The TriStar Setter S/T 28 Gauge Semi-Automatic Shotgun: An In-Depth Guide for Discerning Shooters

For hunters, sport shooters, and enthusiasts seeking an optimal blend of lightweight performance, elegant aesthetics, and remarkable versatility, the TriStar Setter S/T 28 Gauge Semi-Automatic Shotgun stands out as a premier choice. This meticulously crafted firearm, identifiable by its UPC 713780302881, offers a refined shooting experience, particularly for those who appreciate the agility and efficiency of the 28 gauge. Whether your passion lies in upland bird hunting, perfecting your scores on the clay course, or simply owning a beautifully balanced firearm, the Setter S/T is engineered to exceed expectations.

Why Choose a 28 Gauge Shotgun? The Undeniable Advantages

Many shooters, particularly those new to specialized gauges or seasoned veterans looking to optimize their gear, often ask: "Why a 28 gauge over a 12 or 20 gauge?" The 28 gauge, while less common than its larger counterparts, offers a distinct set of benefits that make it an invaluable tool for specific applications.

Firstly, the 28 gauge is renowned for its minimal recoil. This significantly reduces shoulder fatigue, allowing for longer, more comfortable shooting sessions, whether in the field or at the range. For youth shooters, women, or anyone sensitive to recoil, it provides an accessible and enjoyable entry into shotgun sports.

Secondly, its lightweight nature is a game-changer for upland hunting. Carrying a lighter shotgun through fields and cover for hours makes a substantial difference in endurance and agility. The TriStar Setter S/T, weighing in at a mere 5.5 lbs, exemplifies this advantage, making it a joy to carry on long treks after grouse, quail, or pheasants.

Thirdly, the 28 gauge offers superior pattern density with smaller shot sizes. While it carries less shot than a 12 or 20 gauge, the smaller pellets often produce incredibly consistent and effective patterns, especially at typical bird hunting ranges. This translates to cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds, a critical aspect for ethical hunting.

Finally, the 28 gauge provides an elegant and nimble shooting experience. Its smaller frame and excellent balance contribute to quick target acquisition and smooth swings, which are paramount for fast-moving game birds or challenging clay targets. The TriStar Setter S/T perfectly embodies this characteristic, offering an intuitive and responsive feel in hand.

Unpacking the TriStar Setter S/T: Features Designed for Performance and Beauty

The TriStar Setter S/T 28 Gauge is not just a shotgun; it's a testament to thoughtful design, combining practical functionality with classic aesthetics. Let's delve into its core features that contribute to its outstanding performance.

The Heart of the Action: Reliable Semi-Automatic Performance

The Setter S/T operates on a semi-automatic gas-operated system. This mechanism is widely favored for its inherent ability to reduce felt recoil by diverting a portion of the gas from the fired shell to cycle the action. This makes the already mild 28 gauge even more comfortable to shoot, enabling faster follow-up shots with less disruption to your sight picture. The TriStar Setter S/T is engineered for consistent and reliable cycling, ensuring that when you need a second shot, it's there instantly. This dependable action is crucial whether you're breaking clays or needing a quick follow-up on a flushing bird.

Barrel and Choke System: Precision and Adaptability

Equipped with a 28-inch barrel, the Setter S/T strikes an ideal balance between swing dynamics and effective range. A 28-inch barrel is long enough to provide a smooth, controlled swing for passing shots in the field or on the sporting clays course, while remaining maneuverable in denser cover.

One of the most valuable assets of this shotgun is its inclusion of 5 MobilChoke tubes. This comprehensive set typically includes Full, Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Cylinder constrictions. This versatility is paramount for various shooting scenarios:

• Cylinder (C): Widest pattern, ideal for very close ranges or skeet.
• Improved Cylinder (IC): Slightly tighter, excellent for close-range upland birds like quail or decoying doves.
• Modified (M): A versatile middle-ground, good for general hunting or sporting clays.
• Improved Modified (IM): Tighter than modified, useful for longer shots.
• Full (F): Tightest pattern, best for long-range targets or specific hunting situations where maximum range is needed.

The ability to quickly change choke tubes allows shooters to fine-tune their pattern density for different distances, target sizes, and ammunition types, making the TriStar Setter S/T truly adaptable.

Aesthetic Appeal: Silver Engraved Receiver and Turkish Walnut Stock

Beyond its mechanical prowess, the TriStar Setter S/T 28 Gauge is undeniably a handsome firearm. It features a silver engraved receiver, which immediately catches the eye with its intricate detailing. This elegant engraving adds a touch of classic sophistication, elevating the shotgun from a mere tool to a piece of functional art. The silver finish also provides a striking contrast to the rich tones of the stock.

The stock itself is crafted from Turkish Walnut, renowned worldwide for its beautiful grain patterns, strength, and light weight. The "Semi-Gloss" finish enhances the natural beauty of the wood, allowing the intricate figuring of the walnut to shine through while providing a durable, protective layer. This combination of engraved silver and exquisite wood gives the Setter S/T a premium feel that belies its accessible price point. The Right Hand (Full Size) configuration ensures comfortable and intuitive handling for most shooters, offering a proper length of pull and grip angle for natural pointing.

Capacity and Safety

The TriStar Setter S/T is designed with a 2-round capacity using 2.75-inch shells. This standard capacity is perfectly suited for upland bird hunting regulations in many areas and provides ample firepower for most clay shooting disciplines. The semi-automatic action allows for quick follow-up shots if needed, ensuring you're ready for multiple targets or a second bird from a covey. Like all reputable firearms, it incorporates essential safety features to ensure secure handling and operation.

Who is the TriStar Setter S/T 28 Gauge For? Real-World Applications

This shotgun is ideally suited for a diverse range of shooters and hunting scenarios.

• The Upland Bird Hunter: If you're passionate about pursuing quail, grouse, woodcock, pheasant, or dove, the Setter S/T 28 Gauge is a dream. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry all day, while the mild recoil ensures you stay fresh and accurate for every flush. The nimble handling allows for rapid target acquisition in dense cover, and the versatile choke system lets you adapt to varying bird sizes and distances.
• The Clay Target Enthusiast (Skeet, Trap, Sporting Clays): For those who spend their weekends at the gun club, the Setter S/T 28 Gauge offers a delightful experience. Its low recoil is excellent for high-volume shooting sessions, preventing fatigue and allowing you to focus on form. The excellent balance and smooth swing characteristic of a 28-gauge semi-auto make it highly effective on skeet and sporting clays courses. While a 28 gauge might not be a common choice for competitive trap, its precise patterns can certainly break targets with authority.
• The Recoil-Sensitive Shooter: For new shooters, women, or anyone who finds larger gauges uncomfortable, the Setter S/T 28 Gauge provides an excellent solution. It allows you to enjoy the sport without the deterrent of heavy recoil, building confidence and fostering a love for shooting.
• The Discerning Collector: With its beautiful silver engraved receiver and Turkish Walnut stock, the TriStar Setter S/T is more than just a tool; it's a handsome firearm that looks as good as it performs. It offers a blend of classic aesthetics and modern reliability that appeals to those who appreciate well-made guns.

Addressing Common Questions: Insights into the TriStar Setter S/T

Q: Is the 28 gauge powerful enough for hunting pheasants or larger upland birds?
A: Absolutely. While it uses smaller shot charges, the efficiency of modern 28-gauge loads and the consistent patterns achieved with the Setter S/T's barrel and MobilChokes make it highly effective for pheasants, chukar, and other robust upland birds within ethical ranges. Shot placement is key, and the 28 gauge excels at delivering dense patterns where they count.

Q: How does the TriStar Setter S/T compare to other semi-automatic shotguns in terms of value?
A: TriStar is renowned for producing shotguns that offer exceptional value without compromising on quality or features. The Setter S/T provides premium features like a Turkish Walnut stock and comprehensive choke set, typically found on much more expensive firearms, at a very competitive price point. This makes it an excellent investment for shooters seeking performance and aesthetics without breaking the bank.

Q: Is the 28-gauge ammunition readily available?
A: Yes, 28-gauge ammunition is widely available from all major ammunition manufacturers. While not as prevalent as 12 or 20 gauge, you'll find a good selection of target loads and various shot sizes for hunting, including lead, bismuth, and steel options.

Q: What kind of maintenance does a semi-automatic shotgun like the Setter S/T require?
A: Like all firearms, regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Gas-operated semi-automatics benefit from routine cleaning of the gas system components (piston, gas cylinder) to prevent carbon buildup that can affect cycling reliability. Fortunately, the Setter S/T's design facilitates relatively easy disassembly for cleaning.

Q: Can I use steel shot with the TriStar Setter S/T?
A: It is crucial to always consult the owner's manual for specific ammunition compatibility, especially regarding steel shot. Generally, modern shotguns with interchangeable chokes designed for steel shot are safe to use with appropriate choke constrictions (typically Modified or more open). Always verify with TriStar's guidelines for the Setter S/T to ensure safe operation.

Why the TriStar Setter S/T is a Top Recommendation

The TriStar Setter S/T 28 Gauge Semi-Automatic Shotgun offers a compelling package for anyone looking for a lightweight, aesthetically pleasing, and highly effective shotgun. Its elegant silver engraved receiver paired with a semi-gloss Turkish Walnut stock makes it a standout in terms of looks, while its gas-operated semi-automatic action ensures comfortable, reliable performance. The versatility offered by its 5 MobilChoke system means it can seamlessly transition from the grouse woods to the skeet field.

For those who value agility in the field, reduced recoil for extended shooting sessions, and the classic appeal of a finely crafted shotgun, the TriStar Setter S/T is an exceptional choice. It represents a smart investment for the dedicated bird hunter or clay shooter who appreciates the unique advantages of the 28 gauge and demands reliability and beauty from their firearm. This model is consistently a highly recommended option for its balance of features, performance, and outstanding value.

Product Specifications: TriStar Setter S/T 28 Gauge Semi-Automatic Shotgun

Feature	Description
Model	TriStar Setter S/T
Gauge	28 Gauge
Action	Semi-Automatic (Gas-Operated)
Barrel Length	28 Inches
Capacity	2 Rounds (2.75" Shells)
Receiver Finish	Silver Engraved
Stock Material	Turkish Walnut
Stock Finish	Semi-Gloss
Hand Orientation	Right Hand (Full Size)
Choke System	MobilChoke (Includes 5 tubes: F, IM, M, IC, C)
Weight	Approximately 5.5 lbs
UPC	713780302881