TriStar Arms just turned heads at SHOT Show 2026, proving that innovation doesn’t always come from billion-dollar R&D labs—it can spark from a simple raffle gun. Their standout debut? A thumbhole stock over/under shotgun, born as an experimental raffle prize that clearly struck a chord with shooters craving ergonomic twists on classic designs. This isn’t your grandpa’s O/U; the thumbhole grip promises enhanced control for offhand shooting or those long upland hunts, blending old-school reliability with modern handling. Paired with fresh color pops like ODG/Black and FDE/Black on the KR.22 rimfire rifle, TriStar is injecting personality into the budget-friendly firearms space, where black-and-bluish finishes have long dominated.
For the 2A community, this move is a masterclass in market responsiveness. Thumbhole stocks have been a niche darling among precision rimfire fans and benchrest shooters, but slapping one on an affordable O/U shotgun democratizes that stability for hunters and clay busters who don’t want to drop four figures on a custom job. It’s a subtle nod to customization trends, echoing how AR builders have exploded with cerakote options, but tailored to shotguns where versatility rules. The color expansions on the KR.22? Pure eye candy for plinkers and small-game hunters who want their rimfire to match their tactical vest without screaming operator. In a market flooded with me-too imports, TriStar’s raffle-to-production pipeline shows savvy listening to the grassroots crowd—expect this thumbhole O/U to fly off shelves, pulling new shooters into the shotgun fold and reinforcing why American ingenuity keeps the Second Amendment vibrant.
The implications ripple wider: as ammo prices stabilize and recreational shooting booms post-pandemic, accessible upgrades like these lower barriers for beginners while delighting veterans. TriStar isn’t reinventing the wheel; they’re painting it in colors that pop and gripping it better for real-world use. If you’re building a versatile SHTF kit or just stocking the safe for family range days, keep an eye on these drops—they’re affordable firepower with flair, proving the 2A ecosystem thrives on bold experiments like this one.