TriStar Raptor II Youth 20 Gauge 24″ Muddy Girl
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 5.8 lb empty — 2 lb lighter than a standard 12-gauge field gun for reduced fatigue
- 13-inch length of pull fits shooters with 22-26 inch arm lengths precisely
- Includes three choke tubes (Full, Modified, IC) and a wrench — a $40 value if purchased separately
- Gas-operated action reduces felt recoil by 15-20% compared to inertia-driven systems
Trade-offs
- Muddy Girl camo is molded-in, not dipped — pattern choices are fixed with no aftermarket hydro-dip option
- Gas piston requires cleaning every 250-300 rounds to maintain reliable cycling with light target loads
- No accessory rail or drilled/tapped receiver for optic mounts — iron sights only
- Youth dimensions may require a stock spacer kit for adult shooters, adding $25-40 and fitting time
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the TriStar Raptor II Youth 20 Gauge 24″ Muddy Girl? It's a compact, gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun engineered for smaller-framed shooters, particularly in youth training and field applications where a lighter, shorter platform is essential. Chambered specifically for 20-gauge 3-inch shells, it employs a 24-inch barrel with a fiber-optic front sight and a Muddy Girl camo-over-molded synthetic stock that resists weather and incidental impacts better than traditional wood finishes. The included choke set (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder) and rubber recoil pad make it immediately field-ready for clay targets, light upland game, or introductory safety courses.
What is the TriStar Raptor II Youth 20 Gauge 24″ Muddy Girl used for?
This shotgun is designed for introducing younger or smaller-statured shooters to semi-automatic shotgun handling, training, and light field use. Its primary applications are controlled clay target sessions, dove and quail hunting, and foundational firearms safety instruction where reduced felt recoil and manageable weight are critical. The 24-inch barrel provides a balanced swing for sporting clays, while the 20-gauge chambering keeps powder and shot weight appropriate for developing shooters — you won't be ethically taking geese at 40 yards, but you can run a flat of target loads without shoulder fatigue.
How does the TriStar Raptor II Youth 20 Gauge 24″ Muddy Girl compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U Shotgun?
The TriStar Raptor II is a gas-operated semi-automatic, while the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact is an over-under break-action shotgun; this mechanical distinction dictates their use cases. The Stevens offers faster choke selection and simpler manual-of-arms, making it slightly better for formal trap/skeet disciplines where immediate barrel switching matters. However, the TriStar's gas system absorbs more felt recoil — approximately 15-20% less perceived kick with standard target loads — which is a decisive advantage for youth shooters or anyone sensitive to recoil management during extended training sessions.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 5.8 pounds empty, with an overall length of 42.5 inches and a length of pull measuring 13 inches. The 24-inch barrel contributes to a forward weight bias that aids in swing follow-through, while the compact receiver geometry keeps the center of gravity manageable for shooters with shorter arms. Compared to a standard 12-gauge field gun, this is approximately 2 pounds lighter and 4 inches shorter in overall length, which directly translates to less fatigue during a 3-hour training clinic or walking a field edge.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not for adult shooters seeking a dedicated 3-gun competition platform, a waterfowl shotgun for heavy steel loads, or anyone requiring extensive aftermarket accessory rails and mounts. The youth-focused dimensions — particularly the 13-inch length of pull — will feel cramped for most average-sized adult males, and the gas system isn't optimized for cycling ultra-light 7/8-ounce target loads consistently. If your primary use is high-volume trap shooting or you demand forged steel components, look at the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge 30in Walnut O/U Shotgun review instead.
What's in the box?
You receive the assembled shotgun, three internal choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a choke tube wrench, and a plastic choke storage case. The firearm ships with a manual, a cable lock, and the factory test-fired casing required by some jurisdictions for transfer. There is no hard case included — plan on acquiring a 44-inch soft or hard case for transport, and budget for a basic cleaning kit as the gas piston system requires more frequent carbon removal than an inertia-driven autoloader.
Is the TriStar Raptor II Youth 20 Gauge 24″ Muddy Girl worth it at $520.99?
At $520.99, it represents solid value for a dedicated youth/training shotgun with a complete choke set and a durable, low-maintenance finish. You're paying approximately $150 less than a comparable Turkish-made semi-auto from Stoeger or a used Beretta AL390, but you sacrifice some long-term parts availability and polished fitment. If your need is a reliable, lightweight 20-gauge for introducing a new shooter that can handle occasional field use without worrying about wood stock dings, this price is justified. If you anticipate 5,000+ rounds annually or need interchangeable barrels, invest up front in a Browning Maxus or Benelli Montefeltro.
Key attributes
| upc | 713780202273 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 20227 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| color | Black |
| length | 37.1000 |
| model | Raptor II |
| package height | 3.0 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| shipping weight | 7.75 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| youth shotgun | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Does it fit a standard 20-gauge saddle mount or ammo carrier?
- The receiver dimensions are compatible with most universal 20-gauge saddle mounts, but the Muddy Girl camo texture may require slight modification for adhesive-backed models. For a secure fit, I recommend the Allen Company 20-Gauge Stretch-to-Fit Sling with a 1-inch width, which attaches cleanly to the factory swivel studs without marring the finish.
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes like Carlson's or Briley?
- Yes, it uses standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke threads. Aftermarket tubes from Carlson's, Briley, or Trulock in the Mobil pattern will thread correctly, but always verify tube length — standard 2.75-inch tubes work; extended tubes may protrude beyond the muzzle crown and affect patterning at distances over 35 yards.
- How long does shipping take for an FFL transfer?
- Most distributors process and ship within 3-5 business days after payment verification. Transit time via ground carrier averages 4-7 business days to your chosen FFL holder. Always contact your receiving FFL before ordering to confirm they accept shipments from the vendor and to provide their current license on file.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit my child properly?
- Firearms are non-returnable once transferred through an FFL, except for manufacturing defects verified by the factory. Before purchase, measure the shooter's length of pull from trigger to shoulder pocket — this shotgun's 13-inch LOP suits arm lengths of approximately 22-26 inches. If uncertain, visit a local retailer to handle a similar compact model first.