Back in 2019, and featured right here on Gun Of The Week, American Rifleman named the company’s Turkish import, the Viper G2 in .410 bore, "Shotgun Of The Year," and since then, the family-centered team in Missouri has expanded its offerings. Included are models such as the Raptor II, which is a revised semi-automatic built with a tried-and-true operating system that is available in 12 and 20 gauges along with a variety of stock arrangements. Watch our video above to see the Raptor II in use on the range.
While TriStar Arms maintains its supply of original Raptor shotguns, this second addition offers up a few noteworthy features while also maintaining its affordability. The TriStar Raptor II on the range here is in 20 gauge, and as you can tell, it is fitted with an updated walnut stock. A gas-operated, semi-automatic action is the heart of the gun and is one that we find works quite well. This version we have on the range measures 48.5 inches long and tips the scales at just over 7 pounds all while offering up a 26 inch barrel with ventilated sighting rib and fiber-optic front sight. The combination creates a fast-handling scattergun worthy of field use, and one that is just as capable at the clays range.
Our testers agreed the high-gloss finish is a good-looking feature on the sample provided for this video. And aside from its good looks, the redesigned shape performs well between the hands. The added texturing and contours of the fore-end increases its usefulness for all shooters, whether you’re the bigger, more outstretched type, or of smaller size and need to choke up toward the receiver. The only complaint we had with the Raptor II is the long 14 ¼” length of pull, so those smaller shooters out there may need to look at a more compact option.
TriStar also adds in a few premium features that are easy to overlook. For its barrel of the Raptor II in 20 gauge, the company has added chrome lining to the chamber and bore, which is found to boost performance, makes for easier cleaning and helps mitigate future corrosion. Controls are improved across the Raptor II and are easy to master and indicative of where semi-auto scatterguns are today. There’s an action release button along the receiver’s right side, and it is enlarged for easy use. The charging handle is a barrel type that is also larger than normal. A familiar crossbolt-type safety is positioned behind the gun’s trigger—press it left and you’re ready to fire. TriStar even offers this model with an enlarged trigger guard for quick access, which is a handy upgrade for when flushing game is present.
Assembly of Raptor II is straightforward, and the TriStar owner’s manual will help with that. But on the range our testers found the Raptor II functioned well and came to shoulder smoothly. While some shooters would appreciate a shorter stock and hard rubber to prevent snags, the gun’s price point is not one to scoff at. We also came to appreciate the updates TriStar made to the Raptor II stock, and the use of Beretta Mobil-type chokes adds even more value to an otherwise already valuable shotgun.
Raptor II Specifications
Importer: TriStar Arms
Action Type: gas-operated, semi-automatic shotgun
Gauge: 20; 3"
Receiver: aluminum
Barrel: 26" chrome-lined steel; Beretta Mobil-style chokes
Magazine: five-round tubular
Sights: ventilated rib; fiber-optic bead front
Stock: gloss-finished walnut
Overall Length: 48.5"
Weight: 7 lbs., 1.6 ozs.
MSRP: $629
