Description
The TriStar Setter S/T Over/Under 28 Ga, 28″, 3″ Chamber, Turkish Walnut Stock, Blued is a lightweight, responsive over/under shotgun designed for upland hunting and sporting clays. It combines classic aesthetics with a durable, reliable mechanical action, offering a fast-handling platform for smaller game and target shooting where speed and pointability are critical. At $511.73, it presents a practical entry into the specialized 28-gauge world.
Key Features
- 28-Gauge Chambering: Delivers a lighter recoil impulse than a 20-gauge with effective patterns for dove, quail, and skeet.
- Turkish Walnut Stock: Provides a classic, durable finish with checkering for a secure grip in all weather conditions.
- Blued Steel Finish: Offers corrosion resistance and a traditional low-glare appearance in the field.
- 28″ Barrels: A balanced length for smooth swing dynamics on crossing shots and sustained leads.
- 3″ Chambers: Allows flexibility to shoot a wide range of 28-gauge loads, from light target to heavier field loads.
- Single Selective Trigger & Automatic Ejectors: For fast, intuitive follow-up shots without fumbling for a second trigger or manually extracting spent shells.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge | 28 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 28 inches |
| Stock | Turkish Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
| Trigger | Single Selective |
| Ejectors | Automatic |
This shotgun is built on a scaled, purpose-made frame, so it handles with the natural pointability a 28-gauge is known for—it’s not just a shrunken 12-gauge. The manual safety is typically located on the top tang, within easy reach of your thumb. With an average weight around 6.5 pounds, it carries easily all day. The gun ships to Missouri and compliant US states, ready for your local FFL transfer required for firearm purchases. It’s compatible with standard 28-gauge ammunition from brands like Federal Premium, Fiocchi, and Winchester.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the upland hunter’s specialist. When you’re walking miles of CRP for pheasant or navigating tight timber for grouse, the lighter weight and reduced recoil pay dividends. It’s also an excellent choice for a shooter looking to move into sporting clays or skeet with a gauge that teaches discipline—you have to make your shots count. For a younger shooter or someone sensitive to recoil, the 28-gauge offers a manageable step up from a .410. That said, it’s not a waterfowl or turkey gun; its purpose is fast, precise shooting on smaller, agile targets.
Practical Pros & Cons
Pros: The primary advantage is its superb handling. The lighter frame and chambering make for a quick-swinging gun that reduces fatigue. The classic walnut and blued steel construction resists the elements and looks the part in the field. At this price point, it provides accessible entry into a gauge often reserved for higher-end guns. The 3″ chamber versatility is a real asset.
Cons: Ammunition cost and availability for 28-gauge can be higher and more sporadic than for 12 or 20-gauge, especially in remote areas. It’s a specialist tool—if you need one shotgun for everything from dove to geese, you’ll want a 12-gauge. Some may find the mechanical triggers and ejectors less refined than those on guns costing three times as much, but they are reliable and functional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 28-gauge powerful enough for hunting?
A: Absolutely. With modern ammunition, the 28-gauge is highly effective on dove, quail, woodcock, and pheasant within reasonable ranges. It demands more precise shot placement than a 12-gauge, which many hunters find makes them better shots. It’s not recommended for larger game like turkey or waterfowl where dense, long-range patterns are required.
Q: Can I use 2.75″ shells in the 3″ chamber?
A: Yes. The 3″ chamber is designed to safely fire both 2.75″ and 3″ 28-gauge shells. This gives you maximum flexibility to choose lighter target loads for practice or clays and heavier field loads for hunting. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific ammunition recommendations.
Q: How does this compare to a TriStar Viper?
A: The Setter series typically features a more traditional, rounded action body and classic styling with a blued finish and walnut stock. The Viper series often has a more modern, squared-off receiver with an engraved silver finish. Mechanically, they are similar reliable over/unders, so the choice often comes down to aesthetic preference and which model fits you better.
Look, if you’re seeking a dedicated, fast-handling shotgun for upland birds or a disciplined approach to clays, the TriStar Setter S/T in 28-gauge makes a compelling case. Its combination of classic materials, practical features, and a focused design delivers performance where it counts. Available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
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