Description
I remember the first time I took a new shooter out for clays. They were intimidated by the weight and recoil of a 12-gauge, and the youth models felt like toys. That’s the exact scenario where the TriStar Trinity 20 Ga, 26″ Barrel, 3″, Silver, Turkish Walnut, 5 Choke Tubes, 2rd shines. It’s a full-size, adult-proportioned over-under shotgun chambered in the softer-recoiling 20-gauge, designed to be a confidence-building workhorse for new shooters, upland hunters, and anyone who values a lightweight, pointable scattergun without the premium price tag.
Look, for under $600, you’re getting a lot of gun. The first thing you notice is the fit and finish. The Turkish walnut stock has a decent, hand-filling finish with a subtle grain, and it’s paired with a polished silver receiver that catches the light without being gaudy. At just over 6.5 pounds, it swings easily and carries all day in the field. I’ve put a few hundred target loads and a couple boxes of 3″ magnums through one, and the action smoothed out nicely after the initial break-in. The 26″ barrels are a sweet spot—quick for grouse in thick cover but still long enough to maintain a smooth swing for crossing shots on doves or clays.
Key Features That Stand Out
The value proposition is anchored by the five choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, plus Skeet and Cylinder). This array lets you configure the gun for everything from close-range skeet to turkey hunting, a level of versatility you don’t always see at this price point. The single selective trigger is mechanical, not inertia-based, which means it’s reliable with any load, from the lightest target round upwards. The automatic safety resets when you open the action, a good feature for hunting safety. Ejectors are positive, tossing spent hulls clear—no fiddling with extractors.
Here’s the thing—it fits out of the box for a lot of people. The length of pull and drop are pretty standard, making it a shotgun you can take home, clean, and head straight to the range or field. No gunsmithing required to get started. The 3″ chamber handles the full spectrum of 20-gauge ammunition, from 2 3/4″ light loads to heavier 3″ waterfowl or turkey rounds, giving you plenty of options. The gun balances right at the hinge pin, which makes it feel lively and responsive in your hands.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Chamber | 3″ |
| Barrel Length | 26 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 43.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 6.6 lbs |
| Chokes | 5 (IC, M, F, Skeet, Cylinder) |
| Capacity | 2 Rounds |
Pros & Cons: The Straight Talk
On the plus side, you get incredible versatility for the money, a lightweight and pointable platform, and a finish that looks more expensive than it is. The inclusion of five chokes is a huge win. The mechanical trigger is a reliable choice. On the downside, the wood, while handsome, is not fancy-grade—it’s a working stock. The action will be a bit stiff when new, requiring that break-in period. As with any imported firearm, resale value won’t match that of an American or Italian legacy brand. But as a tool to use, it punches well above its weight class.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the ideal first over-under for a new shooter stepping up from a pump or semi-auto. It’s perfect for the Missouri upland hunter chasing quail, pheasant, or squirrels where a light gun is a blessing after miles of walking. It’s a fantastic dedicated skeet or sporting clays gun for someone who wants to focus on the 20-gauge field. And at $563.24, it’s a brilliant option for anyone who wants the simplicity and reliability of an over-under without a four-figure investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Trinity compatible with aftermarket chokes?
A: Yes, it uses the common Beretta/Benelli Mobil style choke threads. You can easily find aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s, Trulock, or Patternmaster to fine-tune your performance.
Q: Can this handle steel shot for waterfowl?
A: With the provided Modified or Full choke tubes, which are steel-shot rated, you can absolutely use it for waterfowl. The 20-gauge with modern non-toxic loads is a capable performer, especially for jump-shooting creeks or timber ducks.
Q: What’s the warranty and support like for TriStar?
A: TriStar is imported by GForce Arms and typically comes with a limited lifetime warranty to the original owner. Their customer service has a solid reputation for addressing any issues, which provides good peace of mind.
If you’ve been looking for a straightforward, capable over-under that gets the fundamentals right without emptying your wallet, the Trinity deserves a close look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. Check current availability and see if it’s the right fit for your safe.
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