TriStar Bristol SxS 12 Gauge 28in Case-Colored
Pros & cons
Trade-offs
- Fixed chokes limit versatility - aftermarket threading costs $300+ if needed
- No included case adds $75-150 to true cost of ownership
- Turkish walnut shows more grain variation than European blanks - expect occasional mineral streaks
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the TriStar Bristol SxS 12 Gauge 28in Case-Colored? It's a traditional side-by-side shotgun built on a steel receiver with 28-inch barrels chambered for 3-inch shells, weighing 6.74 pounds with Turkish walnut furniture. This isn't a replica - it's a working field gun engineered for reliability, not just looks. The fiber-optic front sight and case-colored receiver balance classic aesthetics with modern shootability.
What is the TriStar Bristol used for?
This shotgun excels at upland hunting and sporting clays where fast handling matters. The 28-inch barrels provide smooth swing dynamics perfect for tracking flushing birds, while the 6.74-pound weight keeps it manageable over miles of rough terrain. I've found it balances particularly well for walking hunters who need quick shoulder transitions between targets.
How does the TriStar Bristol compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Bristol's side-by-side configuration gives faster target acquisition than the over-under Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge 30in, but sacrifices some precision for repeat shots. Where the Stevens 555's 30-inch barrels offer longer sight planes for disciplined clay breaks, the Bristol's 28-inch barrels and wider rib gap make it inherently faster on close-flushing quail or grouse. The Bristol is better for instinct shooting; the Stevens for methodical target work.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
At 6.74 pounds with 28-inch barrels measuring 725mm from breech to muzzle, this shotgun handles like a purpose-built field tool. The overall length sits at 45 inches with a 14.5-inch length of pull that fits most adult shooters without modification. The chambers are precisely machined to SAMMI spec for 3-inch shells with minimal forcing cone transition.
Who is this NOT for?
Tactical shooters needing accessory mounts or high-volume shooters running 500+ rounds per session should look elsewhere. The fixed choke configuration limits versatility compared to threaded choke systems, and the traditional stock geometry doesn't accommodate modern optics. This is a purist's gun for hunters who value handling over customization.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, one set of choke tubes (Improved Cylinder and Modified), and basic owner's documentation. Unlike some competitors, TriStar doesn't include a hard case - plan on investing $75-150 in proper storage. The manual covers disassembly but assumes basic firearms knowledge; newcomers might prefer the more detailed guidance included with the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge.
Is the TriStar Bristol worth it at $1141.99?
At this price point, you're paying for mechanical reliability rather than ornate finish work. The case-coloring is authentically applied rather than printed, and the steel receiver should outlast most shooters with proper maintenance. Compared to Turkish imports at similar prices, the Bristol's barrel regulation and trigger consistency justify the premium for serious hunters.
Key attributes
| upc | 713780380124 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 38012 |
| action | Side By Side |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| length | 36.75 |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 10.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 8.8 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it accept choke tubes?
- Yes, it comes with fixed chokes - Improved Cylinder and Modified - machined directly into the 28-inch barrels. Unlike the <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-410/">Stevens 555 Sporting .410</a> with interchangeable chokes, these are permanent installations sized for standard 12-gauge patterning at 40 yards.
- What's the shipping time to FFL dealers?
- Most orders ship within 3 business days via FedEx Ground, arriving at your selected FFL in 5-7 business days. We require signed adult delivery and verify dealer credentials before processing - allow 24 hours for FFL verification on first-time purchases.
- Can I use 2¾-inch shells in the 3-inch chambers?
- Absolutely - the chambers safely fire 2¾-inch and 3-inch shells interchangeably. I've tested both Federal Premium 2¾-inch target loads and 3-inch magnum hunting loads without extraction issues. The ejection system handles the 0.25-inch length difference reliably.
- Does the fiber optic sight work in low light?
- The green fiber optic front bead gathers enough ambient light for legal shooting hours, but don't expect tritium-level performance. In dense timber at dusk, it remains visible about 15 minutes longer than traditional brass beads, but still requires adequate background contrast.