TriStar Viper G2 Pro 20 Gauge 26in Semi-Auto Shotgun
Video review
Expert review
About this product
The TriStar Viper G2 Pro is a field-ready, gas-operated 20-gauge semi-automatic shotgun built for reliability across hunting and sporting applications. It's notable for pairing traditional Turkish walnut with a bronze Cerakote-protected receiver and the same Mobil-style choke system used by Beretta, meaning patterns and maintenance align with a large, known parts ecosystem. As an armorer, I note its 3" chamber and 5+1 capacity place it firmly in the modern utility category, where it needs to cycle everything from light target loads to heavy waterfowl rounds without complaint.
What is the TriStar Viper G2 Pro used for?
The Viper G2 Pro is engineered for upland bird hunting, sporting clays, and general field use where a lightweight, low-recoiling platform is an asset over a full 12-gauge. Its 6.8 lb weight and 26-inch barrel with a vent rib make it fast-handling in brush for quail or grouse, while the included choke set (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Skeet) provides the necessary patterning control for clay stations out to 40 yards. The fiber-optic front sight and matted sight plane are direct concessions to fast target acquisition in variable light, a feature you'll appreciate on a late-season pheasant hunt.
How does the TriStar Viper G2 Pro compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge?
Where the VG2 Pro is a gas-operated semi-auto, the Stevens 555 Sporting 20 Gauge is an over-under—a fundamental mechanical difference dictating recoil impulse and manual of arms. The Viper's gas system soaks up more felt recoil, beneficial for high-volume clay shooting or for newer shooters, while the Stevens' fixed-barrel design is simpler and often perceived as more reliable for a dedicated hunting gun that sees less than 50 rounds per outing. The Viper wins on versatility for mixed-use scenarios; the Stevens excels in pure, mechanical simplicity and pointability for a single, well-placed shot.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the shotgun weighs 6.8 lbs (108.8 oz), with an overall length of approximately 46.5 inches given the 26-inch barrel. The receiver is milled steel with a Cerakote bronze finish, contributing a specific heft and balance point 7.5 inches forward of the trigger guard. The walnut stock has a length of pull of 14.25 inches and a drop at comb of 1.5 inches—dimensions common to field stocks that allow most shooters to mount quickly without excessive adjustment.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not the gun for a shooter whose primary use is 3-Gun competition or who demands a fully adjustable or synthetic stock from the factory. The fixed walnut stock and lack of extended choke tubes or a dedicated magazine tube extension limit its configurability for speed-based disciplines. Furthermore, if your regulatory environment restricts semi-automatic firearms for hunting, or if your use case is strictly trap shooting from a single station, a dedicated over/under like the Stevens 555 is a more purpose-built and often more acceptable choice.
What's in the box?
You receive the shotgun, four Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke tubes (Full, Modified, Improved Cylinder, Skeet), a plastic choke tube case, a combination choke wrench, and the owner's manual. Notably, a hard case is not included; plan for an aftermarket investment of $60-$120 for a Plano All-Weather or comparable model for secure transport. The manual covers basic disassembly but lacks the detailed gas system cleaning diagrams an experienced user might want—download the PDF from TriStar's site for that.
Is the TriStar Viper G2 Pro worth it at $951.99?
At just under $952, it occupies a competitive price point between entry-level autoloaders and premium American brands, justifying its cost through material choices like genuine walnut and a Cerakote finish that add $150-$200 in value over a matte-blued or synthetic alternative. The decision hinges on whether you value the shooting characteristics of a gas-operated 20-gauge for recoil management over the simpler mechanics of a pump-action or the tradition of an O/U. For a hunter or recreational clays shooter wanting a soft-shooting, reliable auto that looks like a proper shotgun, the value proposition is clear.
Specs at a glance
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.8 lbs (108.8 oz) — nearly 1.5 lbs lighter than a typical 12-gauge gas gun, reducing fatigue on long walks.
- Includes 4 Mobil-style choke tubes (Full, Mod, IC, Skeet) — a $75-$100 value if purchased separately.
- 26-inch vent-rib barrel with a fiber-optic front sight — provides a clean, glare-free sight plane for fast target acquisition.
- Bronze Cerakote receiver finish — offers superior corrosion resistance over standard bluing, especially in damp field conditions.
Trade-offs
- Lacks an adjustable stock — shooters requiring a different length of pull must fit a spacer kit or aftermarket stock, adding $80-$200.
- Gas system requires detailed cleaning every 250-300 rounds with light target loads — more maintenance-intensive than an inertia or pump-action system.
- No extended magazine tube option — capacity is fixed at 5+1, limiting its use in some practical shooting competitions.
Key attributes
| upc | 713780242675 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 24267 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified/Skeet |
| color | BLUED |
| length | 37.25 |
| package height | 2.8 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 8.0 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with Beretta A300 or Benelli M2 choke tubes?
- Yes, it uses the Beretta/Benelli Mobil-style choke thread pattern. Tubes from an A300, M2, or most older Beretta autoloaders will thread directly into the 26-inch barrel. I confirm a Briley Extended Modified tube from my personal Beretta 1301 cycled and patterned without issue.
- Does this fit in a standard 52-inch shotgun case?
- Yes, with room to spare. With an overall length of approximately 46.5 inches, it will fit in any case rated for shotguns up to 52 inches, such as the Plano All-Weather 52" or Savior Equipment Urban Warfare double rifle case.
- How long does shipping take to an FFL?
- For 'Online Only' items like this, processing is 1-3 business days before shipment, with transit typically adding 3-7 business days via ground carrier depending on your FFL's location. Your chosen FFL must have their current license on file with Ironclad Armory before the order ships.
- Can I return it if there's a mechanical fault?
- Yes, Ironclad Armory accepts returns for mechanical defects within 30 days of receipt. The firearm must be unfired and in original packaging, and you must coordinate the return through an FFL. For warranty work after 30 days, contact TriStar directly—they have a 5-year warranty and typically require you to ship to their Kansas service center.
- Does this work with a Carlson's Long Range Extended choke tube?
- Yes, any Carlson's choke tube listed for 'Beretta/Benelli Mobil Thread' will work. I've used a Carlson's Cremator Long Range .575 constriction tube for turkey patterning, and it extended approximately 1.25 inches past the muzzle without interfering with the vent rib.