TriStar’s Shiny Red Shotgun: The Viper G2 SR Sport
Russ Chastain 06.12.14
TriStar Arms is a relative newcomer to the gun world, but that doesn’t mean they should be counted out. They’ve been steadily working to expand their line and presence by concentrating on the desires of the modern hunter and shooter. While they don’t make firearms themselves (the guns are made overseas and imported into the USA), they are confident enough in their products to offer a five-year warranty.
TriStar’s Viper G2 line of semi-autos currently contains eight models, according to their website. Modern matte synthetic, camo synthetic, and traditional wood-stocked models are included–and there’s even a tactical turkey gun with a pistol grip. The newest addition, though, is the colorful SR Sport model.
The first thing you notice about the SR Sport is the color. The receiver and magazine end cap are bright red! Yep, both are made of red anodized aluminum. Buttstock and forearm are black synthetic with a “soft touch” coating, and the gloss blued 30″ barrel has a raised ventilated matte-top target rib. The Viper G2 SR Sport comes with four extended Beretta® Mobile style choke tubes (improved cylinder, modified, full, and skeet).
With a fiber optic front sight, 5+1 shell capacity (a magazine plug is included, and a magazine cutoff allows manual one-at-a-time loading while keeping the mag full), a chrome-lined barrel and chamber, and maybe some swivel studs (they’re mentioned, but not shown in any photos), it sounds like a flexible package that ought to turn some heads at the skeet range.
Chambered for 3″ shells, the Sport will also cycle 2-3/4″ shells, so you can pretty much use whatever ammo best suits your situation.
The company president says this model went through a 5,000-round endurance test, so it appears they’ve really put it through its paces.
Price-wise, the Viper G2 SR Sport’s MSRP is $609. Compare that to $804 for an all-black synthetic Remington 11-87 with fewer features, and it’s clear why folks would look hard at Tristar and be willing to give them a try.
TriStar Viper G2 SR Sport Specs:
- Gauge: 12
- Ammo: 2-3/4″ and 3″ shells
- Action: Semi-automatic
- Barrel: 30″, chrome-lined chamber & bore, raised matte-top vent rib & fiber optic sight
- Choke tubes: 4 extended Beretta Mobile style SK, IC, M, F
- Average weight: 7.2 pounds
- Capacity: 5+1 (magazine plug included)
- Magazine cutoff: Yes
- MSRP: $609.00
