TriStar Hunter Mag II O/U 12 Gauge 28″ 3.5″ Chamber
About this product
The TriStar Hunter Mag II O/U 12 Gauge 28″ 3.5″ Chamber is a Mossy Oak Duck Blind-camouflaged over/under shotgun built for waterfowl and upland hunting with a chrome-lined barrel and synthetic stock. It handles 3.5-inch magnum shells reliably while maintaining a field-ready weight of 7.6 pounds. This shotgun targets hunters who need durability in wet conditions without the premium price of Italian-made alternatives.
What is the TriStar Hunter Mag II used for?
This shotgun is designed for waterfowl and upland hunting where corrosion resistance and 3.5-inch shell compatibility matter most. The chrome-lined barrel and sealed action components withstand marsh environments, while the 28-inch vent rib barrel improves swing dynamics for moving targets. It comes with five choke tubes (Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Skeet) to pattern everything from geese to quail.
How does the TriStar Hunter Mag II compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Hunter Mag II handles 3.5-inch shells while the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge maxes out at 3-inch chambers, making the TriStar better for late-season goose loads. However, the Stevens 555 uses a walnut stock and more refined ejection system, costing approximately $200 more. Choose the TriStar for maximum shell versatility in harsh conditions; pick the Stevens for traditional aesthetics and smoother target cycling.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
This shotgun weighs 7.6 pounds (3.45 kg) with an overall length of 45.5 inches (1156 mm) and a 28-inch (711 mm) vent rib barrel. The synthetic Mossy Oak stock adds 14.5 inches (368 mm) of length of pull, accommodating most adult shooters wearing winter layers. The balance point sits 2 inches forward of the hinge pin, reducing muzzle flip during rapid follow-up shots.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun isn't for competitive clay shooters or those seeking heirloom-grade wood finishes. The synthetic stock lacks adjustability for custom fit, and the 7.6-pound weight exceeds typical sporting clays models by over 1 pound. For dedicated target work, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U with its longer 30-inch barrel and walnut stock.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, five Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes (Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Skeet), a choke tube key, and a 2-year limited warranty card. The chokes are packaged in a plastic sleeve rather than a hardened case, so invest $25 in a aftermarket tube wallet if you're rough on gear. No cleaning kit or sleeve is included—standard for this price point.
Is the TriStar Hunter Mag II worth it at $888.99?
At $888.99, this shotgun delivers 3.5-inch chamber capability and corrosion resistance typically found in guns costing $1,200+. The chrome-lined barrel will outlast nitrided alternatives in saltwater environments, and the included five-choke set saves you $75 versus buying separately. Just know you're sacrificing wood aesthetics and target refinements for pure field durability.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Chrome-lined barrel resists corrosion 3x longer than nitride finishes in saltwater testing
- Handles 3.5-inch shells—200 fps faster than 3-inch loads for geese at 60 yards
- Includes 5 choke tubes ($75 value) versus competitors providing 3
Trade-offs
- Synthetic stock has no comb height or length-of-pull adjustments—limits custom fit
- Chokes come in flimsy plastic sleeve, not a hardened case—risks damage in field packs
- 7.6-pound weight is 1.2 pounds heavier than dedicated upland models like the Franchi Instinct
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 713780352220 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 35222 |
| action | Break Open |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Improved Mod/Modified/Skeet |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 33.2000 |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 9.25 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.15 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli Mobil chokes?
- Yes, it uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style threads, so any Mobil-compatible choke from brands like Carlson's or Briley will work. The included tubes are marked Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Skeet. Always verify choke constriction with a gauge before shooting steel shot.
- Does it fit in a standard 48-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, the 45.5-inch overall length fits most 48-inch hard cases with room to spare. For airline travel, use a TSA-approved lockable case like the Plano All-Weather 52-inch model. Disassembly isn't required for storage, but I recommend breaking it down for cleaning after saltwater exposure.
- How long does shipping take to Montana?
- FFL shipments to Montana typically take 3-5 business days via FedEx Ground from our warehouse. Your FFL must email their license to [email protected] before processing. We ship within 24 hours of payment verification and FFL confirmation.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle reliably?
- Returns require inspection by our certified gunsmiths within 30 days of receipt. If a mechanical defect is confirmed, we cover shipping and repair or replace the firearm. Note: malfunctions from improper maintenance or aftermarket modifications void the warranty. Always break in with 100 rounds of high-base loads first.
- Does this work with a recoil reducer?
- The synthetic stock has a standard 1-inch recoil pad that can be replaced with a Kick-EEZ or Pachmayr Decelerator pad. For internal reducers, the stock lacks pre-drilled weight ports, so you'd need a gunsmith to install a Mercury tube system—adds $120 and 4 ounces.