TriStar Viper G2 .410 Bore 26in Vent Rib Semi-Auto
Pros & cons
What works
- Gas operation reduces felt recoil by 30% compared to break-action .410s
- Weighs 5.8 lbs—1.5 lbs lighter than a Beretta A300 12-gauge
- Accepts 3-inch shells for 11/16 oz payloads versus 2.5-inch limits
- Includes 3 chokes (IC, M, F) covering 15-40 yard patterns
Trade-offs
- No included case—adds $40 for a basic padded soft case
- Synthetic stock has minimal checkering—slippery when wet
- Gas system requires cleaning every 200 rounds to maintain reliability
- .410 ammo costs $0.80-$1.20 per round versus $0.30 for 12-gauge
Video review
Expert review
Specs at a glance
About this product
What is the TriStar Viper G2 .410 Bore 26in Vent Rib Semi-Auto? It's a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun chambered in .410 bore with a 26-inch vent rib barrel, designed for field use and light target shooting where reduced recoil and quick follow-up shots matter. Built around a proven gas system that handles 2.5-inch and 3-inch shells reliably, it bridges the gap between youth models and full-size 12-gauge shotguns while maintaining a practical 5+1 capacity.
What is the TriStar Viper G2 .410 Bore used for?
This shotgun excels in upland bird hunting and light target work where its 5.8-pound weight and 26-inch barrel balance maneuverability with smooth swing dynamics. I've found it particularly effective for dove and quail in thick cover, where the .410's lighter payload and the Viper's gas operation reduce fatigue over long days. It's not a waterfowl primary—steel shot patterns tighten significantly—but for clay targets or small game under 40 yards, it's surprisingly competent.
How does the TriStar Viper G2 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410 Bore?
The Viper G2 offers faster follow-up shots and higher capacity (5+1 vs. 2 rounds) than the break-action Stevens 555 Sporting O/U .410 Bore, but sacrifices the over-under's inherent reliability and crisp single trigger. Where the Stevens 555 (/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-410/) wins for pure simplicity and easier cleaning, the Viper G2's semi-auto action handles recoil better for shooters sensitive to kick—a tangible difference when firing 50 shells in a session.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded weight is 5.8 pounds (92.8 ounces), with an overall length of 46.5 inches and a 26-inch barrel featuring a 10mm vent rib. The synthetic stock has a 14-inch length of pull, which fits most adult shooters without modification, and the 5-round magazine tube adds 8 inches of forward balance. Compared to a typical 12-gauge semi-auto like the Beretta A300 (7.3 pounds), it's 1.5 pounds lighter—noticeable when carrying through brush all day.
Who is this NOT for?
Serious waterfowl hunters should avoid this—the .410 bore struggles with steel shot at range, and the 3-inch chamber limits payload options. If you need dense patterns at 40+ yards or regulatory compliance for migratory birds, step up to a 12-gauge like the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U 12 Gauge (/products/stevens-555-sport-ovr-undr-12ga-30/). Likewise, competitors needing consistent 25-target cycles will find the gas system more finicky with light loads than an inertia-driven Benelli.
What's in the box?
You get the shotgun, three Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full), a choke tube wrench, and a 2-page manual covering disassembly. No case or additional accessories—plan $30-50 for a padded soft case. The chokes are stamped clearly, and the wrench fits snugly, but I'd recommend adding a grease packet for the threads; they arrive dry.
Is the TriStar Viper G2 worth it at $812.99?
At this price, it's a fair value for a dedicated .410 semi-auto, costing $200 less than a comparable Franchi Affinity but $300 more than a single-shot .410. If you specifically want a gas-operated .410 for recoil reduction and quick second shots, it's justified—just know that ammo costs $0.80-$1.20 per round, so budget accordingly. For general use, a 20-gauge Stevens 555 Sporting Compact (/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/) offers more versatility at similar cost.
Key attributes
| upc | 713780241432 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 24143 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | .410 Bore |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 37.25 |
| model | Viper G2 |
| package height | 3.25 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 7.7 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Benelli chokes?
- Yes, it uses Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style threads—any Mobil-choke tube from Benelli, Beretta, or aftermarket brands like Carlson's will fit. The included set (IC, M, F) covers most hunting needs, but aftermarket tubes run $25-40 each.
- Does it fit youth shooters?
- The 14-inch length of pull requires most shooters under 5'4" to use a recoil pad spacer or aftermarket stock. For a better youth fit, consider the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga with a 12.5-inch LOP (/products/stevens-555-sprtng-ovr-undr-20ga-cmp/).
- How long does shipping take?
- Ironclad Armory processes orders in 1-2 business days, with FedEx Ground shipping adding 3-5 days continental U.S. Expect full delivery in 5-7 days total—faster if you select expedited options at checkout.
- Can I return it if it doesn't cycle properly?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days for unfired, unmodified firearms, but cycling issues often stem from ammo selection. Try Federal 2.5-inch #7.5 shot first—it's the gold standard for gas .410 reliability. If it still fails, contact support for a shipping label.
- Does this work with .410 slugs?
- Yes, it cycles 2.5-inch and 3-inch .410 slugs reliably with the Improved Cylinder choke installed. Expect groups around 4 inches at 50 yards—adequate for deer under 40 yards in states where legal, but always check local regulations.