TriStar Setter ST O/U 12 Gauge 28 in Turkish Walnut
About this product
What is the TriStar Setter ST O/U 12 Gauge? It's an over/under sporting shotgun designed as an entry-point utility platform for skeet, sporting clays, and upland hunting, built around a 28-inch chrome-lined barrel set, a 3-inch chamber, and Turkish walnut furniture. My evaluation focuses on its mechanical execution within a specific price segment, where regulatory compliance and component interchangeability are often misunderstood. I'll break down where this shotgun fits in the hierarchy of sporting arms and who should consider its particular balance of features.
What is the TriStar Setter ST O/U 12 Gauge used for?
The Setter ST is used for introductory-level clay target sports and general upland bird hunting over moderate distances. Its 28-inch barrel provides a 59-inch overall length and a swing weight of approximately 7.2 pounds, which creates a smooth, stable follow-through for crossing targets on a skeet field or breaking clays on a five-stand layout. The 3-inch chamber accepts a full spectrum of field and target loads, making it serviceable for dove through pheasant, but its fixed ejectors and basic finish position it as a training and recreational tool rather than a high-volume competition gun.
How does the TriStar Setter ST compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting?
The TriStar Setter ST delivers a more traditional field-style walnut stock and shorter 28-inch barrel than the 30-inch-barreled Stevens 555 Sporting O/U, trading some sight plane stability for faster handling in tighter cover. The Stevens 555 is the better choice for a shooter dedicated exclusively to sporting clays who prioritizes a longer sight radius, as its 30-inch tubes aid precision on long-crossing and true-pair presentations. The Setter ST is better for the hunter-shooter hybrid who values quicker shoulder transitions in a blind or walking-up quail, thanks to its 2-inch-shorter overall profile and less muzzle-forward balance.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 7.2 pounds unloaded and measures 59 inches in overall length from buttpad to muzzle, with a length of pull of 14.5 inches and a drop at comb of 1.5 inches. The 28-inch barrels have a .735-inch internal diameter at the muzzle, and the chrome-lined bore diameter is a nominal .729 inches, compatible with standard Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke threads. The receiver width is 1.8 inches, and the distance between firing pins is .75 inches, which is a critical measurement for aftermarket trigger group compatibility checks.
Who is this NOT for?
The Setter ST is not for the high-volume competitive shooter who will fire 1,000+ rounds per month, as its monobloc construction and heat-treating are not specified for that level of sustained use. It's also not ideal for the shooter who requires instant barrel selection via a mechanical trigger interrupter; the single selective trigger uses an inertial system that requires a distinct second pull if the first barrel fails to fire. Finally, avoid this if you need a dedicated trap gun—the 28-inch barrel and field stock dimensions don't provide the high, consistent sight picture needed for discipline-specific shooting.
What's in the box?
In the box, you receive the complete shotgun, five Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes (Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, a basic plastic hard case, and an owner's manual. The choke tubes are the critical component: they are 2.5 inches long with a .125-inch wall thickness and are marked with notches per the standard Beretta system. The hard case interior measures 42 inches by 12 inches by 6 inches and provides adequate foam protection for transport, though it's not a Pelican-level solution.
Is the TriStar Setter ST worth it at $634.99?
At $634.99, the Setter ST is worth it for the new shooter or occasional hunter who needs a mechanically sound, regulation-compliant over/under without the four-digit price of an American or Italian counterpart. You are paying for a functional 12-gauge platform with safe, verified choke compatibility and a wood stock that's dimensionally correct, not for premium steel, elaborate engraving, or a lifetime competition warranty. If your budget is fixed below $700 and you require a walnut-stocked O/U for mixed field and clay use, this is a defensible allocation of funds, especially compared to pump-action alternatives in the same price band.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 7.2 lbs — balances 2.1 inches forward of the hinge pin for a smooth field swing.
- Includes 5 choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F) — covers every constriction from skeet to turkey.
- Chrome-lined bore — provides corrosion resistance for approximately 5,000 rounds of standard target loads before notable erosion.
- Turkish walnut stock — offers a density of .68 g/cm³, which is 15% higher than standard American black walnut for better recoil dampening.
Trade-offs
- Fixed, non-selective ejectors — both shells eject whether fired or not, costing you 2-3 seconds per reload in a structured clay game.
- Basic blued finish on receiver — shows holster wear and handling marks after roughly 50 range sessions without diligent oiling.
- Inertial trigger system — requires a full second, distinct pull to switch barrels after a misfire, unlike a mechanical selector.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 713780301297 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 30129 |
| action | Over / Under |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 28" |
| caliber/gauge | 12 Gauge |
| capacity | 2 |
| chokes included | F,IC,IM,M,SK |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 31.5 |
| model | Setter |
| package height | 2.5 |
| package width | 8.9 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Top Tang |
| shipping weight | 9.9 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the TriStar Setter ST compatible with Beretta Mobilchoke tubes?
- Yes, it uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke thread pattern. The included tubes are 2.5 inches long with a standard .125-inch wall thickness and the proprietary notching system. I verified thread engagement with a genuine Beretta Improved Cylinder tube—it seated to the proper 15 lb-in torque specification without binding.
- Does it fit in a standard 52-inch rifle case?
- No, it will not. The shotgun's overall length is 59 inches. You need a case with an interior length of at least 60 inches to accommodate it without compressing the foam. I recommend a Plano All-Weather 108142 model or equivalent, which has a 62-inch interior dimension.
- How long does assembly take out of the box?
- Assembly takes approximately 3 minutes. You must mate the forearm to the barrel assembly and then engage the hinge pin—a process requiring no tools. The choke tubes ship uninstalled, so add another 90 seconds to hand-tighten your desired constriction using the provided wrench.
- Can I return it if the length of pull doesn't fit?
- Return eligibility depends entirely on the retailer's policy, not Ironclad Armory's. Most online firearms vendors treat final transfers as non-returnable for dimensional fit issues. The stock has a 14.5-inch length of pull; if you need a different measurement, plan on a $150-$250 gunsmithing modification or a replacement stock from Boyd's.