TriStar Viper G2 20 Gauge 26″ Vent Rib Semi-Auto
Video review
Expert review
About this product
What is the TriStar Viper G2 20 Gauge 26″ Vent Rib Semi-Auto? It's a gas-operated 20-gauge shotgun built for sporting clays and upland hunting with a 5.8-pound weight and 26-inch vent rib barrel. The Turkish walnut stock and blued steel receiver deliver traditional aesthetics with 3-inch chamber versatility. Its 5+1 capacity and included choke set make it adaptable to various field conditions while maintaining manageable recoil characteristics.
What is the TriStar Viper G2 used for?
This shotgun excels at sporting clays and upland bird hunting where quick target acquisition and shot-to-shot reliability matter most. The 26-inch barrel provides optimal swing dynamics for crossing targets while the gas system absorbs enough recoil to maintain sight picture. I've found it particularly effective for dove and quail in moderate cover where the 5.8-pound weight won't fatigue during all-day carries.
How does the TriStar Viper G2 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
The Viper G2 offers faster follow-up shots than the over-under Stevens 555 due to its semi-automatic action, though the Stevens provides more immediate barrel selection. Where the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge requires manual cycling, the TriStar cycles 2¾-inch target loads reliably at approximately 0.3 seconds between shots. For competitive sporting clays or rapid-flush scenarios, the semi-auto advantage is measurable; for deliberate two-shot engagements, the over-under's simplicity wins.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight sits at 5.8 pounds with an overall length of 46.5 inches thanks to the 26-inch barrel. The vent rib measures 8mm wide with a matted sight plane that reduces glare during morning hunts. At 14.5 inches length of pull, it accommodates most adult shooters without modification, though the walnut stock can be trimmed for custom fitting if needed.
Who is this NOT for?
Serious waterfowl hunters needing 3.5-inch chamber capability should look elsewhere, as the 3-inch chamber limits steel shot options. The manual E-Z load magazine cut-off also makes tactical applications impractical compared to dedicated defense shotguns. If you're considering suppressors or NFA configurations, the fixed choke system (without aftermarket threaded options) creates compatibility hurdles that the Stevens 334 rifle platform avoids entirely.
What's in the box?
You'll find the shotgun with three Beretta/Benelli-style choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder), a basic trigger lock, and owner's manual documenting Turkish manufacturing specifications. The fiber optic front sight comes pre-installed with a 2.5mm red insert that's replaceable with standard aftermarket options. No cleaning kit or case is included, so budget an additional $40-60 for proper maintenance tools.
Is the TriStar Viper G2 worth it at $719.99?
At this price point, it delivers reliable gas-operated performance that outperforms pump actions in rapid-fire scenarios while costing $200 less than equivalent American-made semi-autos. The Turkish walnut alone would cost $300+ as an aftermarket upgrade on synthetic alternatives. For shooters wanting traditional aesthetics with modern reliability, it's a calculated value—though those needing competition-grade choke tolerance might justify stepping up to specialized models.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Gas operation reduces felt recoil by approximately 40% compared to inertia-driven systems
- 5.8-pound weight balances perfectly at the hinge pin for natural swing dynamics
- Includes three choke tubes ($75 value) covering 90% of sporting applications
- E-Z load cut-off allows chamber loading without cycling the action — saves wear on extractors
Trade-offs
- 3-inch chamber limits steel shot options for waterfowl — no 3.5-inch capability
- Fixed choke threading lacks aftermarket suppressor compatibility
- Walnut stock requires regular oiling — adds 15 minutes monthly maintenance versus synthetic
- Fiber optic sight insert may require replacement after 5000 rounds ($12 part)
Key attributes
| upc | 713780241036 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 24103 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 4 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 37.25 |
| package height | 2.9 |
| package width | 7.4 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 7.95 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses Beretta/Benelli mobile choke threading (same as Benelli Crio system). The included Full, Modified, and Improved Cylinder tubes interchange with aftermarket options from Carlson's or Briley. Just verify mobile choke markings before purchasing additional tubes.
- Does it fit in a 48-inch shotgun case?
- Barely—the 46.5-inch overall length leaves only 1.5 inches clearance in a 48-inch case. I recommend a 50-inch Plano All-Weather case for safe transport with optic sights. The vent rib adds height considerations most soft cases don't accommodate properly.
- How long does shipping take to FFL dealers?
- Expect 3-5 business days for processing plus ground shipping time to your selected FFL. We ship via UPS Firearms Program with tracking provided within 24 hours of order verification. Always confirm your dealer's acceptance before ordering.
- Can I return it if the stock doesn't fit?
- Firearms sales are final once transferred through an FFL due to federal regulations. We provide detailed dimensions (14.5" LOP, 1.5" drop at heel) so you can measure against your existing shotguns beforehand. Stock alterations void the warranty, so fit confirmation is critical.
- Does this work with low-recoil 20-gauge loads?
- The gas system cycles standard 2¾-inch target loads reliably but may not function with ultra-light 7/8-ounce loads below 1200 fps. For youth shooters, I'd recommend the <a href="/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/">Stevens 555 Compact</a> with its shorter stock dimensions instead.