When it comes to shotguns, TriStar is a name that commands respect. Established in 1994 out of Kansas City, Missouri, they’ve carved a niche in the market by offering an impressive lineup of pumps, over/unders and semi-autos that cater to the needs of the modern shooter—without breaking the bank. TriStar’s partnership with Turkish gunmakers is no secret, and they’ve consistently delivered shotguns that hit the sweet spot between quality and price. Most of their shotguns are crafted by Kayman Armsan Company in Istanbul, Turkey. Armed with cutting-edge CNC technology, they churn out some of the finest scatterguns on the market today.
TriStar doesn’t simply pick and choose from what’s available overseas. Through careful research and product development, they determine what characteristics and features firearms enthusiasts in the U.S. are looking for, thus leading to the creation of the value-packed guns we see on the shelves today.
Whether you’re after a new hunting gun to be used for geese, turkey, rabbits or more--or even one to be used to bust bright orange clays flying through the sky--TriStar has you covered. If you’re looking for serious firepower, they’ve got 3½" magnums. Lefties aren’t left out, either. But if you’re talking top-shelf semi-autos, the Viper G2 is where it’s at—available in 12, 20 and 28 gauges, as well as.410 bore (the focus of today's review).
The Viper G2 chambered in .410 is a standout in the G2 lineup. Don’t let this sub-gauge fool you; it has been turning heads and outperforming expectations since its launch. Turkish craftsmanship shines through on the G2, meaning it gets the job done while looking good at the same time. The barrel is deeply blued to a mirror-like finish, and the glossy Turkish walnut stock and forend add a touch of class, with just enough figuring in the wood to catch the eye. The buttstock incorporates a soft sporting-clays-style pad, complete with a hard-plastic insert at the top, while the checkering on the stock and forend ensures a rock-solid grip in case of inclement weather.
The stock is designed with dimensions that hit all the right notes: a 14 3/8" length of pull, 1½" drop at the comb, and 2¼" drop at the heel, with a touch of cast off at 1/4". For those who may need slight adjustments, this shotgun comes with a set of shims to dial in the drop and cast, accommodating both right- and left-handed shooters. The cross-bolt safety is tucked behind a roomy trigger guard, perfect if you happen to be wearing gloves. While the trigger is a bit heavy on the pull at 8 lbs., 8 oz., it does provide a nice, crisp break, sans takeup.
The simple class of this .410 is very much capable of holding up to whatever Mother Nature throws its way. Closing the action requires a bit of muscle, thanks to a raised button on the right side, but that extra effort adds a layer of safety. The ejection port is roomy as well, making shell insertion a breeze, and the magazine port is just as user-friendly, allowing you to easily load up the five-round tubular magazine quickly and easily, regardless of whether you are wearing gloves or are bare-handed.
The 28" barrel is more than adequate, allowing for a smooth and effortless swing onto moving targets such as clays or wild game. Inside, the chamber and barrel are chrome-plated, ensuring easy cleaning and long-term durability. A 5mm-wide ventilated rib runs the length of the barrel, aligning perfectly with the matte finish on the receiver for a consistent sighting plane, drawing your eye straight to the red fiber-optic front sight. The bore is a precise 0.410", and it’s equipped with screw-in chokes, giving you plenty of options for aftermarket upgrades. The Viper G2 includes three different choke tubes, including a CT-3 improved cylinder, modified and full choke.
If you’re in the market for a shotgun that can be enjoyed both casually and while on the prowl for wild game, the .410-chambered TriStar Viper G2 semi-auto is quite worthy of your consideration. At $745, the Viper G2 .410 packs a punch in terms of value and versatility. In the hands of a skilled shooter, it’s a perfect companion for rabbits, clay pigeons, squirrels and more. For more information on this and everything TriStar has to offer, visit tristararms.com.
Specifications
Manufacturer: TriStar Firearms
Firearm Model: Viper
Hand: Right
Barrel Finish: Blued
Barrel Length: 26"
Chamber Length: 3.0 in.
Stock Color: Brown
Stock Material: Wood
Caliber: .410
Action: Semi-Auto
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