I know it's been awhile on this thread. There have been personal distractions in life.
My original search was a light recoil shotgun, for moderate use at best. This lead me to 20ga's, semi-automatic and economically priced.
I ended up purchasing the TriStar Viper G2 youth model 24130. It's reviews were more than acceptable and it had the most "pieces" for $'s.
Below are two sets of data, one from TriStar, YouTube reviews and/or vendor websites; the other is from my personal examination of the shotgun. I though others would be interested in the information.
TriStar Youth Models General Description: 3” gas operated, semi-automatic shotgun that allows you to shoot light target loads to heavy waterfowl loads interchangeably. Shim kits standard. Removable choke system uses Beretta®/Benelli® Mobil Threads, includes three choke tubes (IC, M, F), choke box, and wrench. Anodized Receiver and endcap, highly durable injection molded stock and forearm coated with “Soft Touch” finish for better feel. Rubber Recoil pad, swivel studs, fiber optic sight and shim kits standard.
Features: (Tri-Star Viper G2 model 24130)
• Manual E-Z Load Magazine Cut-Off
• Vent Rib w/ Matted Sight Plane
• Anodized Receiver and End-cap
• Fiber Optic Sigh)
• 5 Round Magazine (Shot Plug Included)
• Quick Shot Plug Removal
• Chrome-lined Chamber and 24” Vent Rib Barrel
• 2” Barrel Extension
• Oversized Bolt Handle and Release (Not on model 24130)
• Swivel Studs
• Youth & Adult Stocks
• “Soft Touch” on Stock and Forearm
• 3 Beretta®/Benelli® Mobil (Standard) Style Choke Tubes (IC, M, F)
• [4] Shim kit (tapered & various thickness)
• Five Year Warranty
Features – Not Identified by TriStar:
• LOP (Nominal) = 12-1/2” Youth / 14”Adult Stock
> Youth Model Includes Slimmer Forearm
• “Soft Touch” Stocks - “Grippier” Feel, Especially Wet
• Stock walls are approx. 3/32” thick & “bosses” for recoil pad mounting are approx. 5/16”
• Shim kit – dimensions nominal
> Cast Spacer - 0.070” (L) x 0.050” (R)
> #65 - 0.100” (T) x 0.055” (B)
> #55 - 0.050” (T) x 0.075” (B)
> #50 - 0.055” (T) x 0.100” (B)
• Recoil Pad Thickness (Nominal) = 7/8” Youth / 1” Adult
> Adult - Medium Soft density rubber compound, with “X” hatch pattern perforations
> Youth - Medium Hard density rubber compound, with single slanted chevron pattern perforations
> Recoil pad mounting holes are 3-3/4” CL/CL – non-industry standard
• OAL (without 2” extension) = 43”Youth / 44-1/2” Adult
• Weight (Empty) = Youth 6.13 lbs / Adult 7.0 lbs
• Gas actuation, piston components are located in the barrel cylinder (mounting lug)
• Ventilated Rib = 7mm (0.274”) Wide
• Fiber optic front sight is 0.09”Ø x 0.55” long – no mid-sight
• Receiver Dovetail = 12.45mm (3/8” USA / not Weaver) wide nominal x 120mm (4.75”) lg nominal
• 20ga Choke Constriction Ø (measured with caliper, actual OD may vary +.0000's):
> Full (v) – 0.5925” / Ref. Browning Invector Ø 0.594”
> Modified (vvv) – 0.6080” / Ref. Browning Invector Ø 0.605”
> Improved Cylinder (vvvv) – 0.6165” / Ref. Browning Invector Ø 0.609”
• Instruction Manual:
> Some areas are overly detailed, and others are lacking
> Printing is very small
> The photos are too small to understand what is being illustrated
> General Part Assembly diagram is too small, to easily identify shotgun putting together
ONLY ON Viper G2 Youth SR Sport model 24161 (parts order shipping $7.50)
o Oversized Bolt Handle P/N B0920T $20.25
o Oversized Bolt Release Toggle Plate P/N GI4B-SR $19.95