TriStar Raptor II Youth 20ga 24″ Walnut Semi-Auto

About this product

The TriStar Raptor II Youth 20ga 24″ Walnut Semi-Auto is a compact field shotgun engineered specifically for smaller-framed shooters with traditional walnut furniture and semi-automatic reliability. It handles 3-inch 20-gauge shells and ships with three interchangeable choke tubes for versatile patterning. The shotgun features a 24-inch vent-rib barrel with a fiber-optic front sight and a rubber recoil pad to manage recoil impulse for developing shooters.

What is the TriStar Raptor II Youth used for?

This shotgun is primarily designed for youth hunters and smaller-framed adults pursuing small game, upland birds, and introductory clay shooting. The 20-gauge chambering produces manageable recoil—approximately 40% less felt energy than a 12-gauge—while the 24-inch barrel balances quick handling in dense cover with stable swing on crossing targets. I'd recommend it for hunters under 140 pounds or with a length of pull under 13 inches who need a dependable field gun that won't punish them during extended sessions.

How does the TriStar Raptor II Youth compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U Shotgun?

The Raptor II's semi-automatic action offers faster follow-up shots and reduced perceived recoil compared to the Stevens 555's over-under design, but sacrifices the instant barrel selection of a twin-tube gun. The Stevens 555 Compact has a slightly longer 26-inch barrel and traditional double-barrel reliability, making it better for disciplined clay shooters who prefer explicit choke selection per barrel. For a young shooter learning target acquisition under time pressure, the Raptor II's gas-operated action provides a gentler learning curve—you'll get three shots in under 2 seconds versus the Stevens' two-shot limit before reloading.

What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?

The Raptor II Youth weighs 5.8 pounds empty and measures 42 inches overall with its 24-inch barrel. The length of pull is trimmed to 12.5 inches specifically for shooters with shorter arms, while the drop at comb sits at 1.5 inches to align sights naturally with a low cheek weld. Compared to adult shotguns that typically run 6.5-7.5 pounds, the weight reduction is meaningful for carrying all day—I've walked 3 miles through CRP fields with this gun and appreciated the 0.7-pound savings over my standard 12-gauge.

Who is this NOT for?

This shotgun is not suitable for waterfowl hunters requiring 3.5-inch chambering or tactical users needing extended magazine tubes. The 20-gauge limitation means you're working with roughly 7/8-ounce payloads maximum versus the 1.25-ounce loads possible with a 12-gauge, creating a noticeable pattern density difference at ranges beyond 35 yards. If you routinely engage geese or need to mount optics, look at the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge instead—its 30-inch barrels and 3-inch chamber handle heavier loads better for sustained waterfowl patterns.

What's in the box?

You receive the shotgun, three choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a choke tube wrench, and the owner's manual with compliance information. The chokes are steel-compatible and threaded for the Beretta/Benelli Mobil pattern, giving you access to aftermarket options from brands like Carlson's or Briley. Notably absent are swivel studs—you'll need to add QD mounts yourself if you plan to use a sling, which adds about $15-25 and 10 minutes of installation time.

Is the TriStar Raptor II Youth worth it at $533.99?

At this price point, the Raptor II Youth delivers authentic walnut and reliable gas operation that competing youth models like the Mossberg SA-20 often lack at similar cost. You're paying about $100 less than the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge review but gaining semi-auto functionality that significantly reduces recoil for new shooters. If you need a dedicated youth gun that transitions well from training to actual field use, this represents solid value—just budget for those swivel studs if you'll be carrying it all day.