Just in time for SHOT Show 2026, TriStar Arms is serving up a fresh twist on affordable over/under shotguns with their new Upland Hunter Thumbhole Stock model in 20-gauge—a lightweight, field-ready beast explicitly tuned for turkey hunters who demand precision without the premium price tag. Clocking in at around 6 pounds with a 26-inch barrel and the signature thumbhole stock for rock-solid cheek weld and reduced felt recoil, this gun screams versatility. It’s not just another break-action; the Turkish-made import builds on TriStar’s Viper G2 reputation for reliability on a shoestring budget (expect street prices under $700), now with synthetic stock options in camo patterns that blend into spring gobbler haunts. For upland bird chasers transitioning to turkey woods, that thumbhole grip offers superior control during awkward swings at bearded ghosts flushing from tight cover—think less muzzle flip on tight chokes like modified or full for 40-yard patterns.
What makes this drop a savvy play for the 2A community? TriStar’s laser-focus on budget-friendly innovations democratizes high-performance hunting arms, countering the narrative that quality shotguns require four-figure bankrolls. In an era of ammo shortages and rising FUDD restrictions on semi-autos, this over/under sidesteps magazine capacity hysteria while delivering two quick shots for ethical harvests—perfect for states with pump-action biases or youth hunters building skills. The thumbhole design nods to traditionalists who shun pistol grips yet crave ergonomic edges, potentially swaying more fence-sitters into the shotgun fold. Implications ripple outward: as turkey seasons explode in popularity (with hunter numbers up 20% per U.S. Fish & Wildlife stats), affordable 20-gauge options like this lower barriers for new blood, bolstering conservation funding via Pittman-Robertson dollars and fortifying our shooting sports culture against urban anti-gun creep.
Bottom line, TriStar isn’t reinventing the wheel—they’re turbocharging it for the everyman hunter. If you’re scouting SHOT Show next year or eyeing a do-it-all scattergun that punches above its weight, keep this Upland Hunter on radar. It’s a reminder that 2A wins when ingenuity meets accessibility, keeping America’s fields alive with the crack of thunder and the thrill of the flush.
