Industry Insiders: 2021's Best New Shotgun is Tristar's Bristol SxS

The National Association of Sporting Good Wholesalers Expo granted this side-by-side shotgun its "High Caliber" award.

by posted on November 3, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Tristar Bristol Nasgw

There's really nothing in the world quite like a well-balanced side-by-side shotgun; ideal for wingshooting and clay games, this elegant and classic design is often thought of as the province of the wealthy. TriStar Arms set out to change that with its line of Bristol side-by-side scatterguns, which offer luxury form and function without breaking the bank. What's more, America's firearms industry insiders are even more excited about the Bristol SxS than they are about more modern "tactical" shotguns. The proof comes in the form of an "insider" award called the NASGW Caliber Award.

What's NASGW? Well, it's a trade show called the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) Expo, and it's normally not open to consumers. Each year, America's wholesalers and outdoor writers (represented by a group known as the Professional Outdoor Media Association) celebrate the "highest caliber" new products of the year that's just concluded. The NASGW Caliber Award for Best New Shotgun was selected by an independent panel of 18 media and wholesaler professionals. 

The reasons for which the Bristol SxS was chosen are obvious. Available in an English walnut stock with either color case-hardened or silver receiver, this nimble shotgun is perfect for bird-hunting with a 28-inch barrel and gorgeous balance. Built on a true steel frame, the Bristol SxS comes with five Beretta-style choke tubes (SK, IC, M, IM, F). It boasts a selective top tang safety with a left-right barrel selector in the center, brass bead front sight and a single selective trigger. Initially rolled out in four chamberings (12 gauge, 20 gauge, 28 gauge and .410 bore), the Bristol SxS has a new 16-gauge version joining the lineup now. 

"We are honored to receive such a prestigious award," said Ryan Bader, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, "TriStar has always strived to deliver well-built, quality products that bring value to the customer. The Bristol SxS is elegant, dependable but most importantly, affordable."

MSRPs from $1,100 to $1,130; tristararms.com

 

Latest

Daniel Defense Sponsors Nra World Shooting Championship
Daniel Defense Sponsors Nra World Shooting Championship

Daniel Defense Named Official Stage Sponsor for 2025 NRA World Shooting Championship

Daniel Defense will sponsor the Precision Rifle Series stage, supplying its Delta 5 Pro Rifles.

New Guns 2025: Charter Arms Pathfinder II .22 LR Revolver Series

Offered in three models, the .22 LR revolver is designed for both experienced shooters and beginners, making it an ideal choice for sport shooting, small game hunting and personal protection.

Gun Gear: Splurge or Cheap Out?

For hunting and shooting, what items should you prioritize spending money on to buy the best you can afford and what can you save money on by going cheap?

Risk Mitigation: Are You Worried About the Wrong Things?

Are you spending too much time worrying about things that don’t matter and ignoring the dangers you’re statistically more likely to face?

 

Celebrating 26 Years of Legacy and Leadership: Women On Target at the Oklahoma City Gun Club

The iconic gathering has become a national benchmark for women’s shooting clinics, blending community, education and marksmanship at a scale rarely seen elsewhere.

The Armed Citizen® Reload September 12, 2025

Shots to the legs were enough to stop two separate violent attacks against women.

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.