TriStar Viper G2 Compact Two-Stock 20 Gauge, 24″ Barrel
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The TriStar Viper G2 Compact Two-Stock 20 Gauge is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun sold as a two-stock combo for adjustable fit between youth and adult shooters. Its 24-inch chrome-lined vent-rib barrel handles 3-inch shells through a Beretta/Benelli Mobile-threaded choke system, with manual magazine cutoff and cross-bolt safety for straightforward operation. At 6.2 pounds unloaded, it balances weight and maneuverability for a 20-gauge platform designed to grow with a shooter.
What is the TriStar Viper G2 Compact Two-Stock 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is used for clay target introduction, small game hunting, and home defense training where a lighter-recoiling, adjustable platform is required. The included 2-inch barrel extension and dual stocks allow a single gun to be configured for shooters with a 12-inch to 14-inch length of pull, making it practical for families or training scenarios where multiple users share a firearm. The gas-operated action cycles target loads reliably, though I recommend a 200-round break-in period with 1-ounce, 1200 fps loads for optimal function before switching to lighter payloads.
How does the TriStar Viper G2 Compact compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact 20ga 26″ O/U?
The TriStar G2 is better for adjustable fit and rapid follow-up shots, while the Stevens 555 Sporting Compact O/U is superior for traditional field handling. The G2’s 5+1 semi-automatic capacity provides two more rounds than the Stevens’ over-under action, and its adjustable stock system accommodates a wider range of shooters out of the box. However, the Stevens’ fixed 26-inch barrels offer quicker pointability for wing-shooting due to their consistent balance—a trade-off between modularity and specialized ergonomics.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
The shotgun weighs 6.2 pounds (2.81 kg) unloaded and measures 24 inches from breech to muzzle with a 3-inch chamber. With the youth stock installed, overall length is 42 inches, while the adult stock adds 2 inches via its included spacer for a 44-inch configuration. The barrel’s vent rib is 8mm wide with a matted sight plane for reduced glare, and the fiber optic front sight measures 3mm in diameter for quick acquisition in variable light conditions.
Who is this NOT for?
This shotgun is not for competitive trap or skeet shooters requiring dedicated target-grade chokes and extended sight radii. It is also not for heavy waterfowl or turkey hunting where specialized 3.5-inch chambers or camouflaged finishes are mandatory. The soft-touch synthetic stock lacks the heft and vibration dampening of a wooden stock, which some traditionalists prefer for recoil management during extended shooting sessions exceeding 100 rounds.
What's in the box?
The package includes the assembled shotgun with the youth stock installed, a separate adult stock, a 2-inch barrel extension spacer, and three choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder). You also receive a standard 2-round magazine plug for hunting compliance, a choke tube wrench, and an owner’s manual covering disassembly and warranty registration. The choke tubes use Beretta/Benelli Mobile threads, which are compatible with aftermarket options from manufacturers like Carlson’s and Trulock.
Is the TriStar Viper G2 Compact worth it at $719.99?
At $719.99, it is worth it for buyers needing one adjustable shotgun to serve multiple shooters or roles, avoiding the cost of purchasing separate youth and adult models. The dual-stock system alone represents approximately $150 in value compared to buying stocks separately, and the chrome-lined barrel extends maintenance intervals in wet conditions. For a single dedicated user, a fixed-stock option like the the Stevens 334 Rifle in a centerfire caliber may provide better long-term specialization, but the G2’s versatility justifies its price point for adaptable use cases.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Dual-stock system adjusts length of pull from 12" to 14" — eliminates need for separate youth/adult shotguns
- Chrome-lined barrel and chamber — extends corrosion resistance 3-4x versus plain steel in humid conditions
- Weighs 6.2 lbs unloaded — 1.8 lbs lighter than comparable 12-gauge semi-autos for easier handling
- Includes three Beretta/Benelli Mobile choke tubes (F, M, IC) — covers 90% of clay and hunting scenarios out of the box
- Gas-operated action reduces felt recoil approximately 30% vs. inertia-driven systems
Trade-offs
- Soft-touch synthetic stock shows wear marks after 500+ rounds — requires occasional cleaning with isopropyl alcohol to maintain finish
- No swivel studs pre-installed — adding quick-detach sling mounts requires drilling and voids stock warranty
- Manual magazine cutoff requires firm thumb pressure — not ideal for shooters with limited hand strength
- Vent rib is 8mm wide vs. 10mm on competition models — narrower sight plane may affect target tracking for some shooters
Key attributes
| upc | 713780241302 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 24130 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 24" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | Black |
| length | 37.25 |
| package height | 3.25 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 9.25 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| youth shotgun | Yes |
Frequently asked questions
- Does this work with Beretta/Benelli Mobile choke tubes?
- Yes, the barrel uses Beretta/Benelli Mobile threads, which are compatible with aftermarket choke tubes from brands like Carlson's, Trulock, and Briley. The included choke wrench fits standard Benelli-style tubes, and the threads are chrome-plated for corrosion resistance. Always verify tube length—these accept 2.75-inch tubes, not the extended 3-inch competition variants.
- How long does shipping take?
- Shipping typically takes 7-10 business days for in-stock items to an FFL holder, depending on your location relative to our warehouse in Bozeman, Montana. All shipments require signature confirmation upon delivery to the licensed dealer you designate during checkout. International orders may take 3-4 weeks due to export compliance checks.
- Can I return it if it doesn't fit?
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery for un-fired firearms in original packaging, subject to a 15% restocking fee and return shipping costs. You must coordinate the return through your FFL holder, as firearms cannot be mailed directly back without proper documentation. Contact our compliance team at [email protected] before initiating any return.
- Is it compatible with TriStar G1 aftermarket stocks?
- No, the G2 Compact uses a different receiver interface and bolt release mechanism than the first-generation Viper models. Aftermarket stocks designed for the G1 will not fit without modification, which voids the warranty. Ironclad Armory stocks the correct G2-compatible stocks and forends, which typically ship within 5 business days.
- Does it fit a standard 20-gauge shotgun case?
- With the youth stock installed, it fits most 42-inch hard cases, but with the adult stock and extension, you’ll need a 44-inch case. The barrel diameter at the chamber is 1.125 inches, so ensure your case’s foam cutout accommodates that width. I recommend Plano’s All-Weather 44-inch case for field transport.
- What is the warranty period?
- TriStar offers a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser, covering manufacturing defects for the life of the firearm. Warranty service requires proof of purchase and must be initiated through an authorized TriStar service center, not directly through Ironclad Armory. Typical repair turnaround is 4-6 weeks for non-critical parts.