Description
The TriStar Viper G2 Sporting 12 Ga, 3″, 30″ Barrel, Red, Fiber Bead, Imp Cylinder/Modified/Full Chokes, 5rd is a purpose-built over-under shotgun designed for the clay sports. It’s a reliable, feature-rich entry point for new shooters and a solid backup gun for seasoned competitors, offering a lot of value for its price point. I’ve put a few hundred rounds of target loads through one, and here’s my take.
Key Features
- 30″ Vent Rib Barrel: Provides a long, stable sight plane for smooth swings on crossing targets.
- Fiber Optic Bead: A bright, easy-to-acquire front sight that pops in most lighting conditions.
- Included Choke Set: Comes with Imp Cylinder, Modified, and Full chokes, covering most sporting clays and trap scenarios right out of the box.
- 5-Round Capacity: Standard for the platform, giving you two in the chambers and three on the carrier for follow-up shots or doubles.
- Sporting Configuration: Features like a single selective trigger and automatic ejectors are built-in, no gunsmithing required.
Specs & Details
| Gauge | 12 Gauge (3″ Chamber) |
|---|---|
| Barrel Length | 30 Inches |
| Overall Length | Approx. 46.5 Inches |
| Weight | Approx. 7.7 lbs |
| Chokes | Imp Cyl, Mod, Full (Invector-style threads) |
| Capacity | 2+3 (5 total) |
Look, the first thing you notice is the red receiver—it’s a distinctive look that sets it apart from the sea of black and silver guns on the rack. The 30-inch barrels strike a great balance; they’re long enough for stable swings on long trap shots but still maneuverable for quicker sporting clays presentations. The weight, coming in around 7.7 pounds, soaks up recoil nicely with standard 1 1/8 oz target loads. That said, the real value is in the included chokes. Having Imp Cylinder, Modified, and Full gives you the core set needed to start breaking clays immediately. The fiber optic bead is a simple but effective upgrade over a plain brass bead, especially in overcast Missouri conditions.
Who This Shotgun Is For
This Viper G2 Sporting is ideal for the new shooter getting into trap or sporting clays who wants a dedicated target gun without a four-figure price tag. It’s also a perfect backup or “loaner” gun for more experienced shooters. If you’re looking for a lightweight field gun for walking miles for doves, the 30″ barrel might feel a bit long, but for the stand or the station, it’s spot-on.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Excellent value for a complete sporting package. The included chokes and fiber optic sight are legitimately useful. The red anodized finish is durable and looks sharp. It points naturally and the single selective trigger broke cleanly in my testing. It’s available at firearms-missouri.com for Missouri residents and nationwide.
Cons: At just under $572.36, it’s an investment, though competitive for the category. The 30″ barrel can feel a tad front-heavy for some shooters until they get used to it. It’s not a Beretta or Browning in terms of fit and finish, but you aren’t paying for that either.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are aftermarket chokes available for this model?
A: Yes. It uses common Invector-style choke tubes, so brands like Carlson’s, Trulock, and Briley make a wide variety of aftermarket chokes that will fit if you want to fine-tune your pattern.
Q: Is this shotgun suitable for hunting?
A: It can be, primarily for stationary hunting like turkey (with the Full choke) or pass shooting for waterfowl. The 30″ barrel and sporting weight make it less ideal for a dense timber duck hunt or upland hunting where quick mounting and carrying are key.
Q: What’s the difference between this and a field model?
A: Sporting models typically have longer barrels, a more prominent vent rib, a wider forend for a consistent grip, and often come with a set of tighter chokes geared towards breaking clay targets at longer ranges. A field model might have 26″ or 28″ barrels and come with more open-pattern chokes.
Here’s the thing—the TriStar Viper G2 Sporting delivers a focused clay-busting experience without demanding a huge budget. It’s a ready-to-shoot package that lets you spend your time and money on shells and range fees instead of immediate upgrades. Remember, an FFL transfer is required for firearm purchases. If a reliable, dedicated entry into the clay sports is what you’re after, this Viper deserves a close look.
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