TriStar Viper G2 Pro 16ga 28in Vent Rib Semi-Auto Shotgun

Description

The TriStar Viper G2 Pro 16ga 28in Vent Rib Semi-Auto Shotgun delivers a gas-operated 16-gauge platform built for upland hunters who need a lightweight, soft-shooting field gun that cycles reliably in cold weather. With a bronze-finished receiver, 28-inch vent-rib barrel, and cut-checkered Turkish walnut stock, this semi-auto combines old-school craftsmanship with modern gas-system dependability. It ships with a fixed stock, fiber-optic front sight, and a set of choke tubes on the Beretta/Benelli Mobil thread pattern. Per TriStar specs, the chrome-lined bore resists fouling and corrosion, while the manual E-Z load magazine cut-off lets you swap loads without unloading the tube.

Manufacturer	TriStar
Model	Viper G2 Pro
Material	Chrome-lined steel barrel / Turkish walnut stock
Compatibility	Beretta/Benelli Mobil choke tubes
Finish	Bronze anodized receiver / blued barrel
Weight	6.5 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Gas-Operated Action – Reduces felt recoil by about 30% compared to inertia guns, so you stay on target for fast follow-up shots on flushing birds.
• 28-Inch Vent-Rib Barrel with Fiber-Optic Front Sight – The vent rib cuts mirage and heat distortion, and the fiber-optic front gives you a bright aiming point in low light.
• Manual E-Z Load Magazine Cut-Off – Lets you eject a chambered shell without feeding another round from the magazine, handy when crossing a fence or swapping loads.
• Cut-Checkered Turkish Walnut Stock with Rubber Recoil Pad – Provides a secure grip with wet or gloved hands, and the pad soaks up the last 10% of recoil on heavy 16-gauge loads.
• Chrome-Lined Bore – Extends barrel life and makes cleanup faster — no rust spots after a wet day in the field.

Who It’s For

This shotgun is built for the upland hunter who wants a 16-gauge that handles like a 20 but patterns like a 12. It suits anyone who hunts pheasants, grouse, or woodcock in mixed cover, and who prefers a gas system over an inertia action for softer shooting. The fixed stock and 28-inch barrel make it a natural fit for taller shooters or those who shoot a standard LOP (14.5 inches per TriStar specs).

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Lightweight at 6.5 lbs — easy to carry all day on public land walks.
• Pro: Reliable cycling with 2.75-inch and 3-inch 16-gauge shells, even in sub-freezing temps.
• Pro: Bronze receiver resists scratches and looks sharp without being flashy.
• Con: Fixed stock — no shim kit for cast or drop adjustment, so left-handed shooters may need a custom fit.
• Con: The manual magazine cut-off takes a few reps to use smoothly under pressure.

Comparison vs. Competitors

Feature	TriStar Viper G2 Pro 16ga	Benelli M2 Field 16ga	Winchester SX4 16ga
Action Type	Gas-operated	Inertia-driven	Gas-operated
Weight	6.5 lbs	6.2 lbs	6.8 lbs
Choke System	Mobil (Beretta/Benelli)	Benelli Crio	Winchester Invector-Plus
Stock Material	Turkish walnut	Synthetic or walnut	Synthetic
Magazine Cut-Off	Yes, manual	No	No
Price	$1,008.61	~$1,399	~$1,099

The Viper G2 Pro undercuts the Benelli M2 by nearly $400 and still gives you a walnut stock and a manual cut-off that inertia guns lack. The Winchester SX4 is close in price but uses a synthetic stock and lacks the cut-off feature. If you want wood and gas operation at a reasonable price, the TriStar wins.

FAQ

Does the TriStar Viper G2 Pro come with choke tubes?

Yes. It ships with a set of factory choke tubes (typically IC, M, F) on the Beretta/Benelli Mobil thread pattern. Extra tubes are widely available from brands like Carlson’s and Trulock.

Is this shotgun left-hand friendly?

The Viper G2 Pro has a right-handed cast-off stock and a right-side eject port. Left-handed shooters will need to replace the stock or send it to a gunsmith for cast adjustment. The ambi safety is a plus, but the ejection port is fixed.

What shells cycle reliably in the Viper G2 Pro 16ga?

Per TriStar specs, it cycles 2.75-inch target loads (1 oz) and 3-inch magnum loads without issue. Stick to 1-ounce or heavier loads during the 100-round break-in period. Light 7/8-ounce loads may short-stroke the action until the gas system wears in.

Can I mount a red dot or scope on this shotgun?

The 28-inch vent rib has no drilled/tapped holes, but you can use a saddle mount or a barrel-mount rail system from B-Square or similar. The fiber-optic front sight is adequate for most field shooting out to 40 yards.

Trust & Delivery

• ✔️ Nationwide delivery to all 50 states
• ✔️ Ships within 1-2 business days
• ✔️ 30-day return policy
• ✔️ Secure checkout with encryption

Last updated: April 2026

According to NSSF data, 16-gauge shotguns account for roughly 3% of the U.S. shotgun market, but demand has held steady among upland purists who value the gauge’s balance of payload and recoil.

Shop more in our Semi Auto Shotguns category, or browse 16 Gauge Shotguns and Upland Shotguns.