TriStar Raptor II Shotgun

If you’re looking for a semi-auto that’s dependable, easy to handle, and built with beginners and value-minded shooters in mind, the Raptor II checks all the right boxes.

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a shotgun that just works. No fuss, no fancy bells and whistles, just a gun that is easy to use with consistent and reliable performance. That’s exactly what you get with the TriStar Raptor II, a gas-operated semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun that delivers far more than its budget-friendly price tag suggests. I’ve spent some time on the range with this gun and put it through its paces, and I can say this: If you’re looking for a semi-auto that’s dependable, easy to handle, and built with beginners and value-minded shooters in mind, the Raptor II checks all the right boxes.

Straight out of the box, the TriStar Raptor II presented as a well-balanced, visually unassuming shotgun. While our test gun sported the Mossy Oak Country Roots finish, there are other finishes available, as well as varying barrel lengths and gauges. This shotgun shouldered naturally and was quick and easy to point, all qualities that are a must for newcomers and younger shooters still mastering basic fundamentals. The synthetic stock is textured in all the right spots, providing a positive grip on the firearm even if you have sweaty hands or it begins to rain. The soft rubber buttpad mitigates recoil for those who may have watched one too many YouTube videos. This is also a great feature for anyone who may be heading out to shoot a long course of sporting clays.