Stoeger, Tristar or Berretta

[Axis II]

Looking for a new 20ga lightweight semi auto rabbit/pheasant shotgun. I’ve narrowed it down to Tristar Viper G2, Stoeger 3020 with camo stock and cerakote receiver. $430 for the Tristar and $475 for the stoeger. I am debating on spending Beretta $ though if i can keep it around $600. Maybe even weatherby. Weight is the largest concern as well as quality.

 

[badkarmamib]

Which points the best for you? When I was looking at a clays gun, I had my heart set on a Beretta. Every one I shouldered had the front bead sitting about 2" above the barrel rear. I ended up with a Winchester instead. Since shotguns are pointed rather than aimed, fit is the most important feature.

 

[Cvans]

The Stoeger 3020 is a nice gun but being an inertia design the action is a little on the clunky side. It was something I just couldn't get used to. My grandson has it now and thinks it's a great gun. If there is some way you can shoot one before purchase I'd suggest doing it. I have nothing against Stoeger and purchased one of their 20 ga. doubles and like it a lot.

 

[Milkmaster]

Which Beretta are you considering?

 

[PapaG]

Beretta, Stoeger, and,......................................Tri Star.
One of my high school trap team girls shot a Tri Star Viper 20 last year and it never failed to fire.

 

[jmr40]

Last year about this time I was looking for a Benelli M2 20 ga with a 24" barrel. Price would have been around $1300. But due to supply issues couldn't find one and was told it would be 3-4 months minimum. I considered the Beretta A300 at $850, but it only comes with a 28" barrel.

I had almost given up when I found one of these used for $350. I took a chance on it and have been very happy. The fact that I saved $1000 over a Benelli didn't hurt.

SA-08™ Synthetic Compact - Weatherby, Inc.

Hey, not everyone is 6-feet-plus and 200 pounds. For hunters on the smaller scale, I’m ready for gas-operated action with a more compact stock and a fast-swinging 24” barrel.

weatherby.com

 

[red rick]

Last year about this time I was looking for a Benelli M2 20 ga with a 24" barrel. Price would have been around $1300. But due to supply issues couldn't find one and was told it would be 3-4 months minimum. I considered the Beretta A300 at $850, but it only comes with a 28" barrel.

I had almost given up when I found one of these used for $350. I took a chance on it and have been very happy. The fact that I saved $1000 over a Benelli didn't hurt.

SA-08™ Synthetic Compact - Weatherby, Inc.

Hey, not everyone is 6-feet-plus and 200 pounds. For hunters on the smaller scale, I’m ready for gas-operated action with a more compact stock and a fast-swinging 24” barrel.

weatherby.com

I have the full size deluxe version of that shotgun . I don’t like the action of it with the magazine release lever .

Does the compact model come with any shims to lengthen the pull form 12 1/2 inches ?

 

[GooseGestapo]

Three years ago, I bought a TriStar Raptor 20ga “Youth” model with the Cam-4 pattern synthetic stock. 24” vent rib bbl and choke tubes. The stock was way too small and low combed, I contacted the Importer and ordered an adult stock for it. It’s unquestionably my favorite all time shotgun. It’s a Beretta “clone”, and I’m told that the manufacturer in Turkey is actually Beretta owned.
It uses Benelli Crio choke tubes, so I’ve bought a skeet, and improved modified to go with the original modified choke.
My favorite load is an ancient Hercules load from a ‘70’s manual using 12.7gr of GreenDot powder (I was gifted almost a full 8lb caddy) under a 7/8oz PC wad for a little over 1,100fps. The little 20 feeds even the ugliest crimps/hulls, and drops the empties about a foot to the right… patterns are something to behold! I’ve knocked fox squirrels out of 80’ high trees with #6’s and they hit the ground dead…
I can recommend the TriStar…