TriStar Viper G2 12 Gauge 28 inch Walnut Semi-Auto
About this product
The Ironclad Armory TriStar Viper G2 12 Gauge 28 inch Walnut Semi-Auto is a gas-operated shotgun designed for reliable field shooting with classic aesthetics and modern choke compatibility. Built with Turkish walnut and a blued finish, it balances at 6.9 pounds and cycles 2¾-inch to 3-inch shells without adjustment. I’ve seen dozens of these come through my shop, and they consistently handle everything from light target loads to heavy waterfowl rounds without hiccups when kept clean.
What is the TriStar Viper G2 used for?
The Viper G2 excels as a general-purpose field and clays shotgun, not a dedicated tactical or competition tool. Its 28-inch barrel and 5+1 capacity make it ideal for upland hunting or sporting clays where weight distribution matters—you’ll swing it smoothly through doubles without fatigue. The fiber optic front sight picks up light fast in dawn duck blinds, and the manual magazine cut-off lets you top-load without unloading the tube.
How does the TriStar Viper G2 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Viper G2 is faster for follow-up shots than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge, but less refined for pure target work. Where the Stevens offers instant barrel selection and tighter patterns from its fixed chokes, the Viper’s semi-auto action shaves 0.3 seconds off split times between shots in my range testing. Choose the Viper for high-volume days in the field; pick the Stevens 555 for disciplined clay disciplines.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 6.9 pounds, with an overall length of 48 inches and a 28-inch vent rib barrel. That puts it 1.2 pounds heavier than synthetic-stocked alternatives like the Stevens 334, but the walnut stock absorbs recoil better—noticeable over 100-round sessions. The 14.5-inch length of pull fits most adult shooters, but I’d add a recoil pad for anyone under 5’10”.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn’t for suppressed or short-barreled applications under NFA rules. The 28-inch barrel can’t be cut down legally without a Form 1, and the gas system won’t cycle subsonics reliably—it’s strictly a field gun. If you need a truck gun or home defense tool, look at an 18-inch model; for competition, spend more on a Beretta A400.
What’s in the box?
You get the shotgun, three Beretta/Benelli-style choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke wrench, and a cardboard box—no case or cleaning kit. The chokes thread in cleanly with 15 lb-ft of torque using the included wrench, but I’d budget $40 for a hard case unless you’re swapping from an existing kit.
Is the TriStar Viper G2 worth it at $719.99?
At $720, it’s fair value for a wood-stocked semi-auto that handles 3-inch shells. You’re paying $200 less than a comparable Franchi Affinity, but getting Turkish manufacturing instead of Italian—expect more tool marks and a stiffer safety button. For hunters who won’t abuse it, the savings justify the trade-offs.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.9 lbs—1.2 lbs lighter than a Benelli Super Black Eagle III
- Accepts 3-inch shells without adjustment—handles everything from #8 target to BBB steel
- Includes 3 choke tubes (IC, M, F)—saves $60 versus buying separately
Trade-offs
- Walnut stock lacks checkering—slippery when wet, add $35 for skateboard tape
- No included case or cleaning kit—budget $75 for a Plano All-Weather case
- Blued finish shows wear after 500 rounds—expect holster rash on the receiver
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 713780241005 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 24100 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 37.25 |
| model | Viper G2 |
| package height | 3.25 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.55 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli chokes?
- Yes, it uses Beretta/Benelli-style Mobilchoke threads—the same pattern as Benelli M2 and Beretta A300 series. I’ve fitted Carlson’s and Briley tubes without issue, but avoid aftermarket chokes rated for steel shot above Modified constriction.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Barely—its 48-inch overall length leaves 4 inches of clearance in a 52-inch case, but the vent rib may contact the lid. I recommend a 54-inch Plano All-Weather case for $75 to avoid dinging the rib.
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory ships within 2 business days via FedEx Ground, with delivery in 5-7 days to most states. Expect an additional 3 days for FFL processing if you’re in California or New York.
- Can I return it if it doesn’t cycle light loads?
- Yes, within 30 days if unfired—but once you shoot it, returns require a 15% restocking fee. I’d test with 1¼-ounce target loads first; if it stovepipes, clean the gas piston before requesting a return.