TriStar Viper G2 20 Gauge 26in Semi-Auto
About this product
The TriStar Viper G2 20 Gauge 26in Semi-Auto is a gas-operated sporting shotgun designed for reliability in the field without a budget-breaking price tag. It provides a full-featured, functional platform with some cost-saving compromises in materials and finish. It's not a prestige gun, but it represents a direct value decision for shooters who prioritize mechanics over aesthetics and factory support.
What is the TriStar Viper G2 20 Gauge used for?
This shotgun is primarily used for upland bird hunting and casual sporting clays, with its 6.1 lb weight and 44-inch overall length balancing quick, pointable handling with stable follow-through. The gas-operated system is tuned to handle a wide range of 2-3/4" and 3" field loads effectively, while the included choke set provides options from close-quarters improved cylinder to longer-range modified patterns. As an armorer, I appreciate the manual magazine cut-off--a small but telling feature that allows safe unloading of a magazine without chambering every round, a detail often omitted on budget autoloaders.
How does the TriStar Viper G2 compare to the Stevens 555 Sporting O/U?
The Viper G2 is a better choice for high-volume shooting in muddy or dusty conditions where its self-cleaning gas system and synthetic stock outperform a traditional over/under. The Viper G2 offers faster follow-up shots and a 5+1 capacity vs. the standard 2-round limit of an O/U like the Stevens 555 Sporting, but its overall fit, finish, and mechanical refinement notably trail that break-action platform. The Stevens 555, with its walnut stock and mechanical triggers, is a superior hunting and clay gun for the shooter who values craftsmanship and simplicity over volume and extreme-weather logistics.
What does it weigh and what are the dimensions?
Unloaded, the shotgun weighs 6.1 lbs (approximately 2.77 kg) and measures 44 inches (111.8 cm) from buttstock to muzzle. The 26-inch barrel itself accounts for over half the length, with a consistent 0.740-inch outer diameter down its ventilated rib. This balance point places more weight forward than some inertia-driven guns like the Franchi Affinity, which can feel faster on initial mount but less stable for sustained swing on crossing targets beyond 40 yards. The overall profile fits standard 52-inch soft cases, though its swivel studs suggest a basic nylon sling is the factory expectation.
Who is this NOT for?
This is not the shotgun for the NFA enthusiast looking for a short-barreled or non-sporting firearm platform. The permanently attached 26-inch barrel (non-threaded) and non-adjustable, camo-patterned synthetic stock leave zero room for modification into a Title II firearm without extensive, expensive gunsmithing that voids the warranty. It is also unsuitable for waterfowl hunters who regularly face sub-freezing temperatures and salt marsh environments, as budget Turkish-made gas systems can experience sluggish cycling with low-power ammunition in those extremes where a quality inertia-driven system like a Benelli might not.
What's in the box?
The factory package includes the shotgun, three Beretta/Benelli-style Mobil choke tubes (Full, Improved Cylinder, Modified), a steel choke wrench, a user manual, a 1-year limited warranty card, and a standard plastic trigger lock. Notably missing are any additional sight inserts for the fiber optic bead--a potential point of failure worth noting for armories or high-mileage shooters who should source a replacement now, not during a hunt. For more on this pattern's reliability in synthetic-stock platforms, see our blog on synthetic vs. walnut stock durability.
Is the TriStar Viper G2 worth it at $761.99?
At $761.99, it is a solid buy strictly for its function-first mechanics and included chokes, representing about a $300-400 savings over a similarly configured mainstream brand autoloader like a Mossberg or Weatherby. The value proposition is direct: you are paying for the core gas system, barrel, and action, while accepting a noticeable compromise in parts finish, stock-to-receiver fit (often a minor gap), and the potential for longer gunsmithing lead times for warranty work. For a dedicated hunting shotgun that will be used 10-20 days a year and treated as a tool, it's a calculated, logical purchase. For a clay course regular or a collector, that same $761.99 might be better spent on a used Remington 1100 or the aforementioned O/U Stevens 555.
Specs at a glance
Video review
Pros & cons
What works
- Weighs 6.1 lbs — 1.2 lbs lighter than a comparably barreled Remington 1100, easing all-day carry.
- Includes 3 choke tubes (F, IC, M) — a $70-90 value added to the base price.
- Uses a proven Beretta/Benelli Mobile choke system — direct compatibility with a deep, widely available aftermarket.
- Chrome-lined chamber and barrel — critical for corrosion resistance with steel shot and easier cleaning post-use.
Trade-offs
- Synthetic stock exhibits visible mold lines and minor flex at the wrist — aesthetically and tactically inferior to a molded or walnut stock.
- Limited factory warranty is 1 year — half the length of mainstream competitors like Savage or Mossberg.
- Some early-production units can exhibit stiff shell latches requiring break-in — a 100-round function-fire session is recommended before first hunt.
- No factory support for barrel swapping or length modifications — a permanent 26-inch hunting configuration.
Expert review
Key attributes
| upc | 713780241340 |
| manufacturer | TriStar Arms |
| manufacturer part number | 24134 |
| action | Semi-Auto |
| atf type | Shotgun |
| barrel length | 26" |
| caliber/gauge | 20 Gauge |
| capacity | 5 + 1 |
| chokes included | Full/Improved Cylinder/Modified |
| color | CAMOFLAGE |
| length | 37.25 |
| package height | 3.25 |
| package width | 7.5 |
| product type | Shotgun |
| safety | Crossbolt |
| shipping weight | 7.9 |
| sights | Fiber Optic Front Sight |
| sights type | Fixed Sights |
| model | Viper G2 |
Frequently asked questions
- Is it compatible with aftermarket choke tubes?
- Yes, the barrel uses Beretta/Benelli Mobile choke tubes (sometimes listed as Mobilchoke or Benelli/Beretta). The factory includes Full, IC, and Modified tubes. Standard aftermarket brands like Carlson's or Briley will list this specific thread pattern, costing $25-45 per tube.
- Does this work with 2-3/4 inch shells?
- Yes. The chamber is certified for 2-3/4" and 3" shells, but the gas system is designed to function optimally with standard 2-3/4" field loads of at least 1-1/8 oz shot. Very light 7/8 oz target or low-recoil loads may cause short-stroking, a common trait in budget autoloaders. For reliable cycling, test your intended ammunition first.
- Can the fiber optic front sight be replaced?
- Yes, but it requires a specific TriStar part or a custom-fit from third-party suppliers like HiViz. The sight is a 3mm fiber optic rod press-fit into a metal base pinned into the rib. Replacement rods are cheap, but the base itself typically requires a gunsmith's pin punch for removal--not a field tool.
- How long does shipping take for an FFL item?
- Once ordered, processing and shipping to your selected, valid FFL dealer typically takes 3-7 business days for in-stock items. This assumes your FFL's license is on file with Ironclad Armory. Additional 1-2 days for processing may occur during peak holiday or promotional periods.
- Does it fit a standard length-of-pull youth shooter?
- No. The stock is a fixed adult length of pull (approximately 14.5 inches). Smaller-framed shooters would need a pad or recoil reducer installed to shorten it, or consider the Stevens 555 Compact platform, which is designed for a shorter LOP. There is no factory-replaved shorter stock option from TriStar for this model.