfowl hunters or those needing high-volume shooting, as the 28-gauge lacks the power and range of a 12-gauge for ducks or geese. It’s also ill-suited for home defense due to its specialized choke system and camo finish, which offer no tactical advantage in close-quarters scenarios. Hunters preferring break-action reliability or those on a sub-$500 budget should consider alternatives like the Stevens 555 in .410 Bore for a more versatile entry-level option.
What's in the box?
The package includes the shotgun, four choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, and Turkey Extended), and a user manual. The chokes are constructed from heat-treated 4140 steel and threaded for the CT-4T system, allowing pattern adjustments from 20 to 40 yards. No case or cleaning kit is provided, which is typical for firearms in this price range, so factor in an additional $40-60 for essential accessories.
Is the TriStar Viper G2 worth it at $850.99?
At $850.99, this shotgun offers solid value for dedicated turkey hunters who prioritize camouflage and choke versatility over multi-purpose use. The Cerakote finish and included choke set would cost $200+ as aftermarket additions on a base model, making it a reasonable investment for its niche. However, general-purpose hunters might find better value in a 12-gauge like the Stevens 334 rifle series for broader application across game types.
Key attributes
| upc | 713780241647 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 24164 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 28 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Improved Cylinder/Modified/Full/Turkey Extended |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.2 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 7.6 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket chokes?
- No, it uses TriStar's proprietary CT-4T choke system, which is not interchangeable with Beretta, Browning, or other common threads. Aftermarket CT-4T chokes are available from Carlson's and Trulock for $25-40 each, but options are limited compared to mainstream systems.
- Does it fit in a standard 42-inch gun case?
- Yes, the 37.4-inch overall length allows it to fit comfortably in most 42-inch hard cases with room for accessories. I recommend Plano All-Weather cases for field transport, as they provide 2.5 inches of padding and cost around $60 at retailers like Cabela's.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 3-5 business days for in-stock items via FedEx Ground, plus 1-2 days for FFL processing. All firearms require shipment to a licensed FFL dealer for background check and transfer, which adds $25-50 and 24-48 hours to the timeline.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for manufacturer defects, but firearms must be inspected by TriStar's warranty department first. Most cycling issues with 28-gauge loads are resolved by using 2¾-inch shells with at least ¾-ounce shot weight; avoid low-recoil loads under 1200 fps.