Description
Picture this: you’re walking a cut soybean field in late October, the sun just starting to warm the air. A covey of quail flushes, and you swing through smoothly. That’s the moment a shotgun like this is built for—a reliable, no-fuss partner for the upland hunter who values time in the field over a fancy name on the receiver. So, what exactly are you getting for your money?
The TriStar Hunter EX O/U 28ga 28″ 2.75″ Walnut Stock Steel Rcvr Blued Barrel is a value-priced, Turkish-made over-under shotgun chambered in 28 gauge. It features a 28-inch barrel, a walnut stock, a blued steel receiver, and is designed for 2.75-inch shells, making it a lightweight and responsive choice for upland game and clays. This model offers classic over-under reliability and pointability at a price point that’s hard to beat for budget-conscious shooters.
Let’s talk about where the value really shows up. The heart of any over-under is its action, and the Hunter EX uses a boxlock design with a single selective trigger and automatic ejectors. That means after you fire, the spent shells are kicked out for you—a nice touch you don’t always see at this price. The manual safety is tang-mounted, right under your thumb where it should be for instinctive operation. The 28-inch barrels are blued and feature a fixed choke setup (typically Improved Cylinder and Modified), which covers most hunting scenarios right out of the box. No gunsmithing required to get started; just take it to the field.
The walnut stock is where you see the practical trade-offs. It’s a functional, decently finished piece of American walnut, not exhibition-grade by any means. The checkering is machine-cut and provides a secure grip. The stock has a classic pistol grip and a modest recoil pad, which is more than sufficient for the mild recoil of the 28 gauge. Weighing in at approximately 6.5 pounds, this shotgun carries all day without fatigue, a critical feature when you’re covering miles after birds.
Here’s the thing—the 28 gauge itself is a big part of the appeal. It offers a lighter payload with less recoil than a 20 gauge, but with significantly more authority than a .410. It’s devastating on game like quail, woodcock, and dove at reasonable ranges. Ammo is more specialized and can cost a bit more than 12 or 20 gauge target loads, but for the hunter who appreciates a refined shooting experience, it’s worth the trade. The TriStar Hunter EX provides an affordable gateway into this classic bore.
| Gauge | 28 Gauge |
| Chamber | 2.75″ |
| Barrel Length | 28 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 45.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.5 lbs |
| Action | Over/Under, Boxlock |
| Trigger | Single Selective |
| Ejectors | Automatic |
Pros: Exceptional value for a feature-packed O/U. Lightweight and quick-handling for upland hunting. Includes automatic ejectors and a single selective trigger. Classic walnut and blued steel aesthetics. Mild-recoiling 28 gauge is a pleasure to shoot.
Cons: Fixed chokes limit versatility compared to choke-tube models. Walnut finish and checkering are utilitarian, not premium. 28-gauge ammo is less common and can be more expensive than 12/20 gauge.
This shotgun is for the hunter or recreational clays shooter who wants the reliability and handling of an over-under but can’t justify a four-figure price tag. It’s a perfect first O/U, a dedicated small-gauge field gun, or a low-cost introduction to the 28 gauge. If your priority is performance in the field over prestige in the clubhouse, this is a serious contender. Priced at $608.83, it undercuts many competitors by hundreds while delivering core functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What chokes does it come with?
A: The TriStar Hunter EX typically comes with fixed chokes. The most common configuration is Improved Cylinder in the bottom barrel and Modified in the top barrel. This is a great all-around setup for hunting but does not allow for interchangeable choke tubes.
Q: Is the 28 gauge suitable for a beginner?
A: Absolutely. The low recoil makes it very forgiving and encourages good shooting habits. The main consideration is ammo cost and availability—it’s wise to check your local supplier’s stock before committing. For a new shooter focused on upland birds or skeet, it’s an excellent choice.
Q: Can this gun handle steel shot for waterfowl?
A: We do not recommend using steel shot in this model with fixed chokes. The chokes are not specifically rated for steel, and the 28 gauge, while capable, is generally underpowered for most waterfowl applications. Stick to lead or approved non-toxic alternatives like bismuth for hunting within its intended upland game range.
Ready to add this lightweight, value-focused over-under to your collection? This TriStar Hunter EX O/U 28ga is available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. FFL transfer required for firearm purchases.
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