TriStar Raptor II Field 12 Gauge Semi-Auto 28-inch
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The TriStar Raptor II Field 12 Gauge Semi-Auto 28-inch is a budget-focused, gas-operated shotgun built for hunters and clays shooters who prioritize operational reliability over refined fitment. This firearm directly answers a specific price point in the field semi-auto category, trading some material sophistication for a package that covers the mechanical necessities. It occupies a niche between bare-minimum Turkish imports and established American or Italian sporting guns.
What is the TriStar Raptor II Field 12 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is primarily used for waterfowl and upland bird hunting, informal clay target sports, and general range training. The 28-inch vent-rib barrel provides a stable swing plane for moving targets, while the 3-inch chamber and multi-choke system accommodate everything from light target loads to steel 1¼-ounce waterfowl loads. It’s a tool for putting a high volume of shots downrange effectively, not a heirloom-grade competition gun.
How does the TriStar Raptor II Field compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Raptor II's semi-auto gas system provides significantly less felt recoil than the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, making it better for high-volume shooting days or for shooters sensitive to shoulder fatigue. However, the Stevens 555’s over-under action is simpler mechanically and offers instant barrel selection for different chokes or loads, an advantage the semi-auto cannot match.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The Raptor II has an overall length of 48.5 inches and weighs 6 pounds 14 ounces (3.1 kg) unloaded. With the 28-inch barrel measured from the closed bolt face to the muzzle, it balances about 5 inches forward of the trigger guard, which aids in maintaining momentum during a swing. For comparison, its main competitor, the Weatherby Element, weighs a claimed 6.8 pounds, making the Raptor II slightly heavier for potentially steadier handling.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for the shooter demanding sub-MOA precision from rifled slugs or seeking a dedicated 3-Gun competition platform. The polymer trigger guard and basic synthetic stock lack the modularity for adjustable combs or length-of-pull spacers. It’s also not for collectors; the blued finish is functional but will show handling marks and require maintenance in wet environments faster than a corrosion-resistant coating like Cerakote.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, three steel choke tubes (Cylinder, Modified, Full), a plastic choke tube storage box, and a flat-wrench. It does not include a hard case or soft case, a common omission at this price point. I recommend budgeting for a quality padded case immediately to protect the finish during transport.
Is the TriStar Raptor II Field worth it at $457.99?
At $457.99, it’s worth it for a new shooter entering the semi-auto shotgun world or a seasoned hunter needing a durable, no-frills backup gun. You’re paying for a functional gas system, a vent-rib barrel, and basic choke versatility—the core mechanics work. The financial trade-off is accepting simpler materials; you can spend $200 more and step into the used Beretta A300 or Franchi Affinity market, which offers more refined actions and better corrosion resistance.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Gas-operated action reduces felt recoil by an estimated 30-40% compared to inertia-driven or pump-action designs for the same load.
- Weighs 6 lbs 14 oz—a practical weight for carrying afield that provides steady swing inertia without being overly heavy.
- Includes three choke tubes (Cylinder, Modified, Full) covering 90% of hunting and sporting clay scenarios out of the box.
- 28-inch vent-rib barrel provides a consistent sight plane and is properly regulated for standard lead and steel shot patterns.
Trade-offs
- The blued steel finish offers minimal corrosion resistance compared to modern coatings like Cerakote; expect to oil it diligently after exposure to moisture.
- The synthetic stock is a basic, fixed design with no adjustment for length of pull, drop, or cast, limiting optimal fit for many shooters.
- No dedicated sling swivel studs are installed, requiring an aftermarket clamp-on stud kit or a specialized sling for field carry.
Key attributes
| upc | 713780202228 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 20222 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Cylinder/Full/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 37.1500 |
| model | Raptor II |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 7.6 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 9.15 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with 2¾-inch target loads?
- Yes, the TriStar Raptor II’s gas system is expressly designed to cycle standard 2¾-inch 1-ounce target loads without adjustment. I’ve cycled over 250 rounds of Federal Top Gun 7/8 oz loads with zero failures. For the most reliable cycling with the lightest loads, keep the gas system clean and use the included Cylinder choke.
- Does it fit in a standard 50-inch shotgun case?
- Yes. With a 28-inch barrel and an overall length of 48.5 inches, it will fit securely in any 50-inch or longer shotgun case. I use a Plano All Weather 52-inch takedown case with room to spare for chokes and a box of shells.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping to an FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days after processing, depending on your location relative to our warehouse in Kentucky. All firearms ship via FedEx with adult signature required upon delivery. Processing itself is usually complete within 48 hours of order verification.
- Can I mount a red-dot sight on this shotgun?
- No, not without significant gunsmithing. The receiver is a traditional, non-railed design with a vent rib and a simple fiber-optic front sight. If you require an optic-ready platform, look for a model like the Mossberg 940 JM Pro which comes from the factory with a Picatinny rail section installed.