Description
Picture this: you’re walking a Missouri fence line at dawn, the air crisp. A covey flushes. You swing, the gun mounts smoothly, and the first shot connects. That’s the experience the TriStar Hunter EX O/U 16ga 28″ 2.75″ Walnut Stock Steel Rcvr Blued Barrel is built for. It’s a classic over-under shotgun designed for the hunter who wants reliable performance without draining the bank account.
The TriStar Hunter EX O/U 16ga 28″ 2.75″ Walnut Stock Steel Rcvr Blued Barrel is a 16-gauge over-under shotgun featuring a 28-inch barrel, a durable steel receiver, a blued finish, and a walnut stock. It’s a budget-friendly, field-ready shotgun built for upland game and clay shooting, offering traditional handling in a less common, softer-recoiling gauge.
Let’s talk value. In a market where many over-unders start well over a thousand dollars, finding one under $600 that doesn’t feel like a toy is a challenge. The Hunter EX meets it. The heart of this shotgun is its steel receiver. It’s not fancy, but it’s solid—providing a reliable, durable foundation for the action. The 28-inch barrels are blued, a classic finish that resists the elements with basic care. The walnut stock is where you see the budget-conscious tradeoff. It’s a functional, decently finished piece of wood, not exhibition-grade. But it’s real wood, not plastic, and it gives the gun a proper heft and balance in the hands.
The 16-gauge chambering is a smart choice here. It splits the difference between the ubiquitous 12-gauge and the lighter 20-gauge. Recoil is noticeably milder than a 12, making it a pleasure to shoot all day, yet it still throws an effective pattern for pheasant, quail, or dove. It uses 2.75″ shells, which is the standard for this gauge. With an overall length around 45 inches and a weight hovering near 7 pounds, it’s a quick-handling field gun. Here’s the thing—this shotgun is drop-in ready. You pick it up, it fits, and you go hunting. No gunsmithing required to get started.
It uses a single selective mechanical trigger and automatic ejectors, which are features you often have to pay up for in this price range. The extractors are a nice touch, kicking spent shells out positively. The gun comes with a set of five choke tubes (F, IM, M, IC, SK), compatible with the popular Beretta/Benelli Mobil style, giving you incredible versatility for different game and ranges. That’s a huge value-add right there.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 16 Gauge |
| Chamber | 2.75″ |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 45 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7 lbs |
| Chokes | 5 (F, IM, M, IC, SK) – Beretta/Benelli Mobil Thread |
| Trigger | Single Selective Mechanical |
| Price | $522.16 |
Pros & Cons
Pros: Exceptional value for an over-under. Real walnut stock and steel receiver at this price is rare. The 16-gauge offers a sweet-shooting middle ground. Includes five choke tubes for versatility. Classic, no-frills field gun aesthetics.
Cons: Fit and finish are functional, not refined. The wood-to-metal fit may show slight gaps. The 16-gauge, while excellent, has less available ammo variety than 12 or 20 gauge. It’s a basic workhorse, not a showpiece.
Who It’s For
This shotgun is for the practical hunter. Maybe you’re a Missouri upland hunter wanting a dedicated game gun that won’t hurt your shoulder or your wallet. Perhaps you’re a shooter looking for an affordable entry into over-unders for casual clays. It’s ideal for someone who values reliability and classic handling over fancy engraving and a perfect gloss finish. If your priority is a dependable tool for the field that leaves cash in your pocket for ammo and gas, this is a compelling choice. It is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide, with an FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 16-gauge hard to find ammo for?
A: Not really. While it’s not as common as 12 or 20 gauge, most sporting goods stores and online retailers stock 16-gauge target and hunting loads. You won’t have the wall-to-wall selection of a 12-gauge, but you’ll find what you need for pheasant, dove, or clays without much trouble.
Q: Can this gun handle steel shot for waterfowl?
A: With the provided choke tubes, yes, it can safely fire steel shot. Always check the choke tube itself for steel shot ratings. For modern, high-pressure non-toxic loads, it’s best to stick with more open chokes (Improved Cylinder or Modified) to be safe. It’s primarily an upland gun, but it can do double-duty.
Q: How does this compare to a used brand-name over-under?
A: That’s the real question. For around $500, you might find a used Browning or Beretta that needs work, has fixed chokes, or shows significant wear. The Hunter EX gives you a new gun, with a warranty, multiple chokes, and no hidden issues. The tradeoff is the fit and finish of a budget Turkish-made gun versus the pedigree of a worn classic.
If a straightforward, reliable over-under that gets you in the field without fuss sounds right, the TriStar Hunter EX 16-gauge deserves a close look. See the full details on our site.
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