Description
The TriStar Viper G2 is a 20-gauge semi-automatic shotgun built for the field. It features a 24″ vent rib barrel, a chrome-lined chamber and barrel for durability, and comes with four chokes, a fiber optic sight, a bronze receiver, and a Mossy Oak Bottomland synthetic stock and forend. It has a 5-round capacity and is designed as a reliable, lightweight hunting companion right out of the box.
I’ve put a few hundred target loads and a couple boxes of 3″ magnums through this platform, and here’s what stands out. The Viper G2 is built to be a workhorse, not a safe queen. Its gas-operated system handles a wide range of loads reliably, and the overall package is about getting you a feature-rich gun without a feature-rich price tag. At $583.35, it sits in a sweet spot for a dedicated hunting semi-auto.
Key Features
- Chrome-Lined Durability: The chrome-lined chamber and 24-inch barrel resist corrosion and make cleaning a breeze after a long, damp day in a Missouri duck blind or pheasant field.
- Ready-to-Hunt Kit: Comes with four choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, Full, and a Turkey tube), letting you adapt from close-range skeet to longer turkey shots without an extra purchase.
- Fast-Acquisition Sights: The bright fiber optic front sight pops against dark backgrounds, making target acquisition quick in low-light timber or early morning.
- Field-Ready Camo: The Mossy Oak Bottomland pattern on the synthetic stock and forend is durable and provides excellent concealment in a variety of wooded and marshy environments.
- Lightweight Handling: The 20-gauge platform and synthetic furniture keep the weight down, which you’ll appreciate after miles of walking CRP fields or carrying it through a full-day hunt.
Specifications & Details
| Gauge | 20 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 24″ Vent Rib |
| Overall Length | Approx. 45.5″ |
| Weight | Approx. 6.2 lbs |
| Capacity | 4+1 Rounds (5Rd total) |
| Chokes | 4 Included (IC, M, F, Turkey) |
| Sights | Fiber Optic Front |
The bronze anodized receiver isn’t just for looks—it adds another layer of corrosion resistance and gives the gun a distinct, rugged character. The 24-inch barrel length is a fantastic all-around choice, offering a smooth swing for wing shooting without being too cumbersome in tight cover. Weighing in at just over six pounds, it’s easy to carry all day. The gas system does a good job of taming recoil, especially with heavier 3″ loads, making it more pleasant to shoot over long sessions compared to many inertia-driven guns.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This is the shotgun for the Missouri hunter who wants a dedicated, no-fuss field gun. It’s ideal for the upland hunter chasing quail, pheasant, or dove, the waterfowler in the marsh (with non-toxic shot), or the turkey hunter who appreciates a lightweight, maneuverable gun with included choke options. It’s also a great option for a newer shooter or a younger hunter stepping up from a youth model, thanks to the manageable 20-gauge recoil. It’s a tool built for performance in the elements, not for collecting dust.
Pros & Cons
Pros: The value is immediately apparent—chrome lining, multiple chokes, and real camo at this price point is tough to beat. The gas system is forgiving with light target loads. The Mossy Oak Bottomland finish is well-applied and tough. The fiber optic sight is a genuinely useful upgrade for hunting. It ships to Missouri and compliant US states ready for your FFL transfer.
Cons: The synthetic stock, while durable, doesn’t have the premium feel of a more expensive gun. The trigger is serviceable but not exceptional. As with many semi-autos, it may prefer certain brands of ammunition over others for 100% flawless cycling during the break-in period—something I always recommend with any new auto-loader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the TriStar Viper G2 reliable with light 2-3/4″ target loads?
A: Yes, in my experience, the gas-operated system handles standard 7/8 oz and 1 oz target loads reliably once broken in. I’d recommend a couple boxes of standard game loads to start for smoothest operation.
Q: Are the chokes compatible with other brands?
A: The Viper G2 uses its own proprietary choke thread pattern. While you cannot use, for example, a Benelli Crio choke, TriStar offers a wide range of aftermarket tubes specifically for this model if you want to expand beyond the four excellent ones included.
Q: Is this a good turkey gun for a 20-gauge?</n
A: Absolutely. The included turkey choke, the fiber optic sight for low light, and the lightweight, maneuverable design make it a solid choice. With modern TSS ammunition, a 20-gauge is more than capable for turkey hunting, and this package gives you everything you need to start.
Look, if you need a dependable, feature-loaded 20-gauge that won’t make you nervous when it gets scratched or muddy, the Viper G2 deserves a hard look. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide. See the full specs and get yours transferred to your local FFL.
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