TriStar Viper G2 Compact 20 Gauge 24 inches Walnut
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About this product
The TriStar Viper G2 Compact 20 Gauge is a 24-inch barreled semi-automatic shotgun designed for youth or smaller-framed shooters needing a lighter, shorter, and more manageable field gun. It shares the core gas-operated action and choke system of the standard Viper G2 but packages it in a configuration with a 5.7-pound unloaded weight and a 13.5-inch length of pull to reduce felt recoil and improve control. Built in Turkey with attention to functional detail like a chrome-lined chamber and Benelli/Beretta Mobil choke compatibility, it occupies a specific niche between full-sized sporting shotguns and dedicated youth models.
What is the TriStar Viper G2 Compact 20 Gauge used for?
Use this shotgun for introductory hunting and field shooting where a full-size 12-gauge would be punishing. My primary recommendation is for dove or pheasant hunting over a pointer, where its 5.7-pound weight and 5+1 capacity are perfectly adequate for a few hours of walking fields. The 24-inch barrel with vent rib provides a clean enough sight plane for quick shots on flushing birds without the swing weight of a 28 or 30-inch tube. It's also a competent tool for informal clay shooting, though the compact dimensions will require more consistent mounting technique than a full-length sporting gun.
How does the TriStar Viper G2 Compact compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U?
The Viper G2 Compact is a lighter, faster-handling semi-auto, while the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga O/U is a heavier, more deliberate-pointing over/under. The Viper G2 weighs 5.7 pounds to the Stevens 555's approximately 6.5 pounds, giving it a distinct agility advantage for snap shooting in thick cover. However, the Stevens 555, as an over/under, offers instant cartridge selection via its dual triggers and is generally more reliable with low-velocity target loads right out of the box—a common weakness in budget gas-operated semi-autos. Choose the Viper G2 for weight savings and follow-up speed; choose the Stevens 555 for absolute simplicity and reliability with light loads.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the shotgun weighs 5.7 pounds (91.2 ounces), which is a full pound lighter than many full-size 20-gauge semi-autos. The overall length with its 24-inch barrel is approximately 44.5 inches, and the critical measurement for fit—the length of pull from trigger to buttpad—is a compact 13.5 inches. That puts it solidly in the realm of youth or smaller-adult dimensions; most adult field stocks are 14.25 to 14.5 inches. The 24-inch barrel itself has a vent rib that is 8mm wide, providing a decent sighting plane without being overly bulky.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not the gun for a tall adult shooter with a wingspan over 6 feet, as the 13.5-inch length of pull will force an overly-cramped shooting stance. It is also not the ideal choice for a high-volume trap or skeet shooter seeking a dedicated target gun; the compact dimensions and light weight work against the smooth, consistent swing needed for breaking 100 clays in an afternoon. Finally, if your primary need is absolute, unfailing reliability with the lightest 7/8-ounce target loads, a pump-action or an over/under like the Stevens 555 Sporting is a safer bet, as gas systems in this price range can be finicky with low-power ammunition.
What's in the box?
You receive the complete shotgun, three choke tubes (Full, Improved Cylinder, Modified), a steel choke wrench, and the owner's manual. The chokes use the common Beretta/Benelli Mobil thread pattern, which opens up a vast aftermarket for specialized constrictions. Notably, the package does NOT include a hard case—plan for a soft case or your own transport solution. The manual is adequate but not exhaustive; you'll need to perform the initial cleaning and lubrication procedure yourself before first fire, a step I consider mandatory for any new semi-auto.
Is the TriStar Viper G2 Compact worth it at $748.99?
At just under $750, it represents competent value for a compact, gas-operated semi-auto with a walnut stock. You are paying for a functional, lightweight field tool with a respectable feature set—chrome-lined chamber, fiber-optic front sight, multi-choke system—not for refined aesthetics or match-grade tolerances. The direct competitor is often the Mossberg SA-20 Bantam, which typically costs $50-$100 less but uses an inertia-driven system that can be harsher-recoiling. If your specific need is a lightweight, soft-shooting 20-gauge for a younger shooter or a smaller-framed adult, and your budget is under $800, the Viper G2 Compact justifies its price. If you have no size constraints, a standard-length used semi-auto may offer more gun for the money.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.7 lbs (91.2 oz) — nearly a full pound lighter than many full-size 20-gauge semi-autos.
- 13.5-inch length of pull is ideal for youth or shooters under 5'8".
- Accepts common Beretta/Benelli Mobil chokes — broad aftermarket support.
- Includes 3 choke tubes (F, IC, M) and a choke wrench in the box.
Trade-offs
- The fixed walnut stock has a 13.5" length of pull — too short for most adult males without a spacer.
- Gas system requires a 100-round break-in period with full-power loads for reliable cycling.
- No hard case included — adds $30-$50 for proper transport.
- Manual E-Z load cut-off is plastic and feels less durable than the steel version on higher-end models.
Key attributes
| upc | 713780241043 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 24104 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 37.25 |
| model | Viper G2 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 7.55 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| youth shotgun | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli Mobil chokes?
- Yes. The Viper G2 Compact ships with three choke tubes that use the Beretta/Benelli Mobil threading standard. This is the same pattern used by Benelli, Beretta, Stoeger, Franchi, and many Turkish-made shotguns, giving you access to hundreds of aftermarket choke options from brands like Carlson's, Briley, and Trulock.
- Does it fit a standard 20-gauge shell holder?
- Yes, the receiver dimensions are standard for a 20-gauge semi-auto. A typical 6-shell elastic shell holder will fit securely on the buttstock. For a more secure option, a Mesa Tactical Side Saddle installed with Loctite 242 will provide a permanent 6-shell capacity but adds approximately 4.5 ounces to the gun's weight.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- Ironclad Armory processes in-stock firearms for shipment within 1-2 business days. Transit time via FedEx or UPS Ground is typically 3-5 business days to your selected Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder. You must have your FFL's information ready at checkout; we cannot ship without a verified license on file.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Firearms are final sale unless defective. If you experience malfunctions, we require a 90-day function test period where you fire a minimum of 100 rounds of standard 2 3/4" or 3" field loads (minimum 1 oz. payload) to properly break in the gas system. If a mechanical defect persists after this break-in, contact our service department for a repair authorization, not a return.